Director, Sterile Processing Department - Full Time Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and daily operations of the Sterile Processing Departments within the Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) as well as the Watson Clinic LLC, SPD. 

The Director ensures all reusable medical devices are cleaned, disinfected, inspected, assembled, sterilized, stored, and distributed according to manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs), evidence-based practices, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.

The SPD Director promotes patient safety through effective infection prevention practices, staff education, quality improvement initiatives, and collaboration with physicians, nursing, anesthesia, and administration.

Under Administrative direction, is responsible for assigned department's business and strategic activities: directs internal management systems, process improvements, and policy activities. Assists in budget development, data collection and reporting; directs administrative personnel functions, develops and implements new business initiatives; oversees department technology initiatives. Plans, directs, evaluates and controls activities within patient care delivery models. Analyzes financial and other data for effective decision making.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports directly to the VP of Surgical Services of the ASC and indirectly to the Chief Operating Officer of the Watson Clinic
• Supervises Sterile Processing Technicians and Scrub Technicians 

Works collaboratively with:

• Administrator
• Director of Nursing
• Infection Preventionist
• Operating Room staff
• Surgeons
• Anesthesia providers
• Materials Management
• Biomedical Engineering
• Environmental Services

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Leadership and Management

• Direct and oversee all sterile processing operations.
• Develop department goals, objectives, and performance metrics.
• Recruit, orient, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate SPD personnel.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels and schedules.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Provides a positive example for staff by promoting and enforcing Clinic and department policies and procedures and ensures staff compliance. Maintains open communication and serves as effective liaison to internal departments and external entities as assigned.

Sterile Processing Operations

• Ensure proper decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments. Ensure all processes follow manufacturer IFUs.
• Verify sterilization cycles are appropriate for each device.
• Maintain instrument inventory and availability for all surgical specialties.
• Coordinate repair and replacement of damaged instruments and equipment.
• Oversee loaner instrumentation processes.
• Ensure emergency instrument turnaround follows established policy.

Regulatory Compliance

Maintain compliance with:

• AAAHC Accreditation Standards
• CMS Conditions for Coverage
• AAMI Standards (including ST79)
• CDC infection prevention guidelines
• OSHA Blood borne Pathogen Standard
• Florida Department of Health and AHCA requirements (as applicable)
• Manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs)

Ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and readily available during inspections.

Quality Assurance

• Develop and monitor quality indicators.
• Perform routine audits of sterilization practices.
• Monitor biological, chemical, and mechanical sterilization indicators.
• Investigate sterilization failures and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
• Trend department quality data and report findings to leadership.

Infection Prevention

• Collaborate with the Infection Preventionist.
• Participate in infection surveillance activities.
• Assist with root cause analyses involving instrument processing.
• Ensure environmental cleaning standards are maintained within SPD.
• Promote best practices to reduce surgical site infections.

Equipment Management

Oversee maintenance and testing of:

• Steam sterilizers
• Low-temperature sterilizers
• Ultrasonic cleaners
• Washer-disinfectors
• Instrument tracking systems
• Water quality monitoring equipment

Coordinate preventive maintenance and maintain service records.

Staff Education

• Conduct initial and annual competency assessments.
• Provide ongoing education regarding:
• Sterilization practices
• Instrument care
• IFU updates
• Infection prevention
• Safety practices
• Maintain employee competency records.

Inventory Management

• Maintain adequate inventory of sterile supplies.
• Manage instrument purchasing.
• Evaluate new products.
• Reduce waste through inventory management.
• Participate in budgeting and capital equipment planning.

Safety Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
• Monitor appropriate use of PPE.
• Investigate employee injuries and exposures.
• Ensure safe chemical handling.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Performance Improvement Responsibilities

• Develop department-specific quality indicators.
• Monitor instrument errors.
• Track sterilization failures.
• Monitor tray assembly accuracy.
• Analyze turnaround times.
• Participate in performance improvement projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Manual dexterity required for instrument inspection and assembly
• Ability to work in hot, humid, and noisy environments

Travel

• Travel is expected for this position.

INFECTION CONTROL CATEGORY:

This job is designated as Category I using OSHA definitions. This means there are tasks that involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material. Use of appropriate protective measures are required for any employee engaged in Category I task.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to pe1form the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand: use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms: climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near mechanical pans. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and extreme heat and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and risk of radiation.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINI NG AND EXPERIENCE):

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field required

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: Current certification as Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST, CSPDT or equivalent experience)

   BLS Certification           

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three years of leadership or supervisory experience

At least 5 years of sterile processing experience

Thorough knowledge of sterilization science and infection prevention principles.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative to the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.