2390-Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Title: Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician

Job Code: 2390

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs cleaning and sterilization duties in the Sterile Processing and Distribution Department or ancillary units of a hospital or other medical service facility.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The 2390 Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician is distinguished from the 2392 Senior Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician in that the latter functions as the first-line supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. In accordance with the principles of aseptic technique, disassembles, inspects, prepares and decontaminates instruments, equipment, supplies and materials in the Sterile Processing and Distribution Department.

2. Assembles for sterilization linen and instrument packs, trays and other items used in the operating room or in other areas of the hospital; inspects them for size, weight, density and wrapping.

3. Wraps, marks, dates, labels, inspects and rotates equipment, supplies and materials; sorts, inspects, repairs and folds surgical linen and other special surgical items; wraps linen packs for sterilization.

4. Operates autoclaves, steam and gas sterilizers and other processing equipment; conducts spore tests; maintains related records and files; as necessary, arranges for repairs of equipment with 2392 Senior Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician.

5. Stocks shelves with items and maintains predetermined inventory levels; identifies patient chargeable items and verifies patient-care unit conformity to charging procedures.

6. Dispenses and distributes equipment, supplies and materials from the Sterile Processing and Distribution Department to patient-care units, clinics and services; loads, cleans and inspects distribution carts; returns used non-disposable items to Sterile Processing and Distribution Department for recycling.

7. Advises hospital staff on the use of equipment, supplies and materials; suggests possible substitute items in the event of supply shortages.

8. Maintains clean and orderly work areas in the Sterile Processing and Distribution Department including checking the cleanliness of sterilizers on both a daily and periodic basis.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: the methods, procedures and purposes of Sterile Processing and Distribution operations; the basic principles of microbiology, aseptic and sterilization techniques; methods and procedures of ordering and stocking supplies, and considerable knowledge of the uses, parts and materials of a wide variety of medical instruments and devices.

Ability and Skill to: perform duties accurately and independently; to establish priorities and determine work schedules; to exercise judgement in identifying and appropriately referring problems; and to relate well to hospital employees and staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:

License and Certification:

Possession of a valid Central Service Certificate or a Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician Certificate issued by one of the following:

1) International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM)

or

2) Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD)

Substitution:

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Nature of duties requires: some physical effort and dexterity in use of fingers and hands with some exposure to abrasion, cuts or bruises and to some disagreeable elements inherent in handling hospital equipment, supplies and materials.

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 2392 Senior Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician

ORIGINATION DATE: 1/3/1977

AMENDED DATE: 7/31/2015; 03/26/2018

REASON FOR AMENDMENT To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation