Supervisor, Sterile Processing (2024-41555)

UofL Health•Louisville, KY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Supervisor helps provide high-quality patient care by supervising and instructing Sterile Processing Technicians and performing technician duties when staffing shortages or workload require it. The role oversees daily assignments, workflow, quality, and processing activities, and supports staff training, performance improvement, competency checks, and employee performance management. The supervisor works with the Sterile Processing Manager and follows AAMI, AORN, CDC, facility, and organizational standards and policies. The position also performs sterile processing work as needed, including decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable instruments and equipment; preparing case carts; and delivering and collecting items throughout the hospital. The supervisor monitors sterilization processes and equipment, addresses malfunctions, and helps maintain department supplies, cleanliness, organization, safety, confidentiality, and efficient throughput. Additional duties include scheduling staff, approving vacation requests, reviewing timecards, completing evaluations, and supporting hospital personnel and customers.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
Three years of experience in Sterile Processing.
Double certification from a nationally recognized Sterile Processing Technician program, such as CRCST or CSPDT and CIS or SIS certifications.
Obtain CHL or CSPM certification within 12 months of hire.
Adequate conversational English to understand direction and safety guidance, complete job tasks, and communicate with patients and coworkers as needed.
Ability to read and interpret written information, write routine reports and correspondence, and speak effectively to groups.
Ability to write clearly and informatively and present numerical data effectively.
Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office programs.
Working knowledge of an instrument management system and One Source.
Ability to learn other relevant systems and databases as needed.
Ability to use instrument washers/decontaminators, sonic washers, cart washers, steam sterilizers, and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizers.
Knowledge of assembling instrument sets from surgical areas and other departments, decontamination standards, and biological monitoring.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, follow-through, communication, relationship-building, initiative, information-gathering, analytical, and adaptability skills.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, identify issues and opportunities, determine courses of action, and develop appropriate solutions.
Ability to interpret a wide variety of instructions and deliver successful results.
Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, gathers relevant data, attends to details, and checks work for accuracy and quality.
Demonstrates tact, respect, and composure under pressure.
Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data.
Demonstrates professionalism, service commitment, collaboration, and effective interactions with healthcare stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Premier.

Responsibilities

Supervise and instruct Sterile Processing Technicians in job duties and daily work assignments.
Act as a preceptor for new employees and support staff training and competency checks.
Monitor workflow, prioritize work, adjust assignments, and coach technicians on quality errors and performance issues.
Work with the Sterile Processing Manager on progressive discipline and complete employee evaluations on time.
Approve vacation requests, create staff schedules, and review timecards.
Perform decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of reusable instruments, sets, utensils, trays, carts, and equipment.
Assemble case carts, procure surgical instrumentation, and deliver scheduled carts to the Surgery Department.
Make hospital rounds to deliver sterile and non-sterile items and collect contaminated or credit instrumentation, supplies, and equipment.
Monitor sterilization through mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators.
Monitor processing equipment and notify the appropriate repair person when malfunctions occur.
Operate processing equipment used within the department.
Complete assigned performance improvement work and assist with staff competency checks.
Maintain responsibility for returned unused instrumentation and supplies when applicable, ensuring packaging integrity has not been compromised.
Perform dispatch, cleaning, decontamination, wrapping, packaging, sterilization, and monitoring safely to prevent injury.
Maintain department supplies and sterile items, and keep the department clean, neat, and organized.
Answer telephone calls promptly and assist callers in obtaining needed items.
Ensure direct reports comply with KNOW modules, TB requirements, flu-shot requirements, and other applicable requirements.
Contribute to efficient department operations, consistent throughput, and official departmental business in a professional manner.
Comply with company policies, procedures, standards of conduct, HIPAA privacy and security requirements, and applicable safety standards.
Collaborate with team members and provide effective customer service to physicians, patients, residents, visitors, staff, and the broader healthcare community.
Perform other duties as assigned.