Major Responsibilities:

Daily Supervisory Operations  Coordinates the daily scheduling of staff and arranges for coverage as indicated filling in the gaps where necessary. Maintains daily and monthly schedules, along with PTO approval.  Schedules and leads departmental huddles/meetings. Develops the agenda and distributes all minutes to SPD staff/OR management. Ensuring that all staff adhere to the Behaviors of Excellence  To meet productivity requirements of department will monitor daily Adapt results by ensuring staff’s accuracy and timeliness of assigned tasks.  Recognizes and encourages staff involvement in departments; committees. Interacts with OR management, physicians, and service line team leaders to facilitate process improvement initiatives.  Performs data collection, determines projects, analyzes trends and presents action plans to management. Identifies opportunities for improvement; leads and/or participates in team effort to improve work processes, and delegates resources to support efforts.  Promotes patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives. Follows and monitors appropriate safety and infection control measures pertaining to equipment/instruments, and the general working environment. Promptly acts on any reports of safety issues within the area.  Takes a leadership role in patient satisfaction initiatives. Serves as a role model for meeting the needs and expectations of patients, associates, and physicians while upholding all policies and procedures of Advocate Health Care/Advocate Sherman Hospital.Demonstrate the ability to ensure the quality and accuracy of departmental procedures by coordinating and monitoring daily activities within the department  Provides appropriate staffing levels as indicated by case load and department needs, following the staffing plan.  Assigns staff to work areas according to staff skill levels and department needs.  Seeks alternate staffing as needed in the event of illness or absence. Maintains the flow of work within the Sterile Processing Department.  Assigns and monitors break/meal schedules.  Assures timeliness of instrument processing, turn around, and case cart assembly.  Initiates and reinforces positive interdepartmental communications to insure quality outcomes for patient care.  Monitors and assists with turnover time activities.  Works with SPD lead/educator to ensures inventory. Maintains and updates equipment and case carts.  Works in clinical areaHuman Resources Management  Supervises associates including interviewing, participating in hiring decisions, assessing and improving clinical competency, evaluating, and counseling.  Responsible for the discipline of employees with the assistance and approval of the SPD Manager.   Maintains current and accurate records on each SPD associate.  Works with SPD Lead/educator for ensuring that all associates are fully competent. Aids in annual development plan for associates and identifies areas where staff needs to grow their skills to meet Key Result Area goals and patient safety. Helps complete annual competency assessments in a timely manner. Works with staff on plans for professional development.Operational Planning  Responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures relative to the department along with the SPD Manager.  Participates in the development of annual operational goals and budgets for the department.Works with SPD manager for implementing strategies to meet goals and budget targets outlined in the plans.Supports the Nursing Divisions philosophy of Shared Governance and the goals of the patient care unit, Sherman Hospital and the Advocate System

Education/Experience Required:

High School diploma 3 to 4 years of Sterile Processing experience and/or Surgical Technician 3 years of lead/coordinator experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Excellent communication skills Ability to delegate assignments efficiently Proficient computer skills including reports Must be able to make prompt and effective decisions Ability to instruct/teach others Ability to work in a stressful environment Ability to work with divers staff Ability to act in a lead capacity Experience in operating sterilizer and monitoring equipmentCurrent Certification as a Central Service Technologist/Surgical Technician

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Frequent contact with blood and body fluidsTB testing yearlyHepatitis testing at hireAbility to respond quickly to emergency situation with full motor functionStrength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and suppliesAbility to physical respond to fire, trauma and disasterFlexibility of work hours to meet the needs of the departmentMay be exposed to hazardous materialsHeavy lifting (approximately 40-50 lbs.)

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.