Under general direction performs Sterile Processing Department duties, which include but are not limited to manual decontamination, operating mechanical washers, assembly, packaging, sterilization, operating various sterilizers, equipment and instrument quality inspections, ordering supplies and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and medical devices.
Following UHS Sterile Processing and Infection control policies must be able to interpret, maintain and document sterilization records in the electric instrument tracking system. Provide for and track all UHS inpatient units, off site clinical areas and outpatient clinics reusable instrumentation.
All to provide positive patient outcomes by meeting the needs of our customers identified as physicians, clinical units, ancillary areas, clinics and UHS affiliates.
Primary Department, Division, or Unit:
Sterile Processing, UHS Binghamton General Hospital
Primary Work Shift:
Evening
Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Compensation Range:
$17.98 - $25.17 per hour, depending on experience
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Essential Functions:
Essential functions are those tasks, duties and responsibilities that are performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Perform equipment quality tests including but not limited to cleaning washer screen, spray arms, and daily washer protein test; sterilizer daily maintenance checks and testing.
Utilize mechanical washers, ultrasonic washers, high and low temperature sterilizers, Eto Sterilizers, instrument dryers, and other SPD related equipment.
Retrieves and receives used instruments and patient equipment from the operating room, clinical departments, ancillary areas and clinics in an aseptic manner that prevents cross contamination in the hospital and to reduce the risk of injury (exposure) to workers, (OSHA standard). Demonstrates independent function in decontamination procedure in accordance with standard precautions.
Documents reusable medical devices when received in decontamination via instrument tracking system. Demonstrates instrument or set washed and disinfected prior to assembly and sterilization.
Utilizes industry-leading practices effectively manual cleaning using department specific enzymatic detergents, brushes, and methods. Dons appropriate PPE when in decontamination. After, loads and utilize mechanical ultrasonic baths and washer disinfectors to render reusable instruments safe for handling and assembly.
Performs quality inspections on each instrument and instrument category. (I.e. Scissor sharpness test, Boroscope for cannulated instruments, residue protein checks for cleanliness, visual inspections for pitting or corrosion, rongeur punch test etc.)
Ensures procedural instrumentation, power equipment, surgical implants and patient medical devices are assembled following the manufacture IFU and appointed count sheet/recipe.
Performs quality inspections after wrapping or containerizing sets prior to sterilization.
Ensures sterility is achieved by choosing the correct method of sterilization, the correct cycle, monitoring the sterilizer function, chemically and biologically testing sterilization equipment, and interpreting/documenting mechanical and testing results.
Ensures sterility and aeration is achieved and safe practices are performed in utilizing the Ethylene Oxide Sterilization process. Performs, observes and assesses safe work practices, regulatory compliance and emergency procedures related to the handling of Ethylene Oxide gas. Must maintain certification (annual testing) in the safe operation of ETO sterilizers and wear personnel environment badges per policy and OSHA standard
Performs visual inspections to check for appropriate chemical indicator color change for each set or peel packed item. Then distributes sterile instruments to respective units in an aseptic manor.
Manually clean, disinfect, store, distribute and track reusable durable medical equipment. (I.e. IV brains, modules, PCAs, SCDs, feeding pumps, hypo-hyperthermia machines etc.)
Maintains inventory and appropriate storage of sterile items and equipment in anticipation of distribution to various departments on request. Responds to routine and STAT requests.
Distributes and re-stocks crash carts (adult and pediatric) and trauma carts.
Required to learn various instrument specialties such as General, Orthopedic, Vascular, Plastic, Cardio Thoracic, Neuro, Ophthalmic, ENT, GYN, Podiatry, Gastro Urology, Cystoscopy, Dental, Dermatology, as well as how to perform quality test per each instrument’s manufacture IFU.
View daily perioperative surgical schedule to anticipate instrument turnover needs for following procedures or next day cases.
Non-Essential Functions:
Duties the employee may perform that are not essential as defined in the job description.
Will perform other duties as assigned
Shadow and train under SPD Tech Level 2 or Higher until Certification is obtained.
Take part in department continuous education with return visual demonstration or graded exam.
Attend, take part, and acknowledge understanding of department huddles, education, and or meetings.
Distribute ancillary supplies to requesting units
Unbox and store supplies using the FIFO method
Checks for outdates
Education/Experience
Minimum Requirements :
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High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred:
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1 year previous SPD (certified or uncertified) or Operating Room experience.
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Surgical inventory experience
License/Certification
Minimum Required:
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Certification as a Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician is required within 18 months of hire (400 hours of experience required to sit for exam)
Preferred:
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At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.
A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.
Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.
Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.
Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.
A Place to Call Home – Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.
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United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.
At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!
United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com.
