The Opportunity
Director of Sterile Processing
University of Colorado Hospital
Position Summary
The Director of Sterile Processing at the University of Colorado Hospital serves as a pivotal leader, overseeing every facet of sterile processing and distribution. This role demands exceptional leadership to guide and inspire a team of sterile processing professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence. The Director proactively partners with surgical and clinical departments to promote patient safety and operational efficiency.
Leadership in this role is essential to developing and implementing departmental goals, driving quality assurance initiatives, and continuously advancing sterilization practices. The Director is responsible for setting clear expectations, mentoring staff, and cultivating ongoing professional development to stay ahead of industry best practices and technological advancements. By championing continuous improvement and maintaining rigorous compliance with regulatory agencies, the Director safeguards both patient outcomes and the hospital's reputation for excellence. This position is an onsite role and does not offer a hybrid or remote work option.
Key Responsibilities
The Director of Sterile Processing plays a key role in the health system's strategic and operational efforts by:
Responsibilities
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Develops and implements departmental goals, plans, and standards consistent with the administrative, legal and ethical requirements/objectives of the organization.
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Directs and evaluates departmental operations, including information technologies, service level determination, and complaint management, to achieve performance and quality control objectives.
- Educate staff on current best practices, new technologies, and updates to sterilization protocols.
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Plans and monitors staffing activities, including hiring, orienting, evaluating, disciplinary actions, and continuing education initiatives. Directs education and support initiatives.
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Prepares, monitors, and evaluates departmental budgets, and ensures that the department operates in compliance with allocated funding.
- Coordinates and directs internal/external audits.
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Maintain compliance with regulatory agencies and ensure documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
Candidate Qualifications
The successful candidate will meet the following requirements:
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Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree. Preferred: Master's degree.
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certified Sterile Processing Management Certification (CSPMC) issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
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Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in sterile processing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
- Proven ability to manage, train, and develop staff
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
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Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including surgery, nursing, and supply chain
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Experience with budget management and process improvement initiatives
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Proficiency with sterile processing technologies and inventory management systems
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Commitment to continuing education and professional development
Skills and Traits
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Expertise in sterilization and infection control procedures, ensuring safe and reliable processing of medical instruments.
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Thorough understanding of regulatory standards and commitment to compliance.
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Ability to design and manage quality assurance programs, conduct audits, and implement corrective actions for process improvement.
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Proficiency in equipment management, including troubleshooting and validating sterilizers, washers, and related devices.
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Strong analytical skills to interpret performance data and drive operational efficiencies.
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Demonstrated leadership in building and developing high-performing, collaborative teams.
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Experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, and effective management of departmental budgets and staff.
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Excellent communication and collaboration with staff, clinical teams, and leadership to meet organizational goals.
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Commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
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Adaptable, resilient, and skilled in problem-solving, especially in fast-paced or high-pressure healthcare environments.
Pay: $119,725 - $191,568 annual base pay. Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience
UCHealth offers an Annual Incentive Bonus to recognize employee's contributions to our success in quality, patient experience, organizational growth, and financial goals.
UCHealth offers their employees a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package (benefit eligibility is based off of FTE status):
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Medical, dental and vision coverage including coverage for eligible dependents
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403(b) with employer matching contributions
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Time away from work: paid time off (PTO), paid family and medical leave (inclusive of Colorado FAMLI)
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Employer-paid basic life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage with buy-up coverage options
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Employer paid short term disability and long-term disability with buy-up coverage options
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Wellness benefits
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Full suite of voluntary benefits such as flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care, health savings accounts (available with HD/HSA medical plan only), identity theft protection, pet insurance, and employee discount programs
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Education benefits for employees, including the opportunity to be eligible for 100% of tuition, books and fees paid for by UCHealth for specific educational degrees. Other programs may qualify for up to $5,250 pre-paid by UCHealth or in the form of tuition reimbursement each calendar year
Loan Repayment:
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UCHealth is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program! UCHealth provides employees with free assistance navigating the PSLF program to submit their federal student loans for forgiveness through Savi.
UCHealth always welcomes talent. This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.
UCHealth recognizes and appreciates the rich array of talents and perspectives that equal employment and diversity can offer our institution. As an equal opportunity employer, UCHealth is committed to making all employment decisions based on valid requirements. No applicant shall be discriminated against in any terms, conditions or privileges of employment or otherwise be discriminated against because of the individual's race, color, national origin, language, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. UCHealth does not discriminate against any qualified applicant with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations, when they do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.
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