Sterilization Technician Lead - Days

OVERVIEW

The System Wide Sterile Processing Education Coordinator develops, coordinates, and leads standardized orientation, training, continuing education, and competency programs for team members who reprocess reusable medical devices across Mercyhealth. This role ensures consistent practices and compliance with regulatory standards at all locations, partners closely with infection prevention and clinical leaders, and supports quality improvement efforts by monitoring sterile processing practices, particularly in Mercyhealth clinics, to maintain regulatory compliance.

Schedule: 40 hours per week

Shift: Days

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty competently and consistently. The responsibilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, education, training, licensure, certification, experience, and/or abilities required for the role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Works in conjunction with the Sterile Processing System Manager and/or Supervisor, serves as the subject matter expert on cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, transporting, handling, and storing reusable medical devices for all Mercyhealth locations.

• Ensures that any training or audits are based upon instructions, policies, and operational performance expectations of industry standards, regulations, and best practices, including, but not limited to, AAMI, AORN, APIC, ASGE, CBSPD, CDC, FDA, HSPA, OSHA, SGNA, and The Joint Commission.

• Plans, develops, and implements system-wide sterile processing and high-level disinfection (HLD) education plan and training curriculum for onboarding and ongoing staff development in hospital and clinic settings.

• Develops and implements a "Train the Trainer" methodology system wide. In conjunction with site leadership, tracks new hires' training progress, signs off, and maintains orientation and competency checklists.

• Assist site leadership with annual competency assessment for all staff who perform sterile processing and/or HLD throughout Mercyhealth.

• Identifies learning needs through various methods, including observation, occurrences, staff meetings, unit-based data, and partner input.

• Reviews and revises education programs as necessary to ensure staff receive updated information.

• Develops, reviews, and updates system-wide policies and procedures regarding sterile processing and HLD and provides appropriate education to staff. Conducts audits to monitor compliance with policies and procedures and the manufacturer's written instructions for use (IFU) for instrumentation, equipment, and other products used.

• Collaborate with SPD System Manager, SPD System Director, Infection Prevention staff, and hospital and clinic leadership to develop and implement quality assurance and performance improvement activities related to quality, service, and workflow. Clinics that must reprocess items onsite (ENT Scopes, GYN probes) should perform an audit at least quarterly.

• Works in a technician role to support staff shortages or increased volume and maintain competency.

• Oversee quality monitoring processes and prepares monthly QA summary reports.

• Serves as an expert in the use of SPM instrument tracking system.

• Participates in System wide Environmental Rounding if requested.

• Visit all Mercyhealth Sterile Processing Departments at a minimum quarterly.

• Works with assigned preceptors, actively assist with hands on training and onboarding of new partners by validating learned skills at the end of orientation period.

• Other duties as assigned based on department need

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Minimum Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• A minimum of three years sterile processing and/or OR/surgical technician work experience.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Minimum Required:

• Certified Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST) credentials from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CPSPDT) credentials from the Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)

• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) credentials from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS) credentials from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

• Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) credentials from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or SPD Management (CSPM) credentials from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to follow both written and oral instructions accurately and consistently.

Technical Skills

• List key technical or job-specific skills required (e.g., proficiency with electronic health records, specialized equipment, software applications).

• Include any required training or ongoing education.

Core Competencies

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.