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

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Sterile Processing Educator, the Sterile Processing Technician II applies basic sterile processing knowledge and skills to decontaminate, operationally check, assemble, sterilize, store, and distribute reusable surgical and clinical instrumentation and implants throughout the organization. Work must follow department procedures and manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). The technician operates steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, sonic equipment, automated washers, and heat sealers; maintains sterile inventory and documentation; and supports efficient processing through communication with operating rooms, other departments, outside companies, and fellow sterile processing technicians. The role may include training or providing guidance to Sterile Processing Technician I staff. Keck Hospital of USC is a 343-bed acute care hospital providing specialized care for complex medical and surgical conditions. The hourly rate range for this position is $27.45–$46.68.

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 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 not held at hire, it must be obtained within 30 days of hire and renewed before expiration (required within LA City only).

Responsibilities

Assemble and package surgical and clinic procedure instrument sets according to electronic count sheets, established protocols, and manufacturer IFUs.
Check instruments for functionality and cleanliness.
Disassemble equipment and instruments, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, and decontaminate and load automated washers according to manufacturer 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 instrumentation to appropriate locations in sterile storage and the operating room, and distribute sterile clinic instruments.
Maintain sterile inventory through par-level maintenance, stock rotation, and quality assurance.
Maintain timely, efficient process flows by communicating with outside departments and sterile processing technicians in other assignments.
Train and assist other Sterile Processing Technicians; provide guidance or work direction to Sterile Processing Technician I staff as needed.
Troubleshoot routine equipment, instrument, and customer issues, and 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 sterilization equipment.
Follow all sterile processing department policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
Prepare OR case carts and place 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.