Sterile Processing Team Lead

Description

Job Summary: Responsible for supervising and coordinating activities of personnel in sterile processing according to the policies, procedures, philosophy, and objectives of the facility. Sterilizing and ensuring proper care of instruments per regulatory guideline, ensures personnel follow standards per guidelines. Ensures that instrumentation needs are met for each procedure. Collaborates with vendors, service companies and operating room to ensure patient needs are met. 

Duties and responsibilities:

a) Maintains a clean and orderly central processing area (e.g., shelves, counters, equipment)

b) Adheres to sterilization process policies and procedures

c) Cleans each item according to manufacturer’s instructions 

d) Inspects instruments for damage and defects; lubricates items as required

e) Determines whether each item is in good working condition

f) Sorts and arranges items into proper trays according to established policy/procedure

g) Wraps trays and individual items according to established policy/procedure

h) Accurately labels each item with name and expiration date

I) Correctly operates sterilizers, ultrasonic washer, and other processing equipment (i.e., positions items correctly in sterilizer, selects proper cycle, seeks assistance when needed)

j) Checks equipment indicators for proper functioning

k) Performs required biological/chemical monitoring tests on all sterilizers and maintains logs according to established policy/procedure

l) Maintains availability of recording supplies for continuity of recording throughout sterilization process

m) Maintains inventory levels and accurate records

n) Performs weekly inspections of all sterile items in facility

o) Checks for outdated items and package integrity of wrapped sterilized items; replaces items as necessary

p) Places items in correct location

q) Maintains adequate inventory of supplies for the sterile processing area

r) Maintains/updates the instrument tray inventory list

s) Accurately documents count of instruments loaned/returned to outside sources

t) Perform all duties side-by-side with Sterile Processing staff on a daily basis

u) Maintain responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing and overseeing the instrumentation to meet the mission and goals of Orthopaedic Surgery Center as well as the regulatory requirements of Federal, State and Local Regulatory or accrediting agencies

v) Collaborate with the Operating Room Team Lead, Operating Room Resource Coordinator, Materials Manager and Clinical Director and maintain responsibility for all surgical sterile and supply related functions for the ASC. 

w) Organize, direct and control the daily functions of the Sterile Processing team in such a manner as to provide a high level of service to all user areas and at the same time minimize the risk of cross contamination or infection

Requirements

Education/Experience:

Required:

1. High school diploma or GED certificate
2.  Training/courses in sterile technique, sterilization of instruments

Preferred:

1. Instrument processing technician experience
2. ASC experience

Qualifications:

1. Cooperative work attitude toward co-employees, management, patients, visitors, and physicians
2. Ability to promote favorable facility image with physicians, patients, insurance companies, and general public
3. Ability to make decisions and solve problems