SEIU Materials Processing Spec

$40,581 - $55,058/Yr

University of Rochester - Rochester, NY

Part-time - Entry Level

Rochester, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Rochester is seeking a part-time Materials Processing Specialist to join the Sterile Processing Department. This position is responsible for inspecting, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing surgical instrument pans, procedural trays, technical equipment, and surgical case carts for various medical facilities including the Operating Room, Ambulatory Care Facilities, Hospital Units, and Research Clinics. The role requires the operation of sterilizers and the preparation and dispensing of sterile items, ensuring that all instruments and equipment are functioning properly before they are issued. The position does not involve supervision of others but requires a high level of attention to detail and adherence to established protocols to maintain sterility and prevent cross-contamination. In this role, the specialist will be tasked with selecting appropriate methods for packaging and sterilization, consulting with the Processing Manager as necessary. They will examine surgical instruments for cleanliness and proper assembly, ensuring that instrument sets are assembled according to established protocols. The specialist will also be responsible for operating steam sterilizers, performing maintenance on sterilizers, and conducting quality assurance checks on sterile supplies and instruments. This includes preparing cultures, reviewing test packs, and documenting all necessary information to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Additionally, the specialist will manage inventory by receiving and storing supplies, checking stock against requisitions, and maintaining par levels of inventory. They will document and fill orders for surgical supplies and maintain records of equipment usage and servicing. The role requires a commitment to quality assurance and adherence to safety protocols, including handling infectious waste and ensuring a clean work environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials processing, with a focus on sterile processing and distribution, and will be committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion as upheld by the University of Rochester.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, assemble, package, and sterilize surgical instrument pans, procedural trays, technical equipment, and surgical case carts.
• Operate steam sterilizers according to established procedures, checking time, pressure, and temperature gauges.
• Perform simple maintenance on sterilizers, including cleaning drain baskets.
• Prepare cultures and review test packs to assure sterility, completing required documentation.
• Decontaminate surgical instruments and equipment following established procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
• Receive and store supplies from vendors, checking stock against requisitions and documenting discrepancies.
• Document and fill orders for surgical supplies for patient care areas, delivering supplies as needed.
• Maintain records of equipment inventory use and servicing, referring equipment for repair as necessary.
• Perform daily quality assurance checks on stock levels, sterility dates, and accuracy of procedure carts.

Requirements

• One year of post-secondary education and 1 year of related materials processing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification as a Registered Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician preferred.
• Computer experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• If hired on or after January 1, 2014, must pass a nationally accredited central service exam within eighteen months of hire and maintain certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a healthcare setting
• Knowledge of sterilization processes and equipment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

• Part-time position with flexible scheduling options
• Competitive hourly pay ranging from $19.51 to $26.47
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education credits