Sterile Processing Tech Lead

Description

Under the supervision of the Sterile Processing Manager and as a key member of the medical team, the Sterile Processing Technician Lead is responsible for overseeing and performing all functions related to the decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of medical instruments and equipment. This role ensures compliance with manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU), as well as standards set by regulatory agencies such as The Joint Commission (TJC), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Lead Technician also provides guidance and training to staff, ensuring adherence to protocols and promoting a culture of safety and efficiency.

Primary Responsibilities

• Instrument Processing: Perform and oversee all aspects of instrument processing, including decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and storage, ensuring compliance with established protocols and standards.
• Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain sterilization equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners, washer disinfectors, and steam autoclaves. Conduct routine safety checks and document maintenance activities.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor sterilization processes by reviewing mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators. Maintain accurate records of sterilization cycles, spore testing, and equipment efficacy tests.
• Inventory Management: Collaborate with Medical Assistant floor leads to maintain adequate par levels of instruments and supplies. Order and restock items as needed, ensuring cost-effective inventory control.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation for all sterilization activities, including logs for sterilizers, washers, spore testing, and biological and chemical tests.
• Compliance: Ensure all practices adhere to regulatory standards and guidelines, including those from TJC, AAMI, AORN, and CDC.
• Training: Provide training to personnel on proper sterilization techniques and protocols.

Lead Responsibilities

• Staff Supervision: Provide guidance and support to Medical Assistant staff cross-trained in sterile processing and disinfection procedures.
• Daily Coordination: Obtain daily instrument lists from relevant departments (e.g., Dental Assistant) and coordinate processing activities accordingly.
• Documentation Verification: Verify that biological testing and efficacy tests are per-formed daily on all sterilizers and documented correctly. Record Management: Upload sterilizer printout receipts and ensure all documentation is accurately maintained.
• Supply Ordering: Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed to maintain uninterrupted operations.

Additional Performance Requirements

• Communication: Effectively communicate with patients, co-workers, and staff across departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Language Proficiency: Ability to read and write in English to comprehend safety instructions and documentation requirements.
• Problem-Solving: Identify and address disinfection or instrument concerns promptly, notifying the supervisor as necessary.
• Professional Development: Assist in training other employees in the medical support department and participate in continuing education activities.

Policy and Procedures

• Policy Adherence: Maintain familiarity with Fenway Health policies and procedures, adhering to medical department standards for attendance and professional conduct.
• Environment Maintenance: Contribute to maintaining a patient-centered, professional work environment.

Agency Participatory Expectations

• Quality Improvement: Suggest and participate in continuous quality improvement efforts and quality assessment activities.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to established safety policies and procedures, identifying and addressing potential unsafe situations.
• Meetings and Training: Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings, in-services, and professional training sessions.
• Professional Competence: Maintain professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities, providing records of continuing education activities.
• Committee Participation: Serve on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Vocational or Technical training in central processing
• Two plus years of Sterile processing experience required. 
• Certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
• Ability to work autonomously while exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
• Willingness to work various shifts as needed, including evenings, for coverage purposes.
• Effective skills in service, teamwork, communication, respect for others, and time/priority management.
• Demonstrates appropriate appearance and demeanor consistent with a professional work environment.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of infection control, medical terminology, and sterilization processes.
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with colleagues, patients, clients, and vendors across diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to promoting a culture dedicated to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Preferred:

• Successful completion of a Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant Program or comparable experience will be considered.