What are the responsibilities and job description for the Surgical Services Environmental Technician position at Down East Community Hospital?
Description
Job Title: Surgical Services Environmental Technician
Department: Surgical Services
Reports To: Director of Surgical Services (or Designee)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Surgical Services Support Technician is responsible for providing essential support to the perioperative team by ensuring operating and procedure rooms are cleaned, prepared, and maintained in accordance with infection prevention and safety standards. This role assists with room turnover, equipment handling, supply coordination, and specimen transport to promote efficient surgical operations and high-quality patient care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Performs thorough cleaning and sanitization of operating rooms, procedure rooms, and related areas between cases and at the end of the day in accordance with hospital infection control policies.
- Assists with room turnover to ensure timely preparation for scheduled surgical procedures.
- Transports specimens to the laboratory promptly and in compliance with chain-of-custody and safety protocols.
- Assists with stocking and organizing surgical supplies and linens.
- Moves equipment, stretchers, and case carts as directed.
- Assists with waste removal, including regulated medical waste, following OSHA and hospital guidelines.
- Maintains cleanliness of surgical support areas including sub-sterile rooms, storage areas, and corridors.
- Responds to urgent cleaning needs during and after surgical procedures.
- Reports equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or supply shortages to appropriate personnel.
- Assists with terminal cleaning of operating rooms as assigned.
- Participates in department meetings, in-services, and required training.
- Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned to support Surgical Services operations.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience
- Prior hospital, surgical services, or healthcare experience preferred.
- Experience with infection control practices preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of basic infection prevention and sanitation practices.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to handle biohazard materials safely.
- Basic understanding of medical terminology preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 pounds).
- Ability to push/pull equipment and carts.
- Exposure to cleaning agents and biohazard materials.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced surgical environment.
Work Environment
Work is performed in operating rooms and surgical support areas where exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and infectious materials may occur. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn as required.