The Manager of Sterile Processing is responsible for all day-to-day operations, regulatory requirements, and quality management of the VCUHS Central Sterile Processing Department, which serves in-house units and off-site facilities. In addition, they will oversee regulatory requirements for system sites for Sterile Processing Departments (SPD).

The Manager is responsible for directing the Central Sterile Processing department by following system and departmental policy and procedures. The Manager is accountable for department personnel management, assuring high standards of instruments, equipment, and supplies processing, utilizing Infection Control guidelines and JCAHO. The Manager implements all operational workflows, standards, policies, and procedures related to the decontamination, inspection, sterilization, procurement, storage, organization, and distribution of surgical inventory within the Central Sterile Processing Department. The Manager works closely with the Operating Room personnel to improve processes and practices to reduce risk factors and ensure quality patient outcomes.

Essential Job Statements

• Implements all operational workflows, standards, policies, and procedures related to the decontamination, inspection, sterilization, procurement, storage, organization, and distribution of surgical inventory within the Central Sterile Processing Department. 

• Assures that the standards of operation of the department are following the standards set by regulatory agencies, such as the State Department of Health, JCAHO, DEQ and others. 

• Provides guidance and assistance to staff with technical problems when necessary. Instruct Central Sterile employees in new techniques. Continually works to upgrade skills of all Central Sterile staff. 

• Oversees the interface between sterile processing, surgery, and materials as well as other departments within and outside the organization to ensure that instruments are available as needed to all areas. 

• Demonstrate personal ownership and accountability for safety in the department an entire organization role model daily use of the safe behavior expectations for error prevention (BEEP) as personal work habits. 

• Support reporting of events and near misses. Facilitate timely evaluation of safety events involving your department or staff and implement planned corrective actions. 

• Responsible for helping with accurately managing and preparing the annual budget relating to Central Sterile Processing. 

• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning of new programs/strategies and regulatory action as those items impact the VCUHS 

• Resolve non-routine and complex escalated operational matters and provides innovative solutions and follow-up accordingly. 

• Partner with system leaders, to drive operational initiatives to shape VCUHS culture by ensuring operational designs, structures, and systems are in place that foster an environment of learning, innovation, and agility. 

Patient Population

Not applicable to this position.

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: 

Associate degree or high school or 7 years of experience 

Combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.  

Preferred Education: 

Bachelor’s Degree  

Licensure/Certification Required: 

Certification as CRCST or above through HSPA 

OR certification as CSPDT or above through CBSPD 

Licensure/Certification Preferred: 

Certification as CRCST or above through HSPA 

OR certification as CSPDT or above through CBSPD  

AND 

Certification as CHL through HSPA 

OR certification as CSPM through CBSPD 

Minimum Qualifications 

Years and Type of Required Experience 

Three (3) years of management or supervisory experience within sterile processing 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 

Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping, reaching (overhead, extensive, and repetitive);

Repetitive motion: computer keyboard 

Cultural Responsiveness:

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: 

Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills;

Attention to detail and ability to write legibly;

Ability to lift/push/pull 50 - 100lbs.

Working Conditions:

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. 

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. 

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * 

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *   

May have periods of constant interruptions. 

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control. 

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Bending 

Work Position:

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards   

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform Shift Work, Reach above shoulder, Color Vision

Hazards: Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Mental/Sensory – Emotional    

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking  

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change  

Workday Day (United States of America)

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.