Sterilization Technician

Salary : $15.00 - $19.00 Hourly

Location : Multiple Locations in Portsmouth & Norfolk

Job Type : Regular Full-Time

Job Number : 202300032

Department : Dental

Opening Date : 11 / 12 / 2023

Closing Date : 12 / 31 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern

Position Overview

Under direct supervision, this non-exempt position will be responsible for the sterilization of all health care equipment, instruments and supplies according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and infection control procedures. Reports to the Dental Hygienist or Dental Office Manager.

Key responsibilities include :

Prepares, sterilizes, installs, assembles, or cleans all laboratory or healthcare equipment required for surgeries, examinations, and medical procedures; collects used and contaminated equipment, instruments, and supplies for sorting and decontamination; prepares and packs decontaminated supplies for sterilization; and ensures equipment, instruments, and supplies can be reused safely to prevent infections.

Sterilizes and disinfects dental instruments using the protocols set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and equipment manufacturers; prepares trays with standard dental equipment to ensure effective patient turnover; and ensures all dental instruments are being cleaned, stored, and sterilized using autoclave.

Observes and maintains all CDC and OSHA guidelines and standards; operates, monitors, and cleans sterilization equipment at all dental sites, including mobile units; performs daily and weekly infection control test to ensure optimum sterility; tests and reports any issues or problems with the sterilization equipment; and maintains records of sterilization procedures, sterilized items, equipment maintenance, and supplies.

Washes and disinfects exam tables, dental equipment, and other patient-related items per prescribed guidelines; cleans mops, brooms, brushes, pads, rags, pails, etc. after use and store properly; maintains powered cleaning equipment, lubricate automatic scrubbers, adjust, and change pads, install, or replace filters, and check batteries on equipment; and empty cleaning agents from machines and rinse out after use.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications :

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. One (1) year sterilization experience in a health care facility or Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) recommended. Must maintain annual OSHA, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Basic Life Support (BLS) and infection control training as required by law. Sterilization Technicians must complete OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program within the first 6 months of employment.

Successful candidates will possess :

Required Knowledge

• Sterile Processing - Knowledge of how medical / surgical supplies and equipment, both sterile and not sterile, are cleaned, prepared, processed, stored, and issued for patient care. Requires technical skills and familiarity with sterilization techniques.
• HIPAA - Knowledge of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure the privacy and safeguard patient information.
• Customer Service - Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes meeting quality standards for service.
• Technology - Knowledge of general office equipment and personal computers to include word processing, spreadsheet, and related software. Comprehensive knowledge of office systems, practices, procedures, and administration.

Required Skills

Required Abilities

01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

02

I understand that I am required to fill out the employment application in its entirety to include indicating any periods of unemployment. Additionally, I understand that that I may submit a resume and entering "refer to resume" for any portion of the application will disqualify me for further consideration.

03

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

Required Question