Job Title: Sterilization Technician

Department: Dental

Reports To: Regional Operations Manager - Dental

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Wage Range that the Company Expects to Pay: $25.00 – $27.56 per hour

SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Operations Manager, the Sterilization Technician is responsible for protecting and maintaining dental and other medical instruments to be free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can be potentially harmful to CHC’s patients’ health. It will be the Sterilization Technician’s responsibility to ensure that the dental and medical instruments are free of microorganisms to provide our patients with the highest-quality care.

It is the primary purpose of CHC to provide the highest quality of total care possible to the patient population it serves. Such a level of quality depends ultimately on the staff's desire and ability to work together, individually, and as a team. The employee is expected to be professional, punctual, maintain regular attendance, cooperative, organized, and enthusiastic at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned with or without notice.

Prepares and organizes all sterile instruments.

Ensures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental

Department directive and protocol by collecting and cleaning all dirty instrument following the completion of a dental procedure.

Removes any visible contamination using standard cleaning solution, inspects all dental instruments for wear of damage and reports to management for submittal of replacements.

Prepares instruments for re-sterilization for future procedures.

Operates and maintains the sterilization equipment such as autoclaves, hydrims, ultrasonics, and assistinas.

Operate and maintain equipment in the sterilization area and dental lab according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Maintains records of operation, calibrates the equipment and reports any problems with sterilization equipment to management staff.

Maintains a supply of sterile materials, gauze, and syringes ensuring that they are not expired, and notify management staff to place orders as supplies are needed.

Run daily spore tests to ensure compliance.

Date, initial, time stamp, spore test log, and include the item name on all bagged items.

Demonstrates adherence to and observes all safety policies and procedures, inclusive of infection control rules and regulations.

Demonstrates knowledge of domestic violence, child and dependent abuse protocols.

Demonstrates culturally sensitivity and competence with patients.

Maintains and adheres to HIPAA, employee confidentiality, and privileged communications (patient, employee, and corporation).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Training will be provided by Certified Sterilization Technicians on site. Previous experience working in a lab setting and/or sterilization is preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, email, and keyboarding required. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suites.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Certified Sterilization Technician preferred, but not required. Possession of current, valid, unrestricted California Driver's License (Class C) is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Required to pass a criminal history background check and drug screen upon hire. Annual health examination; annual Tuberculosis skin test clearance or chest x-ray; proof of immunity to MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B; proof of Tdap vaccine; during current flu season, must provide proof of influenza vaccine or a signed declination form. If declined, a flu mask is mandatory during flu season. Health screening requirements are subject to change based on CDC recommendations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The job is primarily standing for extended period of time. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee is frequently exposed to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be able to work in a clinical setting and work in a fast-paced environment.

Required: Must be willing to have a flexible work schedule that may include evenings/weekends, and travel as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.