Sterilization Technician

Zufall Health Center•Bridgewater, NJ

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the SVP of Dental Services, the Sterilization Technician supports daily operations related to reprocessing reusable medical supplies and instrumentation, including decontamination, cleaning, assembly, wrapping, sterilization, and storage. The role follows professional standards, regulations, and strict infection control guidelines and assists site staff with sterilization, equipment maintenance, and inventory as needed. The technician performs independent sterilization and related procedures as delegated, maintains reusable medical and dental equipment inventory, and performs or coordinates equipment maintenance. The position requires regular travel to Zufall sites and may include work under stressful conditions or irregular hours. The technician also demonstrates and teaches staff, students, interns, and volunteers proper equipment use and dental safety and infection control protocols.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of sterilization techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry.
Completion of an accredited course in central sterilization.
Excellent attention to detail.
Excellent communication and teaching skills, with a positive and proactive attitude.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to meet established deadlines and protocols.
Ability to work with healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve results for patients.
Effective oral and written communication skills in English.
Ability to work with people from diverse social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
Ability to work under stressful conditions; irregular hours may be required.
Ability to distinguish letters and symbols and use telephones, computer terminals, and copiers.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Certified Registered Central Sterilization Technician (CRCST) or related certification.
Three years of experience as a CRCST in a clinical setting.
Current CPR (BLS) certification.
Ability to perform the physical movements, mobility, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination normally associated with dental sterilization in general practice dentistry on a repetitive basis.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of materials used in sterilization, including their storage, handling, and applications.
Registered Dental Assistant preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform duties in compliance with the center’s Infection Control Plan and policies, including sterilization requirements, personal protective equipment, and Universal Precautions.
Decontaminate, disinfect, and sterilize instruments, equipment, and clinical areas in dental and medical services, and monitor the processes.
Ensure reusable sterilizable instruments and equipment meet directives and protocols, including AAMI Guidelines and other standards.
Review standards and guidelines periodically to ensure compliance and address changes.
Operate and maintain sterilization-area and laboratory equipment according to manufacturer recommendations.
Instruct and oversee site equipment operation and maintenance procedures in sterilization areas.
Handle contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with center policies and state and federal regulations.
Maintain disinfection and sterilization areas in compliance with regulatory directives, protocols, and center policies concerning infection control, exposure control, and safety.
Review quality assurance and monitoring activities related to disinfection and sterilization.
Identify areas for improvement and report corrective actions to the Sterilization Technician Coordinator, Director of Dental Services, Director of Nursing, and Infection Control Committee.
Participate in related committees, including the Infection Control Committee, as assigned.
Perform independent sterilization and related procedures as delegated and directed by the SVP of Dental Services, consistent with state regulation and law and Dental Department directives and protocols.
Maintain medical and dental reusable equipment inventory according to manufacturer directions and center policy and protocol, and update Information for Use (IFU).
Perform scheduled equipment maintenance and arrange general maintenance with outside vendors when indicated.
Address autoclave and other equipment problems, troubleshoot, and contact vendors regarding parts and repairs at the request of the Dental Director or designee.
Work with other Zufall Health Center departments as scheduled and needed.
Travel regularly to Zufall sites.
Perform other related or necessary tasks, as directed by a supervisor, to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
Demonstrate and teach new staff, students, interns, and volunteers equipment use and proper dental protocols related to safety and infection control.
Learn and apply trauma-informed care principles within the scope of the position.