Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Position Summary:

The Lead Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient preparation of instrumentation for surgical procedures in an orthopedic ambulatory surgery setting. This includes cleaning/decontamination, assembly of instrument sets, and sterilization processes.

In addition to performing all core sterile processing duties, this position functions as the department lead and liaison between the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) and the Nurse Manager. The Lead Sterile Processing Technician participates in daily huddles, assigns tasks to SPD staff, coordinates with company/vendor representatives, and ensures that required documentation and reference materials, including but not limited to; MSDS, Count Sheets, and IFUs, are up to date and complaint, work with materials coordinator for weekly order.

All work must be performed in accordance with standards and guidelines from NYSDOH, AORN, AAAHC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI, and instrument manufacturers.

Responsibilities:

• Opens the processing department according to policy and procedure.
• Performs start-up procedures and testing of instrument washers and autoclaves, documents outcomes.
• Receives dirty instruments/sets in the decontamination area, disassembles sets, and prepares for processing in instrument washer.
• Ensures that instruments that cannot be cleaned via automated processes are appropriately cleaned and decontaminated using approved manual methods.
• Assembles instrument sets according to inventory/count sheets; prepares for autoclaving; loads and initiates the appropriate sterilization cycle.
• Performs biological testing on all loads that contain implants; logs and documents result appropriately.

• Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely.
• Notifies the Charge Nurse and Clinical Nurse Manager of processing equipment malfunctions or issues.
• Reviews and documents the results of biological testing and promptly notifies the Nurse Manager and/or Director of any positive biological results.
• Maintains appropriate records and monitors quality control and infection control standards.
• Collaborates with the Board Runner and Nurse Manager to ensure that necessary instrumentation is available throughout the day and for the following day.
• Performs other sterile processing responsibilities as needed/assigned.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the Sterile Processing Department and the Nurse Manager, communicating workflow issues, equipment concerns, staffing needs, and process improvements.
• Attends and actively participates in daily huddles, providing updates on instrument readiness, case priorities, and SPD workflow.
• Assigns daily tasks and responsibilities to SPD staff based on the surgical schedule, staff competencies, and departmental needs.
• Works closely with company/vendor representatives to coordinate loaner trays, specialty orthopedic sets, and necessary instrumentation for upcoming cases.
• Ensures that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are complete, current, and readily accessible for all relevant chemicals and products.
• Oversees the creation, accuracy, and ongoing updates of instrument count sheets, and inventory to reflect current tray configurations and orthopedic case needs.
• Ensures that all Instructions for Use (IFUs) for instruments, devices, and equipment are up to date, available to staff, and followed in daily practice.
• Assists with training, mentoring, and orientation of new SPD staff; supports ongoing competency validation for existing staff.
• Monitors adherence to standards and guidelines from NYSDOH, AORN, AAAHC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI, and manufacturers, and supports readiness for inspections and accreditation surveys.
• Participates in quality improvement projects related to sterile processing, instrument turnaround times, and overall OR efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalentrequired.
• CurrentCRCST certificationfrom IAHCSMM or CBSPDrequired.
• 3 yearspriorsterile processing experience;orthopedic or ambulatory surgery center experience strongly preferred.
• 2 yearspriorsupervisory or management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing standards, infection control, and regulatory/accreditation requirements.
• Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes, including handling instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts ofvarious sizes.
• Strong communicationand organizational skills, with the ability to lead, prioritize tasks, and work collaboratively with OR and nursing staff.