Sterile Processing Technician I

NY United Health Services•Norwich, NY

9h•$17 - $24

About The Position

Under general direction performs Sterile Processing Department duties, which include but are not limited to manual decontamination, operating mechanical washers, assembly, packaging, sterilization, operating various sterilizers, equipment and instrument quality inspections, ordering supplies and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and medical devices. Following UHS Sterile Processing and Infection control policies must be able to interpret, maintain and document sterilization records in the electric instrument tracking system. Provide for and track all UHS inpatient units, off site clinical areas and outpatient clinics reusable instrumentation. All to provide positive patient outcomes by meeting the needs of our customers identified as physicians, clinical units, ancillary areas, clinics and UHS affiliates.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Certification as a Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician is required within 18 months of hire (400 hours of experience required to sit for exam)

Nice To Haves

1 year previous SPD (certified or uncertified) or Operating Room experience.
Surgical inventory experience

Responsibilities

Drives the commitment for exceptional patient experience
Performs equipment quality tests such as cleaning washer screens, spray arms, protein tests, and daily maintenance checks on sterilizers
Utilizes various decontamination and sterilization equipment including mechanical washers, ultrasonic washers, high- and low-temperature sterilizers, Ethylene Oxide (ETO) sterilizers, and instrument dryers
Retrieves and receives used instruments and equipment from clinical areas in an aseptic manner to prevent cross-contamination and reduce exposure risks, following OSHA standards
Documents all reusable medical devices upon receipt in the decontamination area using an instrument tracking system
Applies industry-leading manual cleaning methods with appropriate detergents, brushes, and PPE, followed by mechanical cleaning processes
Conducts thorough quality inspections on instruments, including testing sharpness, using boroscopes, checking for residue proteins, and assessing for pitting or corrosion
Assembles surgical sets and equipment following manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) and count sheets to ensure accuracy and completeness
Performs quality checks on wrapped or containerized sets prior to sterilization to verify integrity and proper packaging
Selects the correct sterilization method and cycle, monitors equipment performance, and documents chemical and biological testing outcomes
Handles ETO sterilization in compliance with safety standards, including aeration, emergency procedures, and proper PPE use; maintains current certification in ETO safety
Performs visual inspections for chemical indicator color change and aseptically distributes sterile instruments to appropriate units
Cleans, disinfects, stores, distributes, and tracks reusable durable medical equipment such as IV pumps, SCDs, and PCA machines
Maintains inventory levels and ensures sterile items and equipment are stored properly and ready for timely distribution
Fulfills and restocks adult and pediatric crash carts as well as trauma carts to ensure readiness for emergencies
Gains proficiency in surgical instrument specialties including General, Orthopedic, Vascular, Plastic, Cardio Thoracic, Neuro, Ophthalmic, ENT, GYN, Podiatry, Urology, Cystoscopy, Dental, and Dermatology
Reviews daily surgical schedules to anticipate and prepare for instrument turnover needs for upcoming procedures or next-day cases

Benefits

At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference.
That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job.
Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.
A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard.
Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration.
Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.
Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week.
With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best.
Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.
Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge.
We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards.
When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.
Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads.
We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.
A Place to Call Home – Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle.
Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.