Central Sterilization Processing Department Technician

New England Baptist Surgery Center•Dedham, MA

1d•$23 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Central Processing / Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the cleaning, inspection, assembly, sterilization, documentation, and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment in accordance with manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs), nationally recognized standards including Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI ST79), CDC guidelines, OSHA regulations, and facility policies. This position supports the organization’s Infection Prevention and Control Program, Total Quality Management Program, and ongoing AAAHC accreditation compliance efforts. The technician functions independently in a high-volume eight room orthopedic ambulatory surgery center and ensures safe, effective, and timely instrument processing to support patient care. As a representative of NEBSC, all comments attitudes, actions and behaviors have a direct effect on the Facility’s image and perceptions of quality service. Interaction with patients, families, physicians, referral sources, affiliating schools, visitors, volunteers, co-workers, supervisors, vendors, etc. must be in a manner that is friendly, supportive, courteous, respectful, cooperative, and professional. This behavior should promote an atmosphere of teamwork which is congruent with Facility standards and guidelines to promote positive relations.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED or equivalent required
Current CRCST or CBSPDT certification required
Knowledge of sterilization principles, infection prevention practices and aseptic technique
1–3 years sterile processing experience in an ambulatory surgery center
Experience with orthopedic instrumentation and loaner trays
Experience with electronic instrument tracking systems

Responsibilities

Decontamination and Infection Prevention Performs decontamination of surgical instruments and reusable medical devices according to manufacturer IFUs and evidence-based standards.
Operates washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, and other decontamination equipment in accordance with established policies.
Maintains separation of clean and dirty workflows to prevent cross-contamination.
Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follows standard precautions at all times.
Reports breaches in infection prevention practices or equipment malfunction promptly.
Inspection, Assembly, and Preparation Inspects instruments for cleanliness, integrity, alignment, sharpness, insulation integrity, and functionality using appropriate magnification and lighting.
Removes damaged or malfunctioning instruments from service and reports findings per policy.
Assembles instrument trays using standardized count sheets and established configurations.
Prepares complex orthopedic and specialty trays, ensuring accuracy and readiness for scheduled procedures.
Packages and containerizes sets to allow effective sterilization and aseptic presentation in the operating room.
Sterilization Process Management Loads sterilizers to ensure effective sterilant contact and prevent package compromise.
Operates steam and/or low-temperature sterilization systems according to manufacturer IFUs.
Performs mechanical, chemical, and biological monitoring in accordance with facility policy and AAMI standards.
Documents all sterilization cycle parameters and monitoring results.
Follows implant load monitoring and release procedures per facility policy.
Immediately reports sterilization failures or out-of-parameter cycles and initiates corrective actions as directed.
Documentation and Quality Management Utilizes the instrument tracking system to document decontamination, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution activities.
Maintains accurate sterilization logs and quality assurance documentation.
Participates in data collection and quality improvement activities related to instrument processing and infection prevention.
Supports compliance with AAAHC standards and participates in survey readiness activities.
Loaner Instrumentation Management Coordinates receipt, inspection, cleaning, sterilization, and return of vendor loaner instrumentation.
Verifies compliance with IFUs and facility policy prior to use.
Communicates with clinical leadership regarding tray readiness and turnaround times.
Storage and Distribution Verifies package integrity prior to release for use.
Stores sterile items in designated areas in accordance with sterility maintenance standards.
Rotates stock according to first-in/first-out (FIFO) principles.
Prepares and distributes case carts accurately and efficiently to support surgical schedules.
Professional Accountability: Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Demonstrates professional conduct and respectful communication with physicians, staff, vendors, and visitors.
Accepts responsibility for maintaining competency and adhering to facility policies.
Participates in annual performance evaluations and competency assessments.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Adheres to OSHA safety standards and safe chemical handling procedures.
Demonstrates safe equipment operation and reports unsafe conditions immediately.
Complies with the organization’s Infection Prevention and Control Plan and Quality Management Program.
Participates in emergency preparedness drills and required training.
Continuing Education and Competency: Maintains required certification and continuing education credits.
Attends mandatory in-services and departmental meetings.
Demonstrates ongoing competency validation in sterile processing functions.