JOB SUMMARY: Under the general guidance and direction of the Clinical Education & Accreditation Manager, the Sterilization Technician independently performs all core job responsibilities in the Sterile Processing Department.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Reports to the Clinical Education & Accreditation Manager, cleans medical supplies, equipment, instruments and trays.
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Follows standard precautions for decontamination, monitors BI and chemical wash solutions that ensure consistent safety.
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Promotes Sterile Processing department goals by selecting, motivating, and training team members.
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Ensures proper care and handling of all instrumentation received through decontamination area.
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Monitors the use of proper techniques through the instrumentation processing, preparation and packaging areas, sterilization and Quality Assurance areas.
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Conducts daily spot checks during random site visits.
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Serves as a backup between dental/OB/GYN/Optometry sterilization and Infection Control department
- Ensures sterilization activities are properly documented and participates in the maintenance of department records for sterilization.
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Prepares for the Sterilization Exam internally at Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. annually and as needed
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Ensures that Joint Commission standards are maintained and ensures that CDC, OSHA training and guidelines are maintained.
- Provides sterilization training in various departments
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Attends all sterilization and Infection control meetings
- Core Sterile Processing functions include receiving, sorting and decontamination of surgical/clinic items and instrumentation; inspection and packaging of single instruments and instrument kits; identification of appropriate sterilization method and cycle selection, appropriate documentation for all sterile processes; and accurate inventory assignment relating to the case cart build process.
COLLABORATIVE FUNCTIONS
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Develops and maintains expert knowledge of service, sterile process, or instrument classification.
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Coordinates work flow and prioritizes work activities to meet department needs in an efficient manner.
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Performs Dental Assisting duties deemed necessary by immediate supervisor and/or Dental Director.
DECONTAMINATION AND CLEANING REUSABLE MEDICAL DEVICES
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Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.
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Receives soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, and supplies from patient care areas; documents arrival and cleaning process.
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Disassembles items as needed before choosing appropriate cleaning method.
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Identifies items in need of repair upon receipt and ensures information is maintained during cleaning process.
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Utilizes appropriate manual cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including but not limited to instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent, flushing devices, ultrasonic bath, leak tested
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Utilizes appropriate automated cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination; this includes loading and selecting appropriate cycles on automated washers’ machinery according to manufacture guidelines
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Cleans work area by wiping area with antibacterial agent upon work completion or as needed.
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Other duties as assigned
STERILIZATION OF REUSABLE MEDICAL DEVICES
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Interprets package labeling to select appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle.
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Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed to items, returns non satisfactory products to instrument room.
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Loads sterilizer as appropriate to ensure cycle completion.
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Performs routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring, leak test, and bowie dick test as appropriate.
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Follows established policies interprets and appropriately document results of sterilizer testing. Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention.
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Removes and inspects items from sterilizer utilizing approved methods to preserve package integrity.
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Follows established procedures and selects appropriate High Level Disinfection method.
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Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.
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Performs daily maintenance in accordance with established policies and procedures, documents appropriately.
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Other duties as assigned.
TRANSPORTATION
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Adheres to policies and procedures of transporting duty & cleaning of instruments and bins.
The preceding examples are representative of the assignments performed by this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: Must provide the very best customer satisfaction to patients, visitors, and co-worker at all time in a professional and courteous manner.
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Actively protects customer confidentiality
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Actively keeps environment clean and safe with a professional and welcoming image
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Always treats customers as welcome guests and provides a warm and sincere greeting
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Consistently presents a professional appearance in dress and grooming by adherence to dress code policy
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Effectively and regularly demonstrates the values of the organization
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Effectively involves customers in decisions that affect them
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Follows through in a timely manner of commitments made to customers and staff
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Taking ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.
HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
- Must adhere to safety policies and procedures.
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Must receive Safety and Hazardous Communication training annually.
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Must exercise universal precautions and comply with safety standards and procedures.
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Knowledgeable of OSHA and CDC guidelines, to Joint Commission compliance.
PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy Rule) policies and procedures.
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Must successfully complete Privacy Rule compliance training annually or as revisions are made to the policies and procedures.
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Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by learning to protect FPHC patient’s medical privacy.
- Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by appropriately maintaining our patient information in compliance with national standards.
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Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by providing appropriate security of FPHC patient records
PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS: RESTRICTED- For purposes of HIPAA Compliance there are 4 workforce categories, which define the level of access to PHI that is granted to the incumbent. This position is classified under ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF and therefore granted RESTRICTED access- to be defined according to the purpose for which use or disclosure is intended.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Performance will be evaluated by the Comptroller/Accounting Manager or designee annually wherein an overall satisfactory rating is considered as a minimum acceptable level of performance.
QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE: Prior sterilization training/experience in health care delivery system with knowledge of clinical services is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Should demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills with attention to detail and an ability to perform in a high-pressure deadline oriented environment. Strong PC skills in applications such as Excel and Access
EDUCATION: High school diploma, GED or equivalent. Degree preferred. CRCST or CBSPD Certification preferred
CERTIFICATION, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: CPR Certification required; CDA or RDA preferred.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Strong English communication skills are required. Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:
1. Requires working under stressful conditions and/or working irregular hours.
2. Must be able to express ideas clearly and concisely; and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
3. Requires effective verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, organizational skills, math and budgeting skills.
