Dental - Sterile Processing Technician

MHC Healthcare is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to join the Operations team at the Wilmot Health Center, located in the heart of Tucson, AZ. The Sterile Processing Technician performs sterile processing of reusable instruments and equipment, and ensures proper operation and maintenance of autoclaves and other equipment in accordance with professional standards and requirements. MHC Healthcare is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC), with 13 sites in Tucson and Pima County. Our mission is to improve our Community by providing exceptional, whole-person healthcare.

The following qualifications are required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in a related healthcare role requiring similar skills
• Successful completion of an accredited Sterile Processing Technician certificate program or equivalent training
• Current Arizona driver’s license with clean driving record and proof of current vehicle insurance (39-month MVR will be run by MHC)

The following qualifications are preferred:

• Associate degree in a related field
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRST)
• Experience with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if applicable and must be directly related to the functions and body of knowledge required to successfully perform the job.

This position has the following supervisory responsibility:
Does not direct or supervise others.

The ideal candidate will also possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of infection control protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with the application of all applicable Joint Commission Accreditation standards and sterilization reporting requirements.
• Ability to comply with all state and federal regulations.
• High level of accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Computer proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service, organizational, and communication skills with emphasis on responsiveness, building trust, mutual respect, and courtesy.
• Demonstrates cultural competence and commitment to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through work performance and professional interactions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors equipment and supply levels to ensure that clean and sterile packages of supplies and equipment are readily available.
• Inventories and maintains appropriate quantities of instruments and equipment ready for use by:
• continually checking for outdated items and package integrity of wrapped sterile items,
• providing replacement instruments as necessary,
• restocking instruments and equipment per operational guidelines and,
• maintaining other related supplies and equipment at appropriate stock levels.
• Performs environmental maintenance and inventory level in the sterile processing area in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) guidelines.
• Collects, washes, and sterilizes instruments from applicable sites.
• Assembles, wraps, and sterilizes trays of instruments in accordance sterilization policy and procedures and regulatory guidelines.
• Accurately labels each item with name and expiration date.
• Monitors and responds to biological, physical, and chemical indicators to ensure quality and consistency for sterilization of instruments and medical equipment.
• Maintains an accurate and timely log of all autoclaved loads, verifies complete sterilization, and assembles pre-packed instrument trays.
• Cleans and prepares instruments and equipment according to the manufacturers’ instructions for sterilization.
• Inspects instruments for damage or defects and verifies proper function of pouch and instruments.
• Positions items correctly in sterilizer and selects proper sterilization cycle.
• Sterilizes instruments and equipment according to set standards using steam processing.
• Correctly operates sterilizers, ultrasonic washer, and other equipment for processing items.
• Performs monitoring, cleaning, and maintenance of sterilizers according to policies and procedures.
• Maintains compliance with all local, state, federal and accrediting agencies relevant to all sterilization activities.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary work environment.
• Performs weekly inspections and inventory of all sterile times.
• Maintains the availability of supplies for continuity or recording throughout the sterilization process.
• Orders supplies used in the sterilization process.
• Assists with maintaining established policies and procedures, performance objectives, quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection prevention standards.
• Prepares and assists with applicable record keeping requirements.
• Participates in educational programs and workshops.
• Leads or participates in relevant committees or special projects.

Benefits:
MHC Healthcare’s vision is to be the premier provider and employer in community health. To support our mission and vision in our community, MHC Healthcare believes health and well-being must start at home. Therefore, employees have many opportunities to care for our own health and wellness with benefits such as:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
403(b) with employer contribution
Short-term disability and other benefits
Paid time off including 11 holidays plus vacation and sick leave accrual
Paid bereavement, jury duty, and community service time
Employee discount for medical/dental/behavioral health services ($500 per year for full-time)
Education reimbursement ($3,000 per year for full-time)

MHC Healthcare will recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, all personnel actions such as compensation, promotion, demotion, benefits, transfers, staff reductions, terminations, reinstatement and rehire, company-sponsored training, education and tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs will be administered in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity.

Salary : $500 - $3,000