Supervisor, Sterile Processing

Position Summary

Provides on-site support, training, and communication regarding the reprocessing of surgical instruments and trays to contracted facilities in compliance with the Department of Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards and facilities goals and policies. Coordinates and manages day-to-day operations of SPD employees. 

Duties

• Oversees and supports daily operations of all activities that relate to the reprocessing of reusable medical supplies and instrumentation including decontamination, cleaning, assembly, wrapping, sterilization, and storage processes within all set professional standards and regulations. Ensures proper operational procedures are followed by all members of the IMS team. 
• Assumes responsibility, in collaboration with IMS SPD manager, for scheduling new IMS employee orientation, on-the-job training, in-service education and IMS or facility quality assurance programs when needed.  
• Understands and promotes concepts of the Lean work environment. 
• Communicates in a professional manner both verbally and in writing to all hospital staff and company employees. 
• Exhibits professional behavior in all telephone and electronic communications. 
• Represents IMS, self and profession positively in all public arenas. 
• Practices within the scope of certification and job description. 
• Supports and adheres to IMS policies and procedures and supports policies and procedures of facility.  
• Refers all decisions beyond personal scope of responsibilities to IMS leadership. 
• Coordinates the repair and replacement of broken instrumentation and equipment; may assist Clinical Operations Manager in order process.  
• Adheres to IMS / facility dress requirements, is neat and well-groomed at all times. 

Duties - cont'd

• Arrives at facility at the scheduled time and is consistently ready for work assignments. 
• Schedules, leads, and participates in in-services and educational offerings provided by IMS in the facility. 
• Promotes best demonstrated practices with co-workers through open communication and continuous improvement of skills. 
• Follows chain of command within hospital and IMS regarding identified problems or issues to ensure proper communication and resolution. 
• Maintains a professional relationship with all facility departments to ensure effective, efficient support to the patient caregivers. 
• Answers and responds to calls from the OR and other end-users during and after regular business hours as required by the contract. 
• Ensures timely delivery of sterilized instruments to appropriate storage locations or end-users. 
• Demonstrates and ensures proper care and handling of all hospital property, including instrumentation, durable medical equipment and disposable supplies. 
• Provides timely resolution to facility issues or concerns. 
• Schedules staff assignments on a daily basis. Assists Clinical Operations Manager with monthly staff schedule 
• Assists Clinical Operations Manager to review all required documentation related to IMS Standard Operating Procedures and facility policies. 

Supervisory Responsibilities                    

Supervision and coordination of sterile processing team. 

Education Degree

Required Experience

A minimum of three years Sterile Processing Department experience required including at least one year in an SPD leadership position 

Computer Skills                    

Strong computer skills required including a working knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel. Experience with an instrument tracking system preferred.   

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations  

Active certification in sterile processing/central sterile via CBSPD or IAHCSMM required. If not certified at point of hire, it must be obtained within 12 months of hire.  

If assigned to travel, must maintain valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance and be available to operate a vehicle as needed to meet travel requirements. 

Other Skills and Abilities                    

Must have a good working knowledge of Instruments, the operation/workings of the OR and be able to readily understand their issues and requests.  Be able to speak the language of the OR. 

Ability to act as a resource for staff in both SPD and OR regarding identification and assembly of specialty instrument trays.  

Ability to train in all procedures regarding SPD responsibilities.  

Ability to schedule and maintain department productivity in order to provide necessary services within the set IMS budget for overtime.  

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

Other Qualifications                    

Ability to work daily in a fast- paced, high-pressure Healthcare Services environment. 

Ability to perform tasks simultaneously while maintaining quality and controlling chaos.  

Ability to work alternate shifts as necessary.  

Physical Demands  

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk, see and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, push and/or pull up to 100 pounds on a cart or carriage. 

Preferred Experience

Associate’s degree from an accredited two-year college or technical school preferred. 

Skills