Sterile Processing Technician II - Sterile Processing - Full-Time 8 Hour Evenings (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$27 - $47

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Sterile Processing Educator, the Sterile Processing Technician II uses basic sterile processing knowledge and skills to decontaminate, operationally check, assemble, sterilize, and distribute reusable surgical and clinical instruments and implants throughout the organization. The technician operates steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, sonic equipment, automated washers, and heat sealers, and stores, dates, rotates, and distributes reusable instrumentation in accordance with department guidelines and manufacturers’ instructions for use (IFU). The position supports sterile processing for surgical and clinical procedures, maintains related documentation and inventory, prepares OR case carts, and communicates with operating room, ancillary department, and external company contacts to resolve routine instrument, equipment, and customer issues. The role may also train or guide Sterile Processing Technician I staff. Work is performed according to department policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, professional standards, and manufacturer instructions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a Sterile Processing Program or an accredited Surgical Technician program; if no program has been completed, an additional three years of experience as a Sterile Processing Technician is required.
One year of sterile processing experience.
Basic knowledge of computer systems, including Windows OS and keyboard and mouse operation.
Ability to operate complex machinery, including washers, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilizers.
Demonstrated ability to competently perform multiple, complex tasks.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Current Sterile Processing Technician certification through an accredited organization (HSPA or CBSPD), or a valid Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Surgery-Certified (TS-C) credential from CAAHEP or ABHES; certification must be renewed before expiration.
LA City Fire Life Safety Training; if the card is not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained through renewal before expiration. This requirement applies within LA City only.

Responsibilities

Assemble and package surgical and clinic procedure instrument sets according to electronic count sheets, protocols, and manufacturer IFU; check instruments for functionality and cleanliness.
Disassemble instruments and equipment, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, decontaminate them, and load automated washers according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Operate and maintain sterilization and disinfection equipment in accordance with established protocols and professional standards.
Maintain sterilization documentation for processed items, quality assurance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Dispense sterile instruments to appropriate locations in Sterile Storage and the OR; maintain sterile inventory through par-level maintenance, stock rotation, and quality assurance, and distribute sterile clinic instrumentation.
Maintain timely and efficient process flows by communicating with outside departments and sterile processing technicians in other assignments.
Train and assist other Sterile Processing Technicians in assigned duties.
Troubleshoot and address routine equipment, instrument, and customer issues; work with the OR, ancillary departments, and other customers to resolve issues.
Receive loaner trays through Casechek and communicate with outside companies to help resolve instrument issues.
Prepare loads and operate equipment used in sterilization processes.
Follow all SPD policies, procedures, and SOPs.
Prepare OR case carts, place missing items on the OR shortage list, and inspect packages for indications of proper sterilization.
Use the Censitrac tracking system and document and log information.
As needed, train, guide, or provide work direction to Sterile Processing Technician I staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.