Sterilization Technician

Zufall Health•Morristown, NJ

53d•$21 - $24

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the SVP of Dental Services, the Sterilization Technician supports daily operations of all activities that relate to the reprocessing of reusable medical supplies and instrumentation including decontamination, cleaning, assembly, wrapping, sterilization, and storage processes within all set professional standards and regulations and following strict infection control guidelines. The Sterilization Technician will assist the site staff in performing sterilization, equipment maintenance and inventory as needed.

Requirements

Requires a comprehensive knowledge of sterilization techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry
Knowledge of materials used, their storage, handling and applications is desired
Completion of accredited course in central sterilization
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent communications and teaching skills, with a positive and proactive attitude
Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols
Must be able to work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal results for the center's patients
Effective oral and written communication skills in English are required
The ability to work with people from a wide diversity of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds is necessary
Work under stressful conditions as well as irregular hours may be required
Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered
Prolonged sitting or standing may be required
Those physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination normally associated with dental sterilization in general practice dentistry will be performed on a repetitive basis
The ability to distinguish letters and symbols as well as the ability to utilize telephones, computer terminals and copiers is required
Learn and apply the trauma informed care principles with the scope of the position
Bachelor's degree in related field
Certified Registered Central Sterilization Technician or related certification
Three years' experience as a CRCST in a clinical setting.
Current CPR (BLS) required

Nice To Haves

Registered Dental Assistant preferred

Responsibilities

Performs all functions in full compliance with the center's Infection Control Plan and policies including but not limited to the Sterilization Policy and the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions policy
Performs all functions related to decontamination, disinfection and sterilization of all instruments, equipment, and clinical areas in the dental and medical services, including monitoring of processes
Ensures the sterility of all reusable sterilizable instruments and equipment in accordance with directives and protocols, following AAMI Guidelines and other standards
Periodically reviews standards and guidelines to ensure compliance and to address changes
Operates and maintains equipment in the sterilization area and lab according to manufacturer's recommendations
Instruct and oversee site operation and maintenance procedures of equipment in sterilization areas
Insures the proper handling of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Zufall health center policies as well as state and federal regulation(s)
Maintains all areas involved in disinfection and sterilization in compliance with regulatory directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues
Reviews QA and monitoring activities related to disinfection and sterilization processes
Identifies areas in need of improvement and reports corrective actions to Sterilization Technician Coordinator, Director of Dental Services, Director of Nursing, and the Infection Control Committee
Participates in related committees such as the Infection Control Committee, and others as assigned
Performs independent sterilization and related procedures as delegated and directed by the SVP of Dental Services in accordance with the state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol
Maintains medical and dental reusable equipment inventory in accordance with manufacturer's directions, Zufall policy and protocol and updates Information for Use (IFU)
Perform scheduled maintenance of equipment and schedule general maintenance of equipment with outside vendors when indicated
Address problems related to autoclaves and other equipment, troubleshoot and contact vendors regarding parts and repairs at the request of the Dental Director/designee
Work with other Zufall Health Center Departments as scheduled and as needed
Regular travel to Zufall sites is required
As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives
Demonstrates and teaches new staff, students, interns and volunteers the use of equipment and proper dental protocol as it relates to safety and infection control
Performs other duties as assigned