Surgical Assistant Supervisor Lead, CCD Operating Room - Full-Time, Day Shift

UChicago Medicine•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Be part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Surgical Assistant (SA) Supervisor Lead in the Center for Care and Discovery (CCD) Operating Room department. Here, you will lead and develop a team of Surgical Assistants while partnering with perioperative leadership to ensure efficient daily operations. This is the CCD OR department. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area. In conjunction with the Perioperative Director, the SA Supervisor Lead oversees the day-to-day operation of their SA Team; and handles an array of administrative duties, including, but not limited to, scheduling, discipline, problem resolution, recruiting and hiring, retention, education, and professional development. In addition, the SA Supervisor Lead role provides support (as needed) to the surgical and perioperative team and is responsible and accountable in collaboration with the Primary Attending surgical provider to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the care delivered to patients undergoing surgery.

Requirements

Minimum of 5+ years of experience as a Surgical Assistant in a clinical specialty setting.
Demonstrates ability to be self-directed
Demonstrates clinical competence, effective leadership and excellent teaching skills.
Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective communication with personnel from Patient Services and other disciplines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and general computer applications.
Surgical Assistant License Illinois
SFA – Certification [Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA) and/or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA)]
Surgical Assistant Certification Illinois and Indiana (Illinois Certification Requirement: National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants and American Board of Surgical Assistants)
Basic Life Support (BLS)

Nice To Haves

Past management/supervisor lead experience preferred.
Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, inspire, and elevate team performance.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams.
Self-directed, proactive, and highly organized with strong problem-solving abilities.
Passion for education, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional patient care.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and general computer applications.
ACLS Certification

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Surgical Assistants, fostering a collaborative, engaged, and patient-focused culture.
Serve as a clinical expert and role model by actively assisting in surgical procedures and delivering exceptional patient care in partnership with the attending surgeon.
Collaborate with the Perioperative Director to oversee daily operations, including staffing, scheduling, and optimal resource utilization to support safe, efficient surgical services.
Manage key people functions such as hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and employee engagement to support team success and retention.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including quality, safety, and professional development programs for the Surgical Assistant team.
Act as a liaison between Surgical Assistants and perioperative leadership, ensuring clear communication and alignment on departmental goals.
Identify and support educational opportunities, ensuring team members meet required competencies and continue to grow professionally.
Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and service excellence while maintaining compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
Participate in departmental and organizational meetings, contribute insights and sharing updates with the team.
Oversee administrative responsibilities such as timecard approvals and related team support functions.
Perform all core Surgical Assistant duties across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases under the direction of the attending surgeon.
Prepare for procedures by reviewing patient information, coordinating required equipment, and ensuring readiness of the surgical environment.
Assist with patient positioning, sterile preparation, and intraoperative support to optimize surgical outcomes.
Execute advanced surgical tasks within scope, including tissue handling, retraction, hemostasis, suturing, wound closure, and application of dressings.
Support minimally invasive and open procedures by handling instruments, devices, and surgical technology as directed.
Assist with placement of drains, catheters, and other devices, and support specimen handling and verification.
Respond effectively in critical situations, including intraoperative emergencies, to support patient safety.