Sterile Processing Educator III
Full-time - Day shift 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM | Monday - Friday some rotating evenings
Location: ChristianaCare Hospital/Newark Campus- Sterile Processing Dept.
At ChristianaCare, we are guided by our values of Love and Excellence, and we are seeking an inspiring, collaborative professional to join our team as the Education Coordinator III – Sterile Processing. In this essential role, you will champion a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and clinical excellence by leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive education and competency program for the Sterile Processing Department.
As a key educator and subject matter expert, you will ensure our caregivers are prepared, confident, and empowered to deliver safe, high-quality sterile processing practices that directly support exceptional patient care. You will play a critical role in advancing caregiver development, strengthening regulatory readiness, and driving quality outcomes through innovative, evidence-based education strategies.
Reporting to the Manager of Training, Education, and Quality, you will partner closely with Sterile Processing leadership to align educational initiatives with ChristianaCare’s mission, operational priorities, and commitment to excellence. Through your leadership, you will help foster an environment where caregivers feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow—bringing our mission of serving together, guided by love and excellence, to life each day.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
With the Manager of Training, Education, and Quality maintains a comprehensive SPD education program, including onboarding, orientation, annual competencies, certification preparation, and continuing education.
Develops structured learning pathways across all sterile processing functions.
Identifies educational needs through in-services, staff interaction, and operational observation, and develops targeted training programs.
Applies adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies to enhance learning outcomes.
Develops and delivers in-services, workshops, certification courses, and simulation-based training.
Conducts initial and ongoing assessments of individual technician skill level in collaboration with department leadership.
Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new hires, supporting onboarding and skill development.
Leads and maintains a formal preceptor program, including coaching and evaluation of preceptors.
Supports staff in obtaining and maintaining certifications (e.g., CRCST, CIS, CER), including teaching certification courses when applicable.
Ensures availability of continuing education resources (CEUs) and monitors certification compliance to prevent lapses.
Performs observational and educational quality checks of instrumentation, sterilization processes, and case cart assembly to identify knowledge and performance gaps.
Collects and trends data related to tray errors, missing instruments, and documentation issues, and collaborates with leadership to address findings.
Develops and implements targeted education plans based on identified gaps, audit findings, and system priorities.
Collaborates with the SPD Leadership and Manager to align education with regulatory requirements and quality improvement initiatives.
Routinely works across shifts to ensure consistent education and competency validation for all staff.
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of sterilization processes, parameters, and instrumentation practices.
Provides technical assistance and hands-on training for complex surgical instrument sets and specialty service lines.
Supports perioperative staff, including surgical technologists and nurses, with instrument-related education and troubleshooting.
Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration to improve instrument handling and workflow efficiency.
Maintains accurate and complete records of staff competencies, training activities, and certification status.
Conducts audits of training and competency records to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Assists with Infection Prevention rounding and survey readiness activities, supporting Joint Commission and regulatory compliance efforts.
Ensures all education and competency programs align with AAMI, AORN, HSPA, and organizational standards.
Serves as a liaison between SPD, organizational educators, perioperative teams, and clinical staff to improve service quality and communication.
Partners with leadership to support departmental initiatives and education strategies.
Assists with coordination of workflow and departmental operations as directed by the Manager.
Performs all duties in accordance with departmental safety policies and procedures.
Identifies and reports unsafe conditions, practices, or equipment to leadership in a timely manner.
Supports a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the department.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree required (Healthcare, Education, or related field preferred).
Five years Sterile Processing or Operating Room experience required.
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) required.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS), Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) preferred.
Prior experience in education, training, or precepting required.
ChristianaCare Offers
Full Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance coverage.
Two retirement planning options, including 403(b) with company contributions.
Generous Paid Time Off with annual roll-over and opportunities to cash out.
Paid Parental Leave for growing families.
Tuition Assistance for continuing education and certifications.
Free On-Site Gym Membership and access to fitness facilities.
Incredible Work/Life Benefits, including:
Annual membership to Care.com and access to backup care services for dependents through Care@Work.
Retirement planning services and financial mentorship.
Fitness and wellness reimbursement.
Phenomenal discounts through several vendors for hotels, rental cars, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more!
Why Join ChristianaCare?
Work for a nationally recognized health system committed to excellence and innovation.
Opportunities for professional growth and ongoing education.
A collaborative environment focused on patient safety and quality care.
If you’re ready to inspire caregivers, elevate standards, and make a meaningful impact, we invite you to bring your expertise to a team guided by Love and Excellence.
Hourly Pay Range: $25.52 - $38.28
This pay rate/range represents ChristianaCare’s good faith and reasonable estimate of compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary within this range offered to a successful candidate will depend on individual factors including without limitation skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.
Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
EEO Statement: ChristianaCare Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
