Sterilization Technician

Position Summary   Under the direct supervision of the Director 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 to 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 Director 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.  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requires a comprehensive knowledge of sterilization techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry. Knowledge of materials used, their storage, handling and applications is desired.  Completion of accredited course in central sterilization. Excellent attention to detail.  Excellent communications and teaching skills, with a positive and proactive attitude.  Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols. Must be able to work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal results for the center’s patients.  Effective oral and written communication skills in English are required. The ability to work with people from a wide diversity of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds is necessary.   Work under stressful conditions as well as irregular hours may be required. Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered.   Prolonged sitting or standing may be required. Those physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination normally associated with dental sterilization in general practice dentistry will be performed on a repetitive basis.  The ability to distinguish letters and symbols as well as the ability to utilize telephones, computer terminals and copiers is required.   Learns and applies the trauma informed care principles in all interactions with staff, patients, and visitors.  Education, Training, and Experience Bachelor’s degree in related field  Certified Registered Central Sterilization Technician or related certification  Registered Dental Assistant preferred  Three years’ experience as a CRCST in a clinical setting.   Current CPR (BLS) required