Sterile Processing Technician - WMC and BGH

UHS is seeking Sterile Processing Technicians I to support our Surgical Services teams at Binghamton General Hospital and Wilson Medical Center. This role is essential in supporting positive patient outcomes by effectively meeting the needs of physicians, clinical teams, ancillary departments, outpatient clinics, and UHS affiliates.

Work locations include UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY, and UHS Binghamton General Hospital in Binghamton, NY. There are multiple openings at different sites, or the successful candidate may be required to float across multiple UHS facilities. Expectations will be clarified during the interview process.

About the role

Under general direction, the Sterile Processing Technician performs a wide range of duties including manual decontamination, operation of mechanical washers, assembly and packaging of instruments, sterilization processes, and operation of various sterilizers. This role also involves performing quality inspections of surgical instruments and equipment, as well as ordering, tracking, and distributing reusable surgical instrumentation and medical devices. Technicians ensure strict adherence to UHS Sterile Processing and Infection Control policies.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Perform equipment quality tests including cleaning washer screen, spray arms, and daily washer protein test; sterilizer daily maintenance checks and testing.
• Utilize mechanical washers, ultrasonic washers, high and low temperature sterilizers, Eto Sterilizers, instrument dryers, and other SPD-related equipment.
• Retrieve and receive used instruments and patient equipment from the operating room, clinical departments, ancillary areas, and clinics in an aseptic manner to prevent cross-contamination and reduce injury risk (OSHA standard).
• Demonstrate independent function in decontamination procedures in accordance with standard precautions.
• Document reusable medical devices when received in decontamination via the instrument tracking system.
• Demonstrate that instruments or sets are washed and disinfected prior to assembly and sterilization.
• Utilize industry-leading practices for effective manual cleaning using department-specific enzymatic detergents, brushes, and methods.
• Don appropriate PPE when in decontamination. Afterward, load and utilize mechanical ultrasonic baths and washer disinfectors to render reusable instruments safe for handling and assembly.
• Perform quality inspections on each instrument and instrument category (e.g., scissor sharpness test, boroscope for cannulated instruments, residue protein checks for cleanliness, visual inspections for pitting or corrosion, rongeur punch test).
• Ensure procedural instrumentation, power equipment, surgical implants, and patient medical devices are assembled following the manufacturer’s IFU and appointed count sheet/recipe.
• Perform quality inspections after wrapping or containerizing sets prior to sterilization.
• Ensure sterility is achieved by choosing the correct method of sterilization, the correct cycle, monitoring sterilizer function, chemically and biologically testing sterilization equipment, and interpreting/documenting mechanical and testing results.
• Ensure sterility and aeration are achieved and safe practices are performed in utilizing the Ethylene Oxide Sterilization process.
• Perform, observe, and assess safe work practices, regulatory compliance, and emergency procedures related to handling Ethylene Oxide gas. Maintain certification (annual testing) in the safe operation of ETO sterilizers and wear personnel environment badges per policy and OSHA standard.
• Perform visual inspections to check for appropriate chemical indicator color change for each set or peel-packed item, then distribute sterile instruments to respective units in an aseptic manner.
• Manually clean, disinfect, store, distribute, and track reusable durable medical equipment (e.g., IV brains, modules, PCAs, SCDs, feeding pumps, hypo-hyperthermia machines).
• Maintain inventory and appropriate storage of sterile items and equipment in anticipation of distribution to various departments on request. Respond to routine and STAT requests.
• Distribute and restock crash carts (adult and pediatric) and trauma carts.
• Learn various instrument specialties such as General, Orthopedic, Vascular, Plastic, Cardio Thoracic, Neuro, Ophthalmic, ENT, GYN, Podiatry, Gastro Urology, Cystoscopy, Dental, Dermatology, as well as how to perform quality tests per each instrument’s manufacturer IFU.
• View the daily perioperative surgical schedule to anticipate instrument turnover needs for following procedures or next-day cases.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Shadow and train under SPD Tech Level 2 or higher until certification is obtained.
• Take part in department continuous education with return visual demonstration or graded exam.
• Attend, take part in, and acknowledge understanding of department huddles, education, and meetings.
• Distribute ancillary supplies to requesting units.
• Unbox and store supplies using the FIFO method.
• Check for outdated supplies.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required).
• 1 year of previous SPD (certified or uncertified) or Operating Room experience (preferred).
• Surgical inventory experience (preferred).
• Certification as a Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician is required within 18 months of hire (400 hours of experience required to sit for the exam).

Pay

Compensation range: $17.98 - $25.17 per hour, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full-Time opportunities available on Day, Evening, and Night shifts. Multiple shifts are available.

Benefits

• Eligibility for benefits if hired into a regular position with at least 24 scheduled weekly hours.
• Up to $2,500 sign-on bonus for candidates who meet eligibility criteria.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week, with flexible plan options and coverage tiers.
• Discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.
• PTO starts accruing from day one.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match, flexible spending accounts, and access to financial advisors.
• Up to $400/year in wellness rewards.
• 24/7 EAP counseling and virtual mental health support.
• Food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.
• Access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility.
• Continuous review of compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity.