The Lead Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for performing all core sterile processing functions while providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to the Sterile Processing team. This role serves as a clinical and operational resource, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, supporting workflow efficiency, mentoring staff, and promoting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Core Sterile Processing Functions
- Perform cleaning, decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of medical and surgical supplies and equipment in accordance with established policies, AAMI standards, and manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFUs).
- Safely operate and maintain equipment used in sterile processing areas per manufacturer guidelines.
- Monitor, interpret, document, and verify physical, chemical, and biological indicators for all sterilization methods used.
- Prepare, assemble, and distribute surgical case carts according to physician preference cards and anticipated perioperative needs.
- Receive, inventory, stock, and rotate supplies to support sterile processing and perioperative services.
Lead & Oversight Responsibilities
- Serve as a lead resource for Sterile Processing Technicians, providing guidance, coaching, and real-time problem solving.
- Assist with onboarding, orientation, and ongoing training of new and existing staff, including students and preceptees as applicable.
- Support adherence to departmental workflows, productivity expectations, and quality standards.
- Identify issues related to instrument quality, tray accuracy, sterilization failures, or workflow inefficiencies and escalate appropriately.
- Act as a liaison between Sterile Processing, Perioperative Services, and other departments to support communication and service needs.
- Assist leadership with audits, tracers, quality monitoring, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Compliance & Professional Practice
- Maintain compliance with regulatory agencies, accreditation standards, infection prevention practices, and organizational policies.
- Demonstrate proper infection control practices, including hand hygiene and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Maintain accurate documentation and utilize computerized systems appropriately.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
- Represent the organization’s mission, values, and ethics in all interactions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of one year of sterile processing experience required; additional experience preferred.
- Prior experience serving in a lead, preceptor, or informal leadership role preferred.
Certifications
- CRCST or CSPDT certification required (must be current and maintained annually).
- Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) required (or obtained within six months of hire if not already held).
- Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) preferred (or obtained within one year of hire if not already held).
- Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) preferred (or obtained within one year of hire if not already held).
- All certifications must be maintained annually.
