To perform those duties necessary for the proper decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, distribution and documentation of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment according to established procedures. Assumes responsibility and coordinates assignments for daily operation of the department. Coordinates the orientation of new personnel. Assume charge responsibilities in the absence of the department director. Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Responsibilities:

• Independently run the department on off-shifts and week-ends or in the absence of the director.
• Conforms and adheres to department policies concerning decontamination, sterile processing, infection control and safety.
• Arranges in-service education programs
• Performs other related duties as assigned by authorized personnel or as may be required to meet emergency situations
• Demonstrates knowledge of performance improvement tools and techniques. Continuously improves the quality of care and the work environment of outcomes and the integration of research and best practices into daily work. Shares learning from improvements with other units and/or spreads across the business unit or system.
• Prepares and assembles surgical tray and equipment following established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing
• Maintains a working knowledge of, and is able to effectively troubleshoot, all decontamination/sterilization equipment
• Acts as liaison between SPD and OR.
• Evaluates staff schedule and re-assigns staff according to departmental needs.
• Demonstrates UPMC's commitment to the Core Values by understanding the needs of patients, their families, physicians, and co-workers and doing what is required the first time, every time by being responsible, sensitive, accurate, timely, coordinated and thorough. Assist in the orientation of new personnel
• Participates on committees and task forces
• Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills. Serves, manages, and supports internal and external customers. Develops and improves skills through initiative, attendance and participation at educational programs.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by building teams and relationships through mentoring and modeling uplifting and positive communication. Coaches colleagues on cultural diversity and addresses workplace horizontal violence and impairment. Demonstrates accountability to self and others for safe work hours, time management and healthy lifestyles.
• Assesses supplies required for prescribed standard surgical procedures and sets up case carts. maintains inventory, collects, disassembles, inspects, cleans, disinfects and reassembles all instrument trays patient care equipment
• Participates in the orientation of new associates.
• Models team behaviors to frontline employees
• Develops management skills through completion of Human Resource Journey to Management course and one additional management seminar
• Assists manager with performance appraisals
• Monitors, reads, documents, and interprets all parameters for all types of sterilizers to ensure proper function.
• Serves as the resource for information for employees and customers
• Cleans and decontaminates reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies, manually and mechanically.
• Independently manage the department on off-shifts and week-ends or in the absence of the manager
• Demonstrates accountability for professional development that improves the quality of professional practice and the quality of patient care. Makes recommendations for the improvement of clinical care and the health of the workplace and welcomes and participates in change initiatives. Leads by investing and building healthy relationships among colleagues and other disciplines. Shows the ability to set priorities. Serves as an engaged member of a team supporting colleagues in service to ancillary departments and may participate in task forces or other initiatives.
• Participates in the coordination of all aspects of department's services
• Assumes responsibility for a surgical specialty ensuring that instrumentation is available and maintained in optimum working condition
• Demonstrates interest in the development of others and positively impacts the lives of patients/families, peers, and members of the healthcare team through mentoring, education, and knowledge sharing. Actively participates in the role of preceptor for student Sterile processing technicians and assists with the development of new preceptors in their role. Mentors and role models quest for continuous learning through formal education and the development of others. Seeks opportunities to share expertise with other members of the healthcare team within and beyond the clinical unit/department.
• Collects, stores and arranges for permanent storage of required records
• Displays awareness of cost containment in the organization of work by using economy in time, motion and material. Participates in the development of performance improvement activities. Participates as a team member and is accountable for own work responsibilities.
• Practices solid verbal and written communication skills, and is able to articulate and translate to other care providers and to negotiate and make recommendations for changes in unit practices Documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers. Demonstrates critical thinking in the analysis of clinical, social, safety, psychological and spiritual issues. Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality and satisfaction of the patient experience in daily work. Creates a caring and compassionate patient focused experience by building healing relationships with colleagues. Disseminates new knowledge and innovations through presentations, posters, and publications.