HLD/SPD Specialist, ICHE (High Level Disinfection / Sterile Processing Tech)

Galveston, Texas, United States

New

Healthcare Support Services

UTMB Health

Requisition # 2404519

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school graduate or GED or equivalent years of education, experience and/or training.

• Four years’ experience in sterile processing and/or high-level disinfection in a complex health care setting

• Requires knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards and guidelines for transport, processing, and storage of medical equipment and supplies as well as accreditation standards for infection control.

CERTIFICATION

One is Required:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) or CHL International Association for Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM)

• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) or Society of Gastroenterology Nurse Association (SGNA) Certificate of Completion for SGNA Advanced Associates Program or Certificate of Completion of Endoscopy or Surgical Technology Program

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates degree or higher preferred.

• Experience in Infection Prevention preferred.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The primary purpose of the HLD/SPD Technical Specialist position for Infection Control is to oversee adherence to regulatory standards and guidelines regarding operation, storage and transport of clean/sterile equipment throughout the healthcare system including but not limited to hospitals and ambulatory clinical sites. Additionally, the position requires assessment of infection control systems in the environment, process improvements, quality assurance and educational offerings.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assesses of disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical equipment, transport of soiled and clean/sterile equipment, storage of clean/sterile equipment and supplies, and environmental requirements for processing and storage areas against regulatory standards and professional guidelines. Develop project definition including education and competencies.

• Ensures compliance with the health system HLD/sterilization policy and procedures via routine auditing and environmental rounds

• Develop and implement a risk assessment strategy to assure assessment of all processing areas and to prioritize those with greatest risk for patient harm.

• Communicate and coordinate assessments and recommendations with clinical leadership, equipment processors, Property Services, Clinical Equipment Services, Sterile Processing Departments, and leadership in the Environment of Care program as needed.

• Guide and manage the efforts of infection preventionists to assess and follow up with equipment and supply issues in their assigned units and/or clinical departments.

• Assess and update the infection control questions for Environment of Care tours as needed.

• Inform leadership of Infection Control and Healthcare Epidemiology, clinical directors, and executives of issues that require assistance to resolve.

• Develop and manage project documentation, record keeping, and activity status reports that are accurate, up-to-date, clear and complete in support of the decision making, issue solving and informing processes of a project.

• Interpret and apply regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and professional guidelines.

• Develop and update status reports.

• Follows and supports the guidelines, assure compliance with, and adhere to, current institutional and industry standards.

• Provides valuable input on the acquisition of new medical devices, reprocessing equipment or supplies

• Participates in continual educational activities at various levels to promote personal growth and maintain a current knowledge base

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Teaching/Presentation skills

• Self-motivated, with the ability to prioritize tasks

• Ability to take initiative

• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

• Must travel to all healthcare locations where medical equipment is processed, including all hospitals and clinics. Standard clinical and office environment.

• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients or others.

• Standard office equipment including computer and multiple types of software.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Compensation