Pay Range:$35.72 - $50.11

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

Partners with Director of Sterile Processes to assist with the implementation of new technologies that are used in the reprocessing area, as well as new instrumentation used for many types of surgical procedures.Partners with Director of Sterile Processes and Procurement to identify and submit new sterilization stock items and maintain inventory control.Record Management: Oversee and maintains the meticulous collection and auditing of MEMC sterilization records and associated clinics to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.Scheduling and Compliance: Establish routine scheduling for sterilization processes and personnel meetings to maintain compliance with established standards. Monitor and ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines.Operational Standards: Ensure that MEMC and associated clinics maintain and adhere to consistent operational standards in line with regulatory agency requirements for sterilization procedures. Supplies oversight of specific areas including surgical instrumentation and outpatient instrumentation.Technical Expertise: Possess a broad knowledge base of instrumentation equipment, techniques, and extensive reprocessing skills critical to success in the position.Training and Support: Participating in professional organization and attending continuing education programs/conferences to stay up to date on latest developments in Sterile Processing industry.  Assists in the training and certification of members of the team on SEARHC sterilization process and new products, procedures, and equipment to ensure the highest level of care for patients. Initiates and develops programs that incorporate continuous improvement. Identifies staff training needs and collaborates with the Surgery Director to supply guidance and support for staff education and certification.Sterilization Processes: Directly responsible for the collection, decontamination, cleaning, packaging, sterilization, and tracking of critical and semi-critical instruments, in addition to a high variety of complex surgical instruments and instrument sets according to SEARHC policies and procedures.

Other Functions

Responsible for disinfection of equipment that cannot be sterilized.Completely and thoroughly dissembles instruments to ensure the removal of any debris, surgical soil and bioburdens prior to sterilization or high-level disinfection.Determines the appropriate reprocessing method for the instruments, implants and instrument sets received following the direct manufacture instructions for use.  Establishes, approves, updates, and enforces procedures for preparation of all instrument trays.Effectively communicates with providers and staff to problem solve in the event of an instrument shortage and the need to substitute and/or offer alternatives.Assists with auditing and developing departmental operations and capital budgets.Verifies that equipment functions properly, requests equipment maintenance, repair, replacement, or recall and removes defective equipment.Shows competency in equipment maintenance by demonstration, educating and completing continuing education.Maintains compliance with labor standards and quality assurance measures.Assists in risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and workforce management resources in investigations relative to sterile processing.Develops professional relationships with staff, customers and vendors through communication and collaboration.Interacts closely with the Surgical Services, Infection Control, Quality/Performance Improvement, Safety, and Biomedical departments to identify and mitigate potential patient safety issues.Maintains a clean and organized workstation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes (Sterile Processing Technicians)

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

High school diploma/GEDPreferred associate degree in health-related or business field.Certification by Healthcare Sterile Processing Association HSPA as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certification by Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)Preferred (HSPA) Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) Certificating or certified Supervisor from CBSPD.Basic Life Support 

Experience Required

2 years' experience in sterile processing2 years of supervisory experience in sterile processing

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

Accreditation requirements for sterilization processesEpidemiology and infectious diseaseAseptic technique principlesProject performance improvement methodology

Skills in

Strong oral and written communication skillsAccurate, precise, and timely data entry and reportsOwnership of projectAdvanced levels of hand & eye coordination skillsWorking level of organizational skillsProficient computer skills in MS Office and database applicationsPreferred basic knowledge of Tracking Systems and OR Scheduling Systems

Ability to:

Ability to train/teach specific and detailed processes to learners of a broad range of abilitiesLead teams in process change and implementationDefine problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusionsWork in a team environment and/or independently as necessaryMaintain a professional demeanor and communicate clearly with staff and leadershipTravel <25%

Computer Skills: 

Use computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and data management

Other Qualifications:     

BLSCRCST or CSPDT

Travel Required: As needed to outlying communities. <25%

Safety and Risk Management Responsibilities: 

Follows protocol emphasizing universal precautions as specified in accordance with SEARHC policies and procedures, manufacturer’s instructions for use and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) guidelines.

Physical Demands: 

Ability to complete sterilization duties with or without accommodations.

Work Environment: 

Medical Clinic

Position Information:

Work Shift:OT 8/40

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!