Sterile Processing Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

I.           General Summary

Oversees daily the operational duties of the sterile processing technicians in all areas of the Central Sterile Processing (CSP) department. Serves as the primary contact for any processes related to the Central Sterile department.  Assist the Manager in overseeing the department operations, coordinate staff activities, schedule assignments, provide input for evaluation of staff performance, provide technical direction, review process records for accuracy, maintain and adhere to all operating standards and department and hospital policies and procedures. Fulfillment of the job duties requires the employee to have access to medication storage areas.

II.            Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1.  Monitors and ensures daily operational compliance with the standards governing sterile processing activities from such agencies such as HSPA, ANSI/AAMI, The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN, federal, state, and local governments.

A. Assists in the incorporation of standards into a comprehensive developmental quality assurance program.

B. Assists in monitoring all staff training program. Ensures all staff are knowledgeable and adhere to applicable standards, procedures and safety requirements.

2. Supervises Central Sterile Processing Technicians ensuring maximum productivity and effectiveness.   Evaluates and reviews all work performance, disciplines as appropriate in accordance with established policies. Facilitates workflow and technical requirements in each area of Central Sterile processing. Monitors activities to ensure productivity exceeds expectations to ensuring rapid response for patient care.

3. In coordination with the Perioperative/CSP Clinical Education Coordinator and, CSP Leadership, assists with in-services, and in-house training for all CSP staff. Participates in staff training initiatives, competencies and is knowledgeable of all staff skills. Must be able to identify skill deficiencies related to any area in the CSP department.

4. Stays current with all Sterile Processing standard, policies and procedures for CSP, and proactively identifies procedural improvements.

5. Report and communicate equipment failure and malfunctions. Ensure maintenance or repair requests are submitted promptly and escalate as needed.

6. Keeps current with trends and advances in methods of sterile processing by attending training sessions or professional forums and/or reading health care literature and attends a minimum of one external educational seminar per year.

6. Assists with daily procurement activities as needed to meet the immediate needs of the Department.

7. Performs sterile processing activities during periods of staff shortages as required.

8. Monitors the performance and operation of the multi-site work locations during the assigned shift.  

9. Communicates effectively with Perioperative team, visitors, Medical System personnel and CSP team members, Manager or designee regarding problems or issues that may affect patient care. Exemplify proficient customer service with all Central Sterile Processing customers. Resolves issues/problems pertaining to sterilization issues, staffing, and customer satisfaction.

10. Observes and enforces departmental and general UMMS policies and procedures, particularly relating to the practice of safety, security measures, and infection control guidelines.

III.        Education and Experience

1.              High School Diploma is required. Certification as a Central Service (Sterile Supply) Technician by a recognized agency is required. Bachelor's degree in business administration, Hospital Administration, or a related discipline is preferred. 

2.              Certification through HSPA must be maintained by completing 12 credit hours of continual education per year. CER Scope certification must be obtained within 1 year of hire.

3.              Three years' experience in the supervision of a complex technical operation, and experience in a health care/sterile processing setting is required. Experience as a certified surgical technician is preferred.