Sterilization Technician

Under the direct supervision of the SVP of Dental Services, the Sterilization Technician 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 and following strict infection control guidelines. The Sterilization Technician will assist the site staff in performing sterilization, equipment maintenance and inventory as needed.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities Performs all functions in full compliance with the center’s Infection Control Plan and policies including but not limited to the Sterilization Policy and the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions policy Performs all functions related to decontamination, disinfection and sterilization of all instruments, equipment, and clinical areas in the dental and medical services, including monitoring of processes Ensures the sterility of all reusable sterilizable instruments and equipment in accordance with directives and protocols, following AAMI Guidelines and other standards Periodically reviews standards and guidelines to ensure compliance and to address changes Operates and maintains equipment in the sterilization area and lab according to manufacturer’s recommendations Instruct and oversee site operation and maintenance procedures of equipment in sterilization areas Insures the proper handling of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Zufall health center policies as well as state and federal regulation(s) Maintains all areas involved in disinfection and sterilization in compliance with regulatory directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues Reviews QA and monitoring activities related to disinfection and sterilization processes Identifies areas in need of improvement and reports corrective actions to Sterilization Technician Coordinator, Director of Dental Services, Director of Nursing, and the Infection Control Committee Participates in related committees such as the Infection Control Committee, and others as assigned Performs independent sterilization and related procedures as delegated and directed by the SVP of Dental Services in accordance with the state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol Maintains medical and dental reusable equipment inventory in accordance with manufacturer’s directions, Zufall policy and protocol and updates Information for Use (IFU) Perform scheduled maintenance of equipment and schedule general maintenance of equipment with outside vendors when indicated Address problems related to autoclaves and other equipment, troubleshoot and contact vendors regarding parts and repairs at the request of the Dental Director/designee Work with other Zufall Health Center Departments as scheduled and as needed Regular travel to Zufall sites is required As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives Demonstrates and teaches new staff, students, interns and volunteers the use of equipment and proper dental protocol as it relates to safety and infection control Performs other duties as assigned