Sterile Processing Supervisor

About the Role

Under the general supervision of the Director of Surgical Services, this role is responsible for the supervision of Sterile Processing departmental operations, providing patient care equipment and surgical instrumentation reprocessing functions including collection, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and distribution. The position manages the surgical instrument inventory and supplies, serves as the subject matter expert for product reprocessing, and ensures departmental regulatory compliance using AAMI, AORN, and IAHCSMM standards. Additionally, the role develops and ensures compliance with the departmental budget, supervises staff, and collaborates with other departments to ensure efficient and safe instrument and equipment availability.

Responsibilities

• Assures departmental standards of operation and policies comply with regulatory and professional agencies (CMS, AAMI, AORN, APIC). Reviews and updates policies annually.
• Monitors and maintains records for compliance with regulatory agencies, including Instructions For Use (IFUs) for all surgical equipment and instrumentation.
• Collaborates with the Facilities Maintenance Department to establish a preventive maintenance program for Sterile Processing equipment and maintains adequate inventory.
• Ensures all equipment (e.g., Steam Sterilizers, Sterrad Instrument Washers, Sonic Cleaners) is maintained to manufacturer specifications and responds to equipment issues.
• Schedules staff and work to ensure instruments and equipment are available for cases, monitors labor and expense budgets, and maintains performance and attendance reports.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of systems such as Instrument Tracking, Case Cart, Patient Charging, Materials Management, and Budget as they relate to the SPD department.
• Collaborates on the department budget and capital equipment needs with the Director of Surgical Services and Finance Department, maintaining fiscally responsible practices.
• Follows hospital infection control practices and acts as a liaison between Central Service and other departments to minimize infection risk.
• Leads SPD quality improvement and LEAN initiatives to optimize departmental flow and efficiencies.
• Facilitates recruitment, selection, and ongoing feedback for Sterile Processing staff, including performance evaluations.
• Develops a comprehensive departmental orientation for new staff and coordinates training and competency validation.
• Ensures staff work within prescribed technical and safety standards and provides in-service training on new products and procedures.
• Supervises SPD technicians and manages the department to achieve operational performance and quality goals, prioritizing tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Organizes and directs daily functions to provide high-level service while minimizing cross-contamination or infection risks.
• Oversees decontamination, assembly, high-level disinfection, sterilization, prep, pack, distribution, and inventory of sterile products, including documentation and remediation of equipment failures.
• Ensures optimal sterile processing performance through quality control and assurance, monitors equipment status, and recommends upgrades to meet manufacturer IFUs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of Sterile Processing supervisory experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of Sterile Processing experience.
• Certified in Sterile Processing (CSPDT), Endoscopy Certification, Instrument Specialist Certification, or CHL Leadership Certification.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated knowledge of Project Management, Lean concepts, Organizational Behavior, and Change Management.

Skills

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally, with minimal physical effort such as stooping or working primarily with fingers.
• Ability to manage considerable mental stress effectively.
• Strong verbal communication skills for expressing and exchanging ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and convey it accurately to co-workers.
• Familiarity with computers and other business machines.

Organizational Expectations

• Attendance: Comes to work daily, on time, and completes scheduled shifts.
• HIPAA: Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Internal Communication: Contributes to positive team performance through effective communication, active listening, and respect.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Maintains appropriate relationships with staff, patients, and visitors, working collaboratively with other departments.
• Safety: Practices workplace safety daily.
• Employee Engagement: Actively participates in hospital Service Excellence initiatives and trainings, attends at least 50% of department staff meetings, and completes all required annual education on time.