SPD Tech Specialist

Under the general supervision of the Manager of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD), the Sterile Processing Technician Specialist collaborates with the SPD Supervisor, Operating Room (OR) Specialty Team Manager (STM) RN and Surgical Technologist Coordinator (STC). This job coordinates to provide resources and services for service specific instrumentation; coordinating and implementing surgical instrument processing according to the work flow of each specialty.

The Sterile Processing Technician Specialist acts as a liaison between Sterile Processing staff members, Sterile Processing supervisors, Surgical Technologist Coordinator (ST Coordinator) and the STM, serving as the specialty resource. This role participates in performance improvement (PI) initiatives, trouble shooting daily operational issues impeding work flow of the specialty, and orientation of specialty team members and Sterile Processing techs.

The Sterile Processing Technician Specialist orients new staff to their surgical specialty and to the overall department. This role performs Sterile Processing Technician Specialist functions in all areas of Sterile Processing. This role also performs other duties as assigned.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire :

Certification as a Registered Central Sterilization Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) or Surgical Tech certification CST, or TS-C or CORST)

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment :

Current CRCST, CSPDT, CST, TS-C or CORST certification

Experience REQUIRED :

Two (2) or more years previous work experience as a Sterile Processing Technician and either :

Possession of a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician Certification as issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution; or Possession of a Certified Registered Central Services Certification as issued by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management.

Experience PREFERRED : N / A

Education / training REQUIRED :

High school graduate or equivalent.

Education / training PREFERRED :

Completion of International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) certification preparation course or Graduate of accredited Surgical Technologist program.

Independent action(s) required :

Serves as the service specialty lead in SPD to coordinate with the designated STM, STC and Care Partner (CP) for their specific surgical services specialty(ies) to include :

Coordinating and implementing surgical instrument processing according to the work flow of specialty

Identification and immediate notification of items missing from trays

Educating other Sterile Processing Technicians regarding new instrumentation, changes to existing instrumentation, and instrumentation issues

Collaborates with STM and Care Partner on instrumentation which require rapid turnovers

Facilitates communication with designated STM and / or CP about workload, missing trays, and potential backup in soiled elevator room

Meets with designated ST Coordinator, STM, CP and Supervisor to discuss quality feedback and ideas for efficiency and communication improvements

Serves as the specialty resource

Trouble shoots operational issues impeding work flow of the specialty

Implements set changes

Maintains consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing excellent customer service

Proficient in use and administration of instrument tracking system

Sterilizes according to procedure.

Assembles and prepares instrument sets and case carts.

Serves as a technical resource to the Sterile Processing Technicians.

Decontaminates and sterilizes all instruments and equipment according to procedures.

Checks inventory levels and assures maintenance of par levels for all instruments.

Follows Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The Joint Commission (TJC) guidelines.

Follows industry best practices and manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU).

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable) :

In the absence of the supervisor, takes a lead role to direct staff, makes staff assignments in order to carry out the demands of the department.

Monitors staffing of department to maintain high level of efficiency / productivity that meets the needs of the unit and takes into consideration staff skill level.

Assists Manager in monitoring overtime of self and staff.

Suggests methods to minimize overtime.

In conjunction with supervisor, directs SPD Technicians on prioritization of tray decontamination and assembly

Performs inventory management, ordering and stocking of service specific accessories to instrument trays

Reviews the daily surgical schedule and obtains instruments for scheduled and emergent procedures.

Researches new product or workflow ideas and proposes to manager.

Works on projects with manager and other staff.

Meets with designated STM and CP to discuss quality feedback and ideas for efficiency and communication improvements.

Additional position requirements :

Depending on the area assigned, technicians are expected to rotate shifts including weekends and holidays.

Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific manager.

Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations if applicable, and hours of work may be adjusted as necessary to meet staffing requirements or in the best interest of the work unit.

Age Specific groups served :

All

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate) :

Physical : Lifting 20-50 lbs.

Activities : Prolonged standing, Frequent bending, Walking (distance), Reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive), Repetitive motion

Mental / Sensory : Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking

Emotional : Fast pace environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

Days

EEO Employer / Disabled / Protected Veteran / 41 CFR 60-1.4.