"Lead Central Sterile Technician"

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Lead Central Sterile Technician within Clinical Affairs Department at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM).

The Lead Central Sterile Technician performs work related to the day-to-day operations of Central Sterilization. The Lead Central Sterile Technician also maintains all aspects related to the reprocessing of patient care items in the central sterilization area associated with patient care within the various clinical operations. Additionally, the Lead Central Sterile Technician handles assigned projects, ensures all the needs of Central Sterilization are met and provides work direction and guidance as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitors and operates steam sterilizers, washer disinfectors, cart washer, ultrasonic and related Central Sterilization area equipment.
• Follows standard precautions and established guidelines/protocols in decontamination, prep & pack, and sterilization areas to efficiently process, prepare, and assemble trays, cassettes, and instrument sets.
• Accurately records documentation of loads, items and maintenance procedures appropriately (manually or electronically).
• Actively participates in Quality Assurance (QA) activities and completes all QA checks and documentations promptly and accurately. Performs, records, and verifies DART (Daily Air Removal Test), chemical indicators, biological indicators, washer indicators, and ultrasonic indicators for each applicable cycle. Immediately escalates any failures.
• Maintains adequate supply levels. Conducts accurate inventory counts. Submits inventory tags for ordering in a timely manner before thresholds are reached. Ensures storage rooms always remain organized and compliant with departmental standards.
• Responsible for conducting routine equipment checks for leaks, loose/worn parts or early signs of equipment disrepair or malfunction.
• Responsible for alerting the Program Coordinator to escalate request that are not resolved in a timely manner (1-2 hours after request).
• Communicates with supervisor promptly and effectively to support reliable daily workflow coverage during breaks, staff callouts, and schedule variations; maintains an up-to-date time-off calendar in the sterilization area.
• Prepares cassettes and instruments for Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)exams and process recyclable instruments, providing counts to the Program Coordinator. Adheres to departmental policies, infection control standards, and current federal, state, and Rutgers regulatory requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience

• New Jersey Central Service Certification (HSPA or CBSPD) is required.
• Two (2) years of experience in a health care, medical or dental setting or a closely related setting using sterile procedures.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently walking and reaching (overhead, extensive, and repetitive).
• Must have the ability to lift/push/pull greater than 75 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Noise, busy area, temperature fluctuations (hot-cold).