Sterile Processing Technician

Primary Responsibilities

• Performs all aspects of daily work in a manner which contributes to and ensures an environment of patient safety.
• Prepares supplies and equipment needed for patient care while following standards for labeling of packages and containers.
• Collaborates with department floor leads to maintain adequate par levels of instruments, both common stock and special order items, in a cost-effective manner.
• Assembles and packages instruments for sterilization following practice that is in compliance with JC, AORN, AAMI, and APIC standards.
• Performs decontamination procedures according to prescribed specifications in a safe and cost-effective manner.
• Prewashes and disassembles instruments for processing according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Adds addresses damage/repair of instruments upon arrival into decontamination area and reports activities to the Operations Coordinator.
• Reports equipment malfunctions to the Operations Coordinator.
• Responsible for monitoring all of the sterilization processes that affect the achievement of sterility—the mechanical, chemical, and biological tests, as well as procedures for traceability.
• Operates ultrasonic, washer-disinfector, and steam autoclave and performs weekly and monthly checks and sanitizing as appropriate.
• Performs and documents routine safety checks and cleaning of equipment in appropriate logs.
• Properly maintains all equipment and keeps work area clean and orderly.
• Correctly packages and wraps supplies and instruments.
• Inspects instruments prior to distribution on the floors/sites for function, defects, cleanliness, and overall condition.
• Assists in other areas of the department and performs additional duties as necessary.
• Maintains adequate documentation on logs for sterilizers, washers, spore testing, and biological and chemical tests.
• Responsible for the efficient supply, storage, maintenance, and adequate disinfection at the point of use of all instruments used in all clinic sites/areas.
• Affords assistance in training and orientation of new staff in proper sterilization as appropriate.
• Supports and monitors sterile processing and disinfection activities performed by cross-trained staff in other departments to ensure adherence to established standards and workflows.

Additional Performance Requirements

• Effectively communicates with patients, co-workers on medical team, in medical department and across departments.
• Ability to read and write in English in order to understand basic safety instructions.
• Demonstrates competency in written, oral, and electronic communication.
• Identifies disinfection or instrument concerns that require quick intervention and promptly notifies Operations Coordinator.
• Informs Operations Coordinator of training needs.
• Affords assistance in training other employees in the medical support department.
• Maintains familiarity with Fenway Health policies and procedures.
• Adheres to medical department standards for attendance and professional dress.
• Provides age-specific care per Fenway Health policy.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities.
• Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested.
• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Vocational or Technical training in central processing.
• Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician (CRCST) and/or Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT) or ability to become certified within 6 months1 year of hire date.
• Willingness to work any shift FH is open as needed, including evenings, for coverage purposes.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year of related work experience.
• Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse work staff.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Able to work autonomously while exercising safe judgment and decision-making.
• Responds in a positive manner to constructive criticism.
• Effective skills in the areas of service, teamwork, communication, respect for others, and time/priority management.
• Able to multitask and function in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to deal effectively with stress relating to the changing organizational, personnel, and healthcare environment.

Benefits

This is a union position in a Fenway Health bargaining unit represented by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. We offer competitive salaries, and for those who qualify, an excellent benefits package; including comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, and a retirement plan with employer match. We also provide 11 paid holidays, paid vacation, and more.