Sterile Processing Technician I/II

Under close supervision (Sterile Processing Technician I), or general supervision (Sterile Processing Technician II) are assigned to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) or Santa Paula Hospital and responsible for decontamination, inspection, testing, sorting, assembling, packaging, distributing and collecting a variety of reusable medical and surgical equipment, instrumentation and supplies, and operating steam autoclaves and gas plasma sterilizers in the sterilization of instrumentation.
 
The ideal candidate for this position is an individual with the highest standards of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to quality in ensuring the safety and value of healthcare practices. They will possess a unique combination of technical expertise/proficiency and a deep understanding of infection control protocols. Other attributes would include adherence to protocols, quality assurance, team collaboration, problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous learning.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
 
The Sterile Processing Technician I is the entry level classification in the Sterile Processing Technician series and reports to the Sterile Processing Manager/Director. Incumbents receive initial training in the techniques and procedures essential to the classification's duties.

The Sterile Processing Technician II is the fully qualified journey level classification in the Sterile Processing Technician series and reports to the Sterile Processing Manager/Director.

APPROXIMATE SALARIES
Sterile Processing Technician I:  $21.00 - $27.11 per hour
Sterile Processing Technician II:  $21.00 - $29.11 per hour

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE:  Incumbents may be eligible for educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

DEPARTMENT/AGENCY:  Health Care Agency – Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH)

Sterile Processing Technician I and Sterile Processing Technician II are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

These are Intermittent positions. An Intermittent Employee is a person employed for intermittent/temporary work on a day-to-day basis. This Intermittent position will be assigned weekends and some shifts during the week.
 
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-term), Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies. There are currently three (3) Intermittent vacancies.
 
NOTE:  If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE 
OPENING DATE:  11/21/24                                                        
CLOSING DATE:  Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive enough qualified applications to meet business needs. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspects, tests, cleans, decontaminates, and sterilizes returned reusable supplies and instrumentation, ensuring all parts have been returned and are operable, selecting appropriate cleaning agents and decontamination and sterilization processes;
• Performs instrument tray rounds and return soiled instruments to Sterile Processing Department;
• Answers phones;
• Operates all equipment in Sterile Processing including, but not limited to, steam sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaner, plasma sterilizers, Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AER), biological incubators, heat sealers, instrument and cart washers;
• Identifies and assembles medical and surgical instrumentation and supplies using count sheets; package in accordance with sterilization modality to be used; generate and attach labels; sterilize instruments and supplies;
• Assembles instruments and distributes sterilized trays as needed;
• Creates and maintains accurate, inventory, sterilization, and testing records and logs;
• Stores and maintains all sterile processing supplies; stocks and maintains processing areas; cleans and tests sterilizers; keeps storage areas clean and orderly; 
• Ensures department policies and procedures are followed; and
• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

Sterile Processing Technicians I:
Candidates must qualify under one of the following options:
 
Option 1:  Six (6) months of experience in an acute care hospital operating sterilizing equipment and cleaning surgical instruments and equipment.
OR
Option 2:  Successful completion of a Central Service Technician/Sterile Processing Technician or Surgical Technician course within the last eighteen (18) months from a school accredited by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)  OR the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) OR Purdue University.
OR
Option 3:  Certification from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)  OR the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) OR National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) OR Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) OR American Surgical Technician Association (ASA).

Sterile Processing Technicians II: 
Two (2) years' experience as a Sterile Processing Technician, in an acute care hospital operating sterilizing equipment and cleaning surgical instruments and equipment.
AND
CERTIFICATION:  Must possess certification as a Central Service Technician/Sterile Processing Technician from one of the following:

• Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)  
• Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) 
• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
• Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
• American Surgical Technician Association (ASA)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Basic knowledge of:  instrument processing techniques, including but not limited to decontamination, assembly, and sterilization; Sterile Processing Department policies and procedures; medical, nursing, and surgical supplies, surgical instruments, and equipment.
 
Basic computer skills.
 
Ability to:  distinguish colors and hear audible alarms; multitask and prioritize in a stressful environment; articulate the use of soaps and detergents, methods of packaging, types of sterilization methods and parameters, infection control practices, high-level disinfection practices, and safe practices in Sterile Processing Department; read and utilize manufacturer's "Instructions for Use" (IFU) processing instructions; systematically arrange similar kinds of stock and/or property into groups or categories according to established criteria; perform repetitive work according to set procedures, sequence and pace; maintain accurate inventory and records; lift, move, sort and carry items weighing up to 45 pounds; operate materials handling and safety equipment; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, vendors and users.

Working Conditions:
Depending on assignments, incumbents may work in a warehouse or in an environment with some disagreeable elements such as noise, dust, fumes, machinery or contagious diseases requiring exercise of safety precautions.FINAL FILING DATE:  This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
 
Note to Applicants:  It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications.  A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.
 
LATERAL TRANSFER OPTION:  If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible.  If interested, please click here for additional information.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – Qualifying:  All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION – Qualifying:  All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to the written examination.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION - 100%: 
A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.

NOTE:  The selection process may consist of an Oral Exam, which may be preceded or replaced with the score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence.  Responses such as "See Resume" or "Refer to Resume" are not acceptable and may disqualify an applicant from further evaluation.

If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, a T&E will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:  A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, and driving record may be required for this position.
 
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Nathan Wood by e-mail at nathan.wood@ventura.org or by telephone at (805) 677-5232.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Salary : $43,680 - $60,549