STERILIZATION TECHNICIAN

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.

• Follows standard precautions for decontamination, monitors BI and chemical wash solutions that ensure consistent safety.
• Promotes Sterile Processing department goals by selecting, motivating, and training team members.
• Ensures proper care and handling of all instrumentation received through decontamination area.
• Monitors the use of proper techniques through the instrumentation processing, preparation and packaging areas, sterilization and Quality Assurance areas.
• Conducts daily spot checks during random site visits.
• 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.
• Prepares for the Sterilization Exam internally at Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. annually and as needed
• Ensures that Joint Commission standards are maintained and ensures that CDC, OSHA training and guidelines are maintained.
• Provides sterilization training in various departments
• 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

• Develops and maintains expert knowledge of service, sterile process, or instrument classification.
• Coordinates work flow and prioritizes work activities to meet department needs in an efficient manner.
• Performs Dental Assisting duties deemed necessary by immediate supervisor and/or Dental Director.

DECONTAMINATION AND CLEANING REUSABLE MEDICAL DEVICES

• Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.
• Receives soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, and supplies from patient care areas; documents arrival and cleaning process.
• Disassembles items as needed before choosing appropriate cleaning method.
• Identifies items in need of repair upon receipt and ensures information is maintained during cleaning process.
• Utilizes appropriate manual cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination, including but not limited to instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent, flushing devices, ultrasonic bath, leak tested
• Utilizes appropriate automated cleaning tools to achieve instrument decontamination; this includes loading and selecting appropriate cycles on automated washers’ machinery according to manufacture guidelines
• Cleans work area by wiping area with antibacterial agent upon work completion or as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

STERILIZATION OF REUSABLE MEDICAL DEVICES

• Interprets package labeling to select appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle.
• Inspects packages to ensure all external indicators, filters, and/or labels are securely affixed to items, returns non satisfactory products to instrument room.
• Loads sterilizer as appropriate to ensure cycle completion.
• Performs routine sterilizer testing including biological monitoring, leak test, and bowie dick test as appropriate.
• Follows established policies interprets and appropriately document results of sterilizer testing. Escalates positive results as appropriate for intervention.
• Removes and inspects items from sterilizer utilizing approved methods to preserve package integrity.
• Follows established procedures and selects appropriate High Level Disinfection method.
• Utilizes approved PPE as appropriate.
• Performs daily maintenance in accordance with established policies and procedures, documents appropriately.
• Other duties as assigned.

TRANSPORTATION

• 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.

1. Actively protects customer confidentiality
2. Actively keeps environment clean and safe with a professional and welcoming image
3. Always treats customers as welcome guests and provides a warm and sincere greeting
4. Consistently presents a professional appearance in dress and grooming by adherence to dress code policy
5. Effectively and regularly demonstrates the values of the organization
6. Effectively involves customers in decisions that affect them
7. Follows through in a timely manner of commitments made to customers and staff
8. Taking ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Must adhere to safety policies and procedures.
2. Must receive Safety and Hazardous Communication training annually.
3. Must exercise universal precautions and comply with safety standards and procedures.
4. Knowledgeable of OSHA and CDC guidelines, to Joint Commission compliance.

PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:  

1. Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy Rule) policies and procedures.
2. Must successfully complete Privacy Rule compliance training annually or as revisions are made to the policies and procedures.
3. Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by learning to protect FPHC patient’s medical privacy.

1. Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by appropriately maintaining our patient information in compliance with national standards.
2. 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.