Central Sterilization Lead - Dental

Pay Range: $27.81 - $38.62

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

The Dental Central Sterilization Lead oversees and manages the comprehensive sterilization processes across multiple dental locations within the consortium. This role involves maintaining meticulous records, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing operational efficiency in sterilization procedures. The lead is responsible for scheduling routine sterilization and compliance meetings for relevant personnel. The Central Sterilization Lead collects, decontaminates, cleans, packages, and sterilizes critical and semi-critical instruments in accordance with SEARHC policies and procedures, manufacturer’s instructions for use and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) guidelines.

• Partner with Director of Sterile Processes to stay up to date on latest developments in Sterile Processing industry.
• Partner with Director of Sterile Processes and Procurement to identify and submit new sterilization stock items and maintain inventory control.
• Record Management:
  Oversee and maintain the meticulous collection and auditing of sterilization records across consortium locations to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Scheduling and Compliance:
  Establish routine scheduling for sterilization processes and personnel meetings to maintain compliance with established standards. Monitor and ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines.
• Operational Standards:
  Ensure that diverse locations maintain and adhere to consistent operational standards in line with regulatory agency requirements for sterilization procedures.
• Technical Expertise:
  Possess a broad knowledge base of instrumentation equipment, techniques, and extensive reprocessing skills critical to success in the position.
• Training and Support:
  Assist in the training and certification of members of the team on SEARHC sterilization process and new products, procedures, and equipment to ensure the highest level of care for patients.
• Sterilization Processes:
  Directly responsible for the collection, decontamination, cleaning, packaging, and sterilization of critical and semi-critical instruments according to SEARHC policies and procedures.

• Is responsible for disinfection of equipment that cannot be sterilized.
• Completely and thoroughly dissemble instruments to ensure the removal of any debris, surgical soil, and bioburdens prior to sterilization or high-level disinfection.
• Effectively communicate with providers and staff to problem solve in the event of an instrument shortage and the need to substitute and/or offer alternatives.
• Verify that equipment functions properly, requests equipment maintenance, repair, or replacement, and removes defective equipment.
• Show competency in equipment maintenance by demonstration, educating, and completing continuing education.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
• Travel up to 25%. Travel may be by jet, small aircraft, or boat.

• High school diploma/GED
• Preferred associate degree in health-related or business field.
• Certification by Healthcare Sterile Processing Association HSPA as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certification by Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)
• Preferred (HSPA) Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) Certificating or certified Supervisor from CBSPD.
• Basic Life Support(BLS) certification
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years

• 2 years' experience in sterile processing
• Preferred 1-2 years of supervisory experience in sterile processing

• Accreditation requirements for sterilization processes
• Epidemiology and infectious disease
• Project performance improvement methodology

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Accurate, precise, and timely data entry and reports
• Ownership of project
• Advanced levels of hand & eye coordination skills
• Working level of organizational skills
• Proficient computer skills in MS Office and database applications

• Ability to train/teach specific and detailed processes to learners of a broad range of abilities.
• Lead teams in process change and implementation.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Work in a team environment and/or independently as necessary.
• Maintain a…