At Snoqualmie Valley Health, we’re not just in the business of healthcare; we’re in the business of empowering our community to live boldly and live well. Our commitment to excellence and innovation calls for team members who will build trust, obsess over excellence, lead innovation, and deepen connections within our community. We are guided by our core values, and we’re looking for someone who can embody those principles as part of our dynamic and growing team.
Located in a trailblazing, adventure-loving town at the base of the Cascades, Snoqualmie Valley Health is an independent public hospital district serving a vibrant community that thrives on both adventure and connection. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger.
JOB TITLE: Sterile Processing Technician
POSITION SUMMARY: The Sterile Processing Technician provides operational support for Sterile Processing and Surgical Services. This role serves as a subject matter expert in the processing, preparation, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment and provides operational support for the operating room team. The position provides guidance to other staff within their area of subject matter expertise, assists with workflow coordination, and serves as a liaison between Sterile Processing, Operating Room teams, Materials Management, Infection Prevention, Nursing, and other departments. This role ensures compliance with organizational policies, infection prevention practices, manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs), applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards while promoting patient safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Build Trust: We exhibit integrity, transparency, and compassion in every interaction.
• Promote open, respectful, and professional communication among Sterile Processing, Operating Room, and other clinical teams.
• Provide clear communication regarding instrument availability, processing delays, missing or damaged instruments, equipment concerns, and patient safety issues.
• Encourage staff to promptly report errors, near misses, safety concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain patient, employee, and organizational confidentiality.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, professionalism, and respect in all interactions.
Obsess Over Excellence: We have high standards and seek continuous improvement.
• Ensure surgical instruments and equipment are processed according to manufacturer IFUs, organizational policies, and applicable standards.
• Monitor the preparation and availability of surgical trays, instrument sets, supplies, and equipment to meet scheduled and emergent procedural needs.
• Perform and/or oversee sterilization monitoring, biological and chemical indicator testing, equipment testing, documentation, and quality control activities.
• Identify and escalate instrument, equipment, sterilization, or processing concerns that may impact patient safety or surgical procedures.
• Assist with inventory management, instrument tracking, tray accuracy, and identification of missing, damaged, or outdated equipment.
• Select, prepare, and pass instruments, supplies, and equipment to the surgeon during surgical procedures.
• Participate in quality assurance, audits, competency assessments, performance improvement activities, and regulatory readiness.
• Monitor adherence to infection prevention and patient safety practices within Sterile Processing.
Lead Innovation: We lead with creativity, agility and think bold in our approach.
• Implement and promote effective use of instrument tracking systems, electronic documentation, and other available technologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve Sterile Processing and Operating Room workflows, efficiency, quality, and patient safety.
• Collaborate with perioperative leadership and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement process improvements.
• Evaluate workflow challenges involving instrument availability, case cart preparation, surgical equipment, room turnover, and instrument processing.
• Assist with standardizing instrument sets, preference cards, workflows, and other processes when appropriate.
• Support implementation of new technologies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation.
Deepen Connections: We build strong relationships with our patients, their families and partners in the communities we serve.
• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with surgeons, nurses, Surgical Technologists, Sterile Processing staff, Infection Prevention, Supply Chain, Facilities, and other healthcare partners.
• Serve as a bridge between Sterile Processing and the Operating Room to improve communication and coordination.
• Respond promptly and professionally to urgent surgical requests and changing procedural needs.
• Communicate proactively regarding instrument shortages, processing delays, equipment issues, and other barriers to patient care.
• Promote teamwork and mutual respect among perioperative team members.
• Support a service-oriented culture that recognizes the direct connection between sterile processing, surgical care, and patient safety.
• Participate in interdisciplinary initiatives designed to improve surgical quality, efficiency, and the patient experience.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education:
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing or Surgical Technology program, as applicable to assigned responsibilities.
Preferred Education:
• Associate degree in Surgical Technology, Sterile Processing, Healthcare, or a related field.
Specialty Certification:
•
Current CRCST certification through HSPA or CSPDT certification through CBSPD and:
• Additional specialty certifications related to sterile processing, surgical technology, or perioperative services are preferred.
• Certifications must be maintained in good standing.
Required Experience:
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in Sterile Processing or a combination of relevant perioperative experience.
• Demonstrated experience with decontamination, instrument inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, sterile storage, and surgical instrument management.
• Experience in an ambulatory surgery center, hospital outpatient surgery department, acute-care hospital, or comparable surgical environment preferred.
Skills:
• Advanced knowledge of sterile processing principles, surgical instrumentation, sterilization, disinfection, and infection prevention.
• Strong knowledge of operating room practices, instrumentation, and perioperative workflows.
• Ability to interpret and follow manufacturer IFUs.
• Knowledge of applicable AAMI, AORN, CDC, OSHA, and accreditation standards.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to identify and escalate patient safety and quality concerns appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to urgent surgical needs.
• Proficiency with instrument tracking systems and standard computer applications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in high-stress clinical situations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Office and clinical settings with potential exposure to patient care areas.
• Primary work areas may include Sterile Processing, decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization, sterile storage, Operating Rooms, procedure rooms, and other perioperative areas.
• Potential exposure to blood, body fluids, contaminated instruments, sharps, chemicals, sterilant, heat, moisture, and other occupational hazards.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas.
• Frequent interaction with surgeons, nurses, Surgical Technologists, Sterile Processing staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed.
• May require on-call, overtime, or variable shifts based on surgical volume and departmental needs.
• May require assignment to different clinical areas or facility locations based on operational needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during Sterile Processing activities.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, push, pull, lift, and carry surgical instruments, trays, equipment, and supplies.
• Ability to safely handle and transport instrument sets and surgical equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with instrument inspection, assembly and surgical instrumentation activities.
• Ability to maintain visual and manual attention to detail for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to work in environments requiring prolonged standing.
• Ability to respond quickly to changing surgical needs.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
BENEFITS: We believe in taking care of those who take care of our community. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that puts your health and well-being first. With our flexible medical plan, you’ll have access to multiple in-network tiers, including top-quality care from Snoqualmie Valley Health, Eastside Health, and First Choice/First Health providers. The best part? Anyone covered under our plan can receive care at SVH at no cost! It's all about giving you the options and support you need to experience life’s great adventures.
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Pharmacy
• Life and AD&D
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Other Voluntary Benefits
Benefit Eligibility Requirements - Employees regularly scheduled at least 20 hours per week.
Employee Dependents - Your legal spouse or domestic partner; dependent children until age 26.
Waiting Period - 1st of the month from the date of hire.
PLEASE NOTE:
• The flu vaccine or exception (during flu season) is required for employment, with exemptions available for valid medical or religious reasons.
• Snoqualmie Valley Health is a drug-free workplace. We complete drug screenings as part of our onboarding process.
