Sterile Processing Tech I - Sterile Processing – Sharp Chula Vista – Variable Shift – Full Time - Eligible for New Hire Incentive

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with SEIU-UHW. As part of the terms of employment, employees in this role are required to join the union within 31 days of hire and remain a member (e.g. dues paying, fee paying, religious exception contributor) for the duration of the collective bargaining agreement. The position was originally posted to ratified SEIU members and is now open to internal candidates not in the bargaining unit and external candidates.

About the Role

To ensure proper maintenance and distribution of disposable supplies and durable medical equipment for patient care.

Schedule

• Shift start and end times: Variable
• AWS Hours Requirement: 8-hour shift / 40 hours per week
• Weekend requirements: As needed
• On-call required: Yes

Pay

Hourly pay range: $26.130 – $32.670 – $36.590 (Minimum – Midpoint – Maximum)

Responsibilities

Communication Performance Criteria

• Reports any malfunctions or questionable loads to the Lead Technician or Supervisor.
• Provides appropriate information to facilitate receipt of MSDS.
• Maintains necessary verbal communication via clear shift reports and communication logs.
• Notifies SPD lead/Nursing units of positive biologicals/wet loads, equipment malfunctions.
• Obtains approval from resource/charge nurse to process incomplete sets.

Evaluation Method(s): Observation, Demonstration, Documentation Review, Staff Feedback.

Department Competency

• Completing all initial competencies.
• Consistently demonstrating competency as identified in the on-going assessment and evaluation.
• Implementing and adapting the comprehensive, age/culturally appropriate plans using patient care interventions with patient and family.

Evaluation Method(s): Observation, Demonstration, Quality Monitoring, Testing, Documentation Review, Technical Demonstration.

Documentation

• Documents sterilizer load contents/applies load labels to items.
• Using charts and printouts to track sterilizer loads, including biological and vacuum testing.
• Documents results of biologic and vacuum testing.
• Documents actions in the event of load recall.
• Labels all implantables for quick identification for quarantine.
• Assures accurate labeling of instruments/sets.

Evaluation Method(s): Demonstration, Documentation Review, Quality Monitoring.

Instrument Processing

• Disassembles multipart instruments.
• Separates heavy and delicate instruments.
• Properly cares for powered, lensed, and special instruments/equipment.
• Inspects instruments/instrument trays for broken, damaged, or missing instruments.
• Reassembles trays, protecting sharp/delicate/heavy instruments, checks for cleanliness.
• Labels trays according to type, includes count sheets with trays.
• Properly loads and operates washer sterilizer, sonic cleaners, steam, plasma, parasitic acid, and other sterilizing equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of SPD equipment, assists users with concerns or questions.
• Properly quarantines implantables until biological monitors are reviewed.

Evaluation Method(s): Observation, Quality Monitoring, Documentation Review.

Professional Development

• Establishing mutually derived annual goals and meets goals.
• Maintaining individual in-service/performance records.
• Demonstrating process of self-discovery including knowledge of strengths and weaknesses and view deficiencies as opportunities for growth.

Evaluation Method(s): Observation, Demonstration, Quality Monitoring, Testing, Documentation Review, Technical Demonstration.

Supplies

• Restocks carts as assigned.
• Prepares case carts for surgery according to pick lists/preference cards as assigned.
• Reports low stock/overstock, outages.
• Requests/orders non-stock items/supplies as needed/assigned.
• Requests/orders sterilization supplies, including charts, testing materials, wraps, case filters/locks, tape.

Time and Resource Management

• Uses resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Anticipates surgical needs and prepares instrumentation accordingly.
• Willingly accepts additional assignments and remains flexible with work practices.
• Completes delegated duties within time frames or reports to supervisor when unable.

Evaluation Method(s): Observation, Demonstration, Documentation Review.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Experience as a sterile processing technician within the last 12 months; or graduate of an accredited Sterile Processing Technician program (such as HSPA, CBSPD, CAAHEP, etc.) within the last 12 months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) – The Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution (preferred).

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of surgical instrumentation, sterile techniques, general hospital supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to properly decontaminate, inspect, assemble, sterilize, and deliver surgical instruments and medical equipment in safe, ready-to-use condition.
• Ability to follow strict infection prevention standards, operate sterilization and disinfection equipment, perform detailed quality checks, track instrument sets, and maintain accurate documentation to support patient safety.
• Great attention to detail, adherence to regulatory guidelines, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, highly precise environment that directly supports safe surgical and procedural care.

Benefits

New Hire Sign-On Incentive

$3,000 sign-on incentive for eligible candidates.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have at least one (1) year of sterile processing tech work experience.
• Not eligible: Current Sharp employees, rehires/reinstates rejoining less than 12 months from last date of employment, candidates with less than one (1) year of experience.

Conditions to Retain Incentive

• Must remain in original hired FTE status and shift (if specified in offer letter).
• Must remain in original department/specialty.
• Must remain in original job title.
• Transfers to a non-bonus eligible department or position may result in forfeiting remaining incentive bonus.

Employee Referral Incentive

Eligibility

• Referral must list the name of the Sharp employee that referred them on the job application.
• External referrals only.
• If referring a former Sharp employee – must be more than 12 months since last date of employment with Sharp HealthCare at the time of the referral.