At Central Maine Healthcare our team members are committed to providing exceptional care and experiences for our community and for each other every day.

Position Summary:

The Lead Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician works independently in all areas of the SPD Department, including most aspects of management.  Is responsible to oversee all other employees and act as a preceptor and resource for all areas of Sterile Processing and Distribution.  Oversees department functions on a daily basis in order to ensure that all policies and procedures are being followed by other employees and all requirements are being met.  The Lead Tech is responsible to maintain daily communication with the Manager of SPD and is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by the department following established infection control practices.  Directs and checks the work of others in the absence of management personnel and displays a willingness to accept new ideas and work under stressful conditions. 

Essential Duties:

• Assists with staffing, planning and control of the operational functions in conjunction with the Manager, SPD to meet the requirements of all areas.

• Assumes responsibility for the SPD department in the absence of management personnel.

• Assists and instructs in the supervision of specialized technical skills requirements and work performance in the SPD department.

• Assists in the investigation of problem areas or complaints concerning intra-and interdepartmental operation.

• Processes and oversees the processing of all contaminated instruments and supplies returned to SPD.

• Maintains all autoclave records and monthly production totals for the SPD department.

• Will act as a resource person and preceptor for all new employees.  Will provide the manager with written documentation of the new employee’s progress.

• Demonstrates complete understanding and knowledge of infection control and standard precautions.  Supports and strictly adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the SPD department policies.

• Inspects instruments for proper functioning and completeness and reports any malfunctioning or loss of general and specialty instrumentation to the Manager.

• Sterilizes instruments, equipment, and supplies using various types of autoclaves and equipment.  Loads autoclaves in prescribed manner and sets controls to specified time and temperature according to the type of items being sterilized.  Completes appropriate documentation records prior to sterilization.  Reads and initials the autoclave record to verify that all requirements have been met.  Verifies that all employees in the department are able to do the same.

• Assembles all instrument procedure trays, specialty boxes, code cart replacement drawers’/ kits and supply carts following prescribed manner using content lists as a guide.  Marks items with identifying data and distributes or stores in designated areas.

• Dispenses products (equipment and supplies) as requested by verbal, written or telephone requisitions.  Identifies and assigns priority to emergency requisitions and required supplies and equipment based on knowledge of procedure requested.

• Disassembles and cleans equipment following department policy.  Reassembles equipment and tests for proper functioning.

• Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition to maintain required standards for the handling of sterilized and clean materials and equipment.

• Performs other related duties as required such as examining sterilization/ expiration dates, reporting inoperable equipment, making visual inventory inspections to maintain adequate levels of stock and supplies, tests effectiveness of autoclaves by assembling and placing culture spore tests and total air removal tests in autoclaves.  Checks all autoclaves for proper working condition and correctly dated graphs.

• Participates in departmental Continuous Quality Performance Improvement activities.

• Accesses departmental Email on a daily basis.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change and management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or equivalent with a minimum of two years’ experience in Sterile Processing and Distribution
• Maintains current registration as a CSPDT or CRCST

Additional Knowledge Skills or abilities: only if applicable

• Must have a thorough knowledge of aseptic technique, sterilization techniques, infection control requirements, and a basic knowledge of medical/surgical procedure and terminology.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to engage patients and team members utilizing the CMH Experience Standards
  • I am creating a warming, caring, and non-judgmental environment
  • I am actively listening and seeking information
  • I am honest, truthful, and consistent
  • I am respectful, treating all individuals with dignity and empathy
  • I am serving as a role model, taking both initiative and ownership when appropriate
  • I am working collaboratively and demonstrating teamwork
  • I am resilient and adapt to change in positive ways.
• Demonstrates ability to direct and triage in a highly fluid dynamic operational environment.
• Ability to collaborate with all layers of the management/ administration team. 

Physical Demands:

For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.

If you are passionate about making a difference and are looking for your next great career opportunity, we look forward to reviewing your application!