STERILIZATION TECHNICIAN

FRANKLIN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER INC•Mobile, AL

21d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general guidance and direction of the Clinical Education & Accreditation Manager, the Sterilization Technician independently performs all core job responsibilities in the Sterile Processing Department. This role involves cleaning, processing, packaging, and sterilizing medical supplies, equipment, and instruments to ensure patient safety and adherence to regulatory standards.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
CPR Certification required.
Strong English communication skills are required.
Prior sterilization training/experience in a health care delivery system with knowledge of clinical services is preferred.
Strong communication and organizational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to perform in a high-pressure deadline-oriented environment.
Strong PC skills in applications such as Excel and Access.
Must be able to express ideas clearly and concisely.
Must be able to exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Requires effective verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, organizational skills, math and budgeting skills.

Nice To Haves

Degree preferred.
CRCST or CBSPD Certification preferred.
CDA or RDA preferred.
Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Cleans medical supplies, equipment, instruments, and trays.
Follows standard precautions for decontamination.
Monitors biological indicators (BI) and chemical wash solutions.
Ensures proper care and handling of all instrumentation received through the decontamination area.
Monitors the use of proper techniques in instrumentation processing, preparation, packaging, sterilization, and Quality Assurance areas.
Conducts daily spot checks during random site visits.
Serves as a backup for sterilization activities between dental/OB/GYN/Optometry and the Infection Control department.
Ensures sterilization activities are properly documented and participates in the maintenance of department records.
Prepares for the Sterilization Exam internally at Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. annually and as needed.
Ensures that Joint Commission standards are maintained.
Ensures that CDC and OSHA training and guidelines are maintained.
Provides sterilization training in various departments.
Attends all sterilization and Infection Control meetings.
Performs core Sterile Processing functions including receiving, sorting, and decontamination of surgical/clinic items and instrumentation.
Inspects and packages single instruments and instrument kits.
Identifies appropriate sterilization method and cycle selection.
Performs accurate inventory assignment relating to the case cart build process.
Develops and maintains expert knowledge of service, sterile process, or instrument classification.
Coordinates work flow and prioritizes work activities to meet department needs efficiently.
Performs Dental Assisting duties as deemed necessary by immediate supervisor and/or Dental Director.
Utilizes approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate.
Receives soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, and supplies from patient care areas; documents arrival and cleaning process.
Disassembles items as needed before choosing the appropriate cleaning method.
Identifies items in need of repair upon receipt and ensures information is maintained during the cleaning process.
Utilizes appropriate manual cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent, flushing devices, and ultrasonic bath.
Utilizes appropriate automated cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including loading and selecting appropriate cycles on automated washers' machinery.
Cleans work area by wiping with an antibacterial agent upon work completion or as needed.
Interprets package labeling to select the appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle.
Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed to items.
Loads sterilizer appropriately to ensure cycle completion.
Performs routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring, leak test, and Bowie Dick test as appropriate.
Follows established policies and interprets and appropriately documents results of sterilizer testing.
Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention.
Removes and inspects items from sterilizer utilizing approved methods to preserve package integrity.
Follows established procedures and selects appropriate High Level Disinfection method.
Performs daily maintenance in accordance with established policies and procedures, documents appropriately.
Adheres to policies and procedures of transporting duty & cleaning of instruments and bins.
Provides the very best customer satisfaction to patients, visitors, and co-workers at all times in a professional and courteous manner.
Actively protects customer confidentiality.
Actively keeps the environment clean and safe with a professional and welcoming image.
Always treats customers as welcome guests and provides a warm and sincere greeting.
Consistently presents a professional appearance in dress and grooming by adherence to dress code policy.
Effectively and regularly demonstrates the values of the organization.
Effectively involves customers in decisions that affect them.
Follows through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and staff.
Takes ownership of attitude toward Service Excellence.
Adheres to safety policies and procedures.
Receives Safety and Hazardous Communication training annually.
Exercises universal precautions and complies with safety standards and procedures.
Is knowledgeable of OSHA and CDC guidelines, and Joint Commission compliance.
Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy Rule) policies and procedures.
Successfully completes Privacy Rule compliance training annually or as revisions are made.
Complies with Privacy Rule guidelines by learning to protect FPHC patient’s medical privacy.
Complies with Privacy Rule guidelines by appropriately maintaining patient information in compliance with national standards.
Complies with Privacy Rule guidelines by providing appropriate security of FPHC patient records.