The Sterile Processing Supervisor assists the Sterile Processing Manager in providing leadership and management within sterile processing and within region as needed. The Supervisor is responsible and accountable for the coordination of the 24 hour/7 day a week operational and clinical activities. Responsibilities include but are not limited to personnel management to include personnel selection, orientation/training, scheduling, development/mentoring, performance appraisals, coaching and counseling, and disciplinary actions, intradepartmental and interdepartmental activities, quality control and process improvement activities, regulatory compliance and assisting with budget. Assists in the development of policies and procedures. In the absence of the Manager/Director, may assume responsibility and accountability for 24-hour management of the assigned department(s).
Essential Job Functions
• Provides leadership and leads the sterile processing staff within the assigned department(s) in the accomplishment of organizational/departmental goals and objectives. Performs the functions of interviewing, hiring, scheduling, establishing priorities and assigning workloads, orientation/training, performance appraisals, coaching/counseling, disciplinary up to and including discharge as coordinated with the Manager or Director and Human Resources. Responsible for adhering to established human resource management policies and procedures.
• Coordinates and participates in the daily operation activities for the sterile processing unit. Responsible for the direction and development of all sterile processing functions. Performs duties of the sterile processing tech.
• Participates in the development of and assists with implementation of an education plan that addresses individual and departmental needs. Directs the orientation and training of new staff and provides ongoing education to staff. Creates an environment in which personnel can realize personal growth and development through active participation in departmental decisions, opportunities for professional growth and consistent application of personnel policies.
• Plans appropriate staffing practices by maximizing the utilization of resources; forecasts and anticipates the personnel needs of department(s) and productivity standards; maintains staffing at agreed upon budgetary standards.
• Assists Manager/Director with the development, implementation and maintenance of departmental policies, procedures and practices to ensure quality of care and a safe environment for patient/residents/staff.
• Organizes ongoing communication between Sterile Processing and all customers regarding all aspect of the department(s) Acts to resolve conflicts in a timely manner. Develops collaborative relationships with customers to enhance quality practice and quality outcomes.
• Participates in both short and long term planning for departmental functions and budgetary processes and fiscal control.
• Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency safety standards relevant to job performance and ensures staff adherence to the same. Monitors and ensures compliance with quality and regulatory standards
• Prevents, minimizes and/or corrects risks to patients/residents, families, physicians, and other health care providers. Investigates unusual occurrences and follows appropriate procedure.
• Utilizes process improvement principles to assess and improve the quality of departmental functions. Develops quality initiatives as appropriate based on, Quality data, employee satisfaction scores, regulatory compliance, and/or other issues identified.
• Acts as a resource for customers.
• Identifies needs and sets goals for own professional growth and development, meets all mandatory system/departmental educational requirements. Maintains knowledge of current clinical trends and developments as it relates to job scope.
• Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job performance.
