Lead Sterile Processing Technician

About the role

The Sterile Processing Lead at St. Charles Health System coordinates shift operations to meet procedural departments' needs and ensures the timely processing and picking of instruments and sets in accordance with established policies and procedures. This position may review and provide feedback on the work of other caregivers and is responsible for all Standard Work of the Sterile Processing job description.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the team’s daily activities to clean, sterilize, and pick instruments, sets, and scopes to support surgical and procedural practice.
• Assists leadership with department process improvements and helps create and update policies and procedures.
• Leads Sterile Processing technicians assigned to decontamination, assembly, scope processing, sterilizer, and front case picking.
• Coordinates workflow and monitors productivity and quality within designated area(s) to prevent bottlenecks.
• Works with stakeholders to enhance efficiencies and customer satisfaction for both internal and external customers.
• Confirms supply orders and restocking of supplies.
• Maintains productive relationships with the OR, Cath Lab, and MDU to monitor and manage add-ons, quality issues, and urgent needs.
• Continually monitors the “needs list” to ensure surgical items are ready for future cases.
• Coordinates huddles and works on projects as assigned.
• Oversees the cleaning and sterilization process according to established Joint Commission, AORN, and AAMI standards.
• Assists with the teaching, counseling, and evaluation of staff.
• Develops daily plans for caregiver breaks and lunches that align with department needs.
• Maintains files (both paper and electronic) and quality manuals as assigned.
• Verifies that pass-offs are conducted, filled out, and complete before caregivers end their shifts.
• Fields questions, assists with work orders, and collaborates with IS&T and facilities to ensure daily operations continue.
• Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization.
• Champions Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm.
• Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
• Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting corporate integrity efforts.
• Delivers customer service and patient care in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner.
• Performs additional duties of similar complexity as required or assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED (required).
• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Accounting, or related field (preferred).
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification from CBSPD (required).
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certification from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (preferred).
• Six months’ experience in Sterile Processing or completion of Sterile Processing externship (required).
• Two years’ experience in Sterile Processing (preferred).