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

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

13h•Onsite

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 (autoclave) and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, sonic equipment, automated washers, and heat sealers. The role also includes storing, dating, rotating, and distributing reusable instruments in accordance with department requirements and manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). The position supports instrument readiness and sterile inventory for surgical and clinical areas, maintains processing and quality-assurance documentation, and communicates with operating rooms, ancillary departments, outside companies, and other technicians to address workflow or instrument issues. The technician may train or guide Sterile Processing Technician I staff as needed and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a Sterile Processing Program or an accredited Surgical Technician program; alternatively, three additional years of experience as a Sterile Processing Technician if the program was not completed.
At least one year of Sterile Processing experience.
Basic knowledge of computer systems, including Windows operating system, 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.
Fire Life Safety Training (LA City); if not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained through timely renewal. Required within LA City only.

Responsibilities

Assemble and package surgical and clinic procedure instrument sets using electronic count sheets, established protocols, and manufacturer IFU.
Check instruments for cleanliness and functionality.
Disassemble instruments and equipment, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, and load automated washers according to manufacturer instructions.
Operate and maintain sterilization and disinfection equipment according to established protocols and professional standards.
Maintain documentation related to processed items, quality assurance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Dispense sterile instrumentation to appropriate locations in sterile storage and the operating room.
Maintain sterile inventory through par-level maintenance, stock rotation, and quality assurance.
Distribute sterile clinic instrumentation appropriately.
Maintain timely and efficient processing flows through communication with outside departments and technicians in other assignments.
Train and assist other Sterile Processing Technicians in the listed duties.
Troubleshoot routine equipment, instrument, and customer issues and work with customers to resolve them.
Receive loaner trays through Casechek and communicate with outside companies to resolve instrument issues.
Prepare loads and operate equipment used in sterilization processes.
Adhere to Sterile Processing policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
Prepare operating room case carts and record missing items on the OR shortage list.
Inspect packages for indications of proper sterilization.
Use the Censitrac tracking system and document and log required information.
Provide training, guidance, or work direction to Sterile Processing Technician I staff as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.