Sterile Processing Specialist IV

Description:
The Sterile Processing Program Manager is responsible for directing the regional sterile processing quality program. The quality program includes all state and federal regulation standards for all the perioperative, sterile processing, and scope reprocessing areas across the Northwest region. This position is responsible for AR&L for CME, AAAHC and JC standards and practices. This position serves as part of the Surgical Services Leadership Team and is responsible for assessing, designing, developing, administering and measuring technical and performance requirements/skills for all instrument processing across the region. Develops CSP support plan for all operating room (OR) internalization strategies. The position is also responsible for maintaining ongoing review and knowledge of new technologies and instrumentation selections that reduce costs improve quality of sterilization services or advance the quality of care to our members. This position will provide oversight on standards, practices, and education for all regional sterile processing departments and its members.

• Coordinates and facilitates the development and revision of Regional Sterile Processing policies and procedures for hospitals, ASCs and clinics to meet evidence based, clinical or technological changes for organizational needs.  Liaison to infection Control department to ensure the standards for cleaning and processing instruments and equipment are met. In conjunction with Sterile Processing Admin team and site managers, generates recommendations for required space and technology applications. Consult on business strategies, service delivery planning and acquisitions that are or could be supported by Sterile Processing. Challenge practices and preferences of physicians, and OR managers that are out of compliance with clinical standards and agreements. Develop standardization plans for regional roll out including but not limited to: Regional tracking system, Immediate Use Sterilization, administrative practice, staff development/education and other common practices. Assist in overall development of the regional teams, both staff and administration.


• Assists regional management team with analyzing priorities (e.g., educational needs) using a shared decision making model including Sterile Processing administration team, Infection Control, acute and ambulatory managers and appropriate front-line staff. Creates regional sterile processing program priorities. Develops regional standardized service delivery plan. Identifies gaps between performance standards and actual performance. Identifies work environment factors (both internal and external) that may impact performance, Identifies performance evaluation criteria/processes. Identifies educational and/or training strategies to impact performance.


• Directs Standards of Practice based on industry standards and regulations outlined in Joint Commission, CMS, AAAHC and AAMI. Implementation of performance monitoring tools to evaluate and monitor quality assurance processes across all sites. Conduct regular facility on-site audits and tracers for regulatory compliance. Develops appropriate monitoring tools that will assess and document initial and ongoing maintenance of clinical practice. Promotes electronic solutions in SPM database. Directs the education for all sites on optimizing the SPM tools. Supports and assists managers and sterile process supervisors in developing standardized effective processes to implement these tools and serves as a clinical expert to the managers. Provides input on the assessment of initial competencies to managers and assists in the development of work plans to improve performance as needed.  Provides regional coverage and support as needed.


• In collaboration with managers and supervisors, implements clinical competency-based program/products to improve knowledge, skills and competencies needed by employees to meet organizational needs. Provide recommendations on innovative products that prove to bring efficiency and cost savings to the organization. Consults on curriculum and supporting processes to facilitate learning of employees, improve performance, support career development and meet organizational needs. Develop and assist with the implementation of programs to meet current business imperatives and ever-changing corporate climate. Performs other duties as requested.