Sterile Processing Tech

Accessibility Note

Surgery Partners is committed to complying with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (“ADA”), and applicable state and local laws. It is the Company’s policy not to discriminate against any qualified people or applicant with regard to any terms or conditions of employment on the basis of such individual’s disability. Consistent with this policy of non-discrimination, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations to an individual with a disability, as defined in the ADA or applicable law, who has made the Company aware of his/her disability, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship to the Company.  If you are an applicant and need a reasonable accommodation when applying for job opportunities within the Company or request a reasonable accommodation to utilize the Company’s online employment application, please contact [email protected]

Job Title: Sterile Processing Technician

Position Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for performing and participating in the decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage, and distribution of reusable surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the availability of safe, sterile, and properly functioning instrumentation to support patient care and surgical services.

The Sterile Processing Technician performs all duties in accordance with established policies, procedures, infection prevention standards, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Responsibilities

Decontamination & Sterilization

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of processes used in the:

• Decontamination

• Inspection

• Cleaning

• Assembly

• Packaging

• Sterilization of medical and surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies.

• Decontaminate and sterilize instruments, medical equipment, and supplies according to established standards and procedures.

• Follow Standard Precautions and infection prevention practices in all decontamination and sterilization areas.

• Monitor biological indicators, chemical indicators, and wash solutions to ensure effective and consistent sterilization and decontamination processes.

• Maintain detailed records of sterilization cycles and quality monitoring activities.

Instrument & Tray Assembly

• Prepare instrument trays and specialty procedural sets according to established protocols.

• Wrap and package instruments and supplies according to department standards and sterilization requirements.

• Disassemble, clean, inspect, assemble, test, and package specialty instrumentation and equipment for proper function and readiness.

• Sort and organize instrument sets, trays, and equipment to ensure timely availability for surgical and procedural areas.

• Differentiate between single-use and reusable instruments and supplies.

Inventory Management & Distribution

• Operate and maintain the bar-code instrument tracking system.

• Restock sterile supplies and maintain appropriate inventory levels.

• Label, organize, and store sterile supplies and equipment appropriately.

• Submit supply requisitions as needed.

• Collect, distribute, and transport:

• Surgical instruments

• Procedure trays

• Medical equipment

• Crash carts

• Other facility supplies

• Assist in maintaining inventory within:

• Sterile Processing Department

• Operating Room

• Equipment storage areas

Equipment Maintenance

• Verify that sterilization and processing equipment functions properly.

• Identify damaged, malfunctioning, or defective instruments and equipment.

• Initiate maintenance, repair, or replacement requests as necessary.

• Remove defective equipment from service until properly repaired or replaced.

Quality & Compliance

• Assist in maintaining departmental policies, procedures, and quality standards.

• Participate in quality improvement, safety, environmental, and infection prevention initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and facility standards.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment at all times.

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate effectively and professionally with physicians, nurses, surgical staff, vendors, and other team members.

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and customer service.

• Collaborate with clinical teams to support efficient patient care and surgical operations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough understanding of sterile processing, sterilization, and infection prevention practices.

• Knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty procedural trays.

• Ability to operate sterilization equipment and instrument tracking systems.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• State licensure or certification as a Sterile Processing Technician if required by state regulations or contractual obligations.

Preferred

• Minimum of one (1) year of Sterile Processing experience.

• Experience working in a fast-paced Operating Room (OR) environment.

• Current Sterile Processing certification (CRCST, CSPDT, or equivalent), where applicable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods.

• Frequent walking throughout the workday.

• Frequent reaching, including overhead and repetitive motions.

• Ability to bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift as required.

• Ability to lift, push, and pull objects weighing greater than 50 pounds.

• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle instruments, equipment, and supplies safely.

• Visual ability to inspect instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and defects.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and audibly.

Work Environment

This position works primarily within sterile processing, operating room, and procedural environments.

Working conditions may include exposure to:

• Blood and bodily fluids

• Infectious diseases

• Cleaning agents and disinfectants

• Sterilization chemicals

• Medical equipment and instruments

• Radiation

• Noise

• Temperature variations

• Fumes and other healthcare-related environmental hazards

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contribution

• Employer-Paid Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Professional Development Opportunities

• And More!

Equal Employment Opportunity & Work Force Diversity

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, parental status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic testing results or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.  This practice relates to all personnel matters such as compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, layoffs, etc.  Furthermore, our organization is committed to going beyond the legal requirements of equal employment opportunity to take positive actions which ensure diversity in the workplace and result in a multi-cultural organization.

Surgery Partners conducts pre-employment screenings including but not limited to criminal background checks and drug testing