Sterile Processing Tech I - Sterile Processing – Sharp Chula Vista – Variable Shift – Per Diem

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 or external candidates.

Schedule

Variable shift start and end times. 8-hour shifts (8/40 schedule). Per Diem / PRN position. Weekend work as needed. On-call required.

Hourly pay range: $28.74 – $40.24 (minimum – maximum).

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper maintenance and distribution of disposable supplies and durable medical equipment for patient care.
• Report malfunctions or questionable loads to the Lead Technician or Supervisor.
• Provide appropriate information to facilitate receipt of MSDS.
• Maintain verbal communication via clear shift reports and communication logs.
• Notify SPD lead/Nursing units of positive biologicals, wet loads, or equipment malfunctions.
• Obtain approval from resource/charge nurse to process incomplete sets.
• Complete all initial and ongoing department competencies.
• Implement and adapt comprehensive, age/culturally appropriate care plans.
• Document sterilizer load contents, apply load labels, and track sterilizer loads, including biological and vacuum testing.
• Document results of biologic and vacuum testing and actions in the event of load recall.
• Label all implantables for quick identification and quarantine until biological monitors are reviewed.
• Ensure accurate labeling of instruments and sets.
• Disassemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble multipart instruments, protecting sharp, delicate, and heavy instruments.
• Properly care for powered, lensed, and special instruments/equipment.
• Operate washer sterilizers, sonic cleaners, steam, plasma, peracetic acid, and other sterilizing equipment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of SPD equipment and assist users with concerns or questions.
• Establish and meet annual professional development goals.
• Maintain individual in-service and performance records.
• Restock carts and prepare case carts for surgery according to pick lists/preference cards.
• Report low stock, overstock, or outages and request non-stock items or sterilization supplies as needed.
• Use resources cost-effectively and anticipate surgical needs.
• Remain flexible with work practices and complete delegated duties within time frames.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience as a sterile processing technician within the last 12 months or graduation from an accredited Sterile Processing Technician program (e.g., HSPA, CBSPD, CAAHEP) within the last 12 months.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills

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