What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sterilization Tech - Full Time position at Utah Navajo Health System?
Description
- Location: Monument Valley, Utah
- Full-time Benefits start at: PTO leave, Vacation leave, 12 paid Holidays, 100% Medical/prescription insurance ($0 premium, $0 deductible, $0 copays) for employees and dependents, Life insurance, Retirement plan, wellness benefits. Optional coverage for dental, and short/long term disability.
Requirements
This position will carry out the following responsibilities:
- Instrument Sterilization: You will clean, disinfect, and sterilize dental instruments and equipment following established protocols and guidelines. This includes manual cleaning, operating ultrasonic cleaners, and utilizing autoclaves for sterilization.
- Sterilization Monitoring: You will monitor and document the sterilization process to ensure that instruments are effectively sterilized and comply with infection control standards. This may involve performing and recording spore testing, checking equipment functionality, and maintaining sterilization logs.
- Instrument Maintenance: You will inspect, assemble, and package dental instruments and equipment for sterilization according to manufacturer’s instructions for use. This includes verifying that instruments are in good working condition, properly maintained, and ready for use in patient care.
- Inventory Management: You will assist in managing inventory related to sterilization supplies, such as sterilization pouches, wraps, sterilization indicators, and cleaning solutions. This involves monitoring stock levels, restocking supplies, checking for expired items and ensuring proper storage to maintain their integrity.
- Infection Control Compliance: You will adhere to all infection control protocols and guidelines to prevent the spread of infections and maintain a safe environment. This includes following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, CDC guidelines, and other applicable regulations. (wearing appropriate PPE is an example)
- Equipment Maintenance: You may assist in maintaining and troubleshooting dental equipment, such as autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilization systems. This involves performing routine maintenance, simple repairs, coordinating repairs, and ensuring equipment is functioning properly. Red tag and/or remove defective equipment.
- Team Collaboration: You will work closely with dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, to ensure efficient instrument processing and smooth workflow. Effective communication and collaboration are essential in maintaining sterilization standards.
- Recordkeeping and Documentation: You will maintain accurate records and documentation related to sterilization processes, equipment maintenance, and inventory management. This includes maintaining sterilization logs, cleaning logs, equipment cleaning and maintenance, tracking instrument maintenance, and ensuring compliance with recordkeeping requirements.
- Continuing Education: Staying updated with the latest sterilization techniques, infection control guidelines, and advancements in the field is important. Participating in relevant continuing education courses and retreats can help enhance your knowledge and skills.
- Maintain Policies and Procedures: Assists with maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards.
- Any other tasks, projects, or duties that are requested by the Employee’s supervisor or other UNHS management or administration that is at all reasonably related to UNHS and/or the Employee’s employment with UNHS.
Education & Experience: High School Diploma, National certification as a Central/Sterile Processing Technician or equivalent preferred (preferred).
In accordance with Navajo Nation and federal law, UNHS has implemented an Affirmative Actin Plan pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act.
The NPEA has the following preferences:
1) Enrolled Navajo (must have a CIB).
2) Applicant married to an enrolled Navajo and who has lived on the NN for more than a year.
3) Everyone else (all other tribes and non-Indians).
As a Tribal Organization the Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. (UNHS) treats patients with high risk and underlying chronic medical conditions. Therefore, UNHS requires its employees to show proof of immunization prior to their employment with UNHS or during their employment. Below is a list of immunizations/vaccinations required to be employed or to continue employment with UNHS.
The immunizations/vaccinations include but not limited to following:
- MMR (Measles Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella): Documentation of two MMR vaccines (OR) Documentation of MMR titers.
- Complete Hepatitis B vaccine series (3 doses), documented proof of titers indicating immunity, or a declination that may be signed upon arrival.
- Proof of up-to-date PPD skin testing, if previously negative (OR) Proof of positive PPD skin test with the most recent chest x-ray and treatment history.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
- Varicella titers, history of varicella or varicella immunization series.
- Influenza vaccine for the current year.
- Any other vaccinations as requested.
