Sterile Processing Technician III - Sterile Processing - Full Time 10 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$29 - $50

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician III works under the general supervision of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Sterile Processing Educator. The position is responsible for decontaminating, operationally checking, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing reusable surgical and clinical instrumentation and implants throughout the organization in accordance with department procedures and manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). The technician operates steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, sonic equipment, automated washers, and heat sealers; stores, dates, rotates, and distributes reusable instrumentation; and troubleshoots complex equipment, instrument, and customer issues. The role also supports sterile inventory and process flow, prepares operating room case carts, maintains processing documentation, and works with the OR, ancillary departments, other technicians, and outside companies to resolve issues. The technician may train or guide Sterile Processing Technician I staff and performs other assigned duties. Keck Hospital of USC is a 343-bed acute care hospital providing specialized care for complex medical and surgical conditions. It is an academic medical center with clinical trials and affiliated research institutions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a Sterile Processing Program or an accredited Surgical Technician program; if neither program has been completed, three additional years of experience as a Sterile Processing Technician are required.
Four years of Sterile Processing experience within Keck Hospital of USC or USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Proven leadership abilities.
Detailed knowledge of department policies and procedures and outside regulatory requirements.
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.
Current BRCST (Certified Registered Central Services Technician) or CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician) certification through an accredited organization (CBSPD).
Current CHL (Certified Healthcare Leadership) or CSPM (Certified Sterile Processing Management) certification through an accredited organization (HSPA or CBSPD), subject to the stated grandfathering provision for eligible current staff hired or transferred before February 1, 2023.
LA City Fire Life Safety Training; if not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days and maintained through renewal before expiration. Required within LA City only.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Assemble and package surgical and clinic procedure instrument sets using electronic count sheets, protocols, and manufacturer IFUs; check instruments for functionality and cleanliness.
Disassemble instruments and equipment, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, decontaminate them, and load automated washers according to manufacturer IFUs.
Operate and maintain sterilization and disinfection equipment according to 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 OR, and distribute sterile clinic instrumentation.
Maintain sterile inventory through par-level maintenance, stock rotation, and quality assurance.
Maintain timely and efficient process flows through communication 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; coordinate 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 involved in sterilization processes.
Follow Sterile Processing Department policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
Prepare OR case carts, place missing items on the OR shortage list, and inspect packages for indications of proper sterilization.
Document and log information and use the Censitrac tracking system.
Train, guide, or provide work direction to Sterile Processing Technician I staff as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.