Sterilization Technician Supervisor

Overview: Directly supervises Sterile Processing Techs in the Sterilization Department regarding care for and reprocessing of surgical instrumentation; care for and operation of washers, sterilizers, and other department equipment; proper reprocessing methods and techniques; proper performance and documentation of quality monitoring activities; proper preparation of case carts and restocking of transfer carts; and proper cleaning of non-critical patient care equipment.
Directly supervises 1 to 2 Materials Techs in the Sterilization Department regarding sterile supply inventory management.
Performs supervisory responsibilities in accordance with MHS policies and applicable laws.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
Responsibilities: Essential Duties and Responsibilities Interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work Establishing and communicating performance expectations, monitoring and appraising staff performance rewarding and disciplining employees and addressing complaints and resolving problems and conflicts Manages department policies and procedures Conducts in-services for department staff Uses LEAN principles to manage department consumable supplies inventory and assist with managing the Clean Core perpetual inventory.
Acts as a resource for the OR with regard to handling, reprocessing, and storage of surgical instrumentation Collaborates with OR regarding loaner, new, damaged, or otherwise special instrumentation and supplies.
Maintains a working knowledge of all surgical instrumentation and all technical competencies of the Sterile Processing Tech and Lead Tech role.
Performs duties of Sterile Processing Tech Oversees quality monitoring processes and prepares monthly QA summary reports.
Completes at least 18 credit hours of continuing education per year.
Performs all duties with a commitment to excellence in quality and customer service.
Must know and understands and all regulatory, standards and bodies that make recommendations (FDA, AAMI, Joint Commission to name a few).
Must know about the different chemistries they use and the effect they have on instrumentation and what they are used for.
The gatekeeper and departmental administrator of the SPM Instrument tracking system.
Train on how to prep and prepare instruments for use using the One Tray System for sterilization.
Ensure partners know how to prep and reprocess N95 mask as recommended by the FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) standards.
Controls all day to day functions of the department, including scheduling, time off, and some disciplinary actions.
Assist with capital and operational budget preparations.
In conjunction with Manager and Director, ensures that departmental budget guidelines are met.
Coordinates loaner instrumentation with vendors.
Runs all departmental functions in absence of manager Overseas quality monitoring processes and prepares monthly QA summary report.
Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations: Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.
Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.
Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.
Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.
Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent Five years of Sterile Processing or OR/Surgical Technician work experience Prior supervisory experience preferred Certification and Licensure Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through IAHCSMM required, or obtained within first 12 months.
Certification in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) through IAHCSMM required, or obtained within first 12 months.
Skills and Abilities N/A Special Physical Demands The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, stoop and crouch; use hands to feel, handle, and manipulate; lift up to 50 pounds; push and pull up to 200 pounds.
Specific sensory abilities that the employee must rely on include color vision, near vision, depth perception, and sense of hot and cold.
Level of Supervision Assignments are normally received in the form of results expected and due dates.
Work requires a fair amount of independent judgment and decision making.
Supervises Directly supervises Sterile Processing Tech Leads, Sterile Processing Technicians and Materials Techs