SPD Supervisor, Education & Quality - Mainland Hospital

The Sterile Processing Educator & Quality Supervisor is responsible for the formal and informal written SPD training program in compliance with the policies and procedures, national standards and accreditations related to sterilization and high-level disinfection of reusable devices. Facilitates training of new and existing SPD staff through educational programs and job-specific instruction. Improves SPD processes by facilitating the application of new technology for reusable medical devices by training all new and existing staff. Monitors and revises SPD educational programs for both new and existing staff with the most current and up-to-date industry standards. Documents and assesses staff's training to identify areas of strength and opportunities. Develops an education plan (literature review, continuing education, in-services, certification and/or formal education) to maintain and improve knowledge in specialized areas of processing reusable medical devices. Participates in tracking, trending and analyzing education and quality assurance data. Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations and/or prepares reports based on findings. Develops, conducts and facilitates the semiannual educational forum to share best practices and changes within the industry. The sterile processing educator will be required to travel to various work locations, consulting with the hospitals, physician practices and clinics to help educate clinical management and techs about processing procedures. This job works in partnership with the SPD QA Data Manager and corporate director to identify opportunities for Lean practices, cost reductions and inventory control management (i.e., tray consolidations, consumable supply alternatives, enhanced safety measures and the like).

Job Responsibilities Include:

1. Providing initial orientation and continuing on-the-job training for new and established SPD employees.
2. Monitoring and revising SPD education programs and assisting with policy development/revision for transportation, decontamination, preparation/assembly, sterilization/disinfection, distribution and storage of reusable medical equipment for the health system.
3. Developing and providing training to employees to fully comply with provisions of safety regulations and infection control procedures and principles.
4. Identifying the training needs of device reprocessing technicians, developing training plans and arranging training to meet the needs of employees.
5. Creating learning plans that meet the needs of individual and specific groups. Evaluating and documenting results of learning activities.
6. Participating in tracking and trending educational and quality assurance data. Responsible for conducting competencies, managing documentation and recording maintenance for all team members' competencies. Conducting audits of staff training records to ensure compliance with governing guidelines.
7. Evaluating employee competency on proper procedures and methods based on department and hospital policies.
8. Evaluating employee compliance with established standard operating procedures (SOP). This includes posting and maintaining current documents of SOP, Competencies and Instructions for Use (IFU) documents on a regular basis.
9. Developing, monitoring and revising SPD educational programs for both new and existing employees.
10. Being expected to display understanding of governing regulations, such as hospital/departmental policies.
11. Creating a positive environment conducive to learning and development. Creating a climate of innovation through role modeling, consultation, research and facilitation of learning.
12. Acting as the subject matter expect to provide clinical staff education as it relates to SPD. Assisting with data collection and quality improvement initiatives within sterile processing and surgical services.
13. Performing random proactive quality checks. Collecting, tracking, researching, resolving and providing follow-up with SPD leadership on collected data related to instrumentation and supplies.
14. Routinely working various shifts to perform quality checks and providing training to the off shifts.
15. Developing program to monitor and review biological control culturing procedures for sterilizers to ensure equipment is operating according to standards.
16. Developing and maintaining a tracking system for materials and equipment prepared and issued by SPD in the event of a recall.
17. Working with the SPD leadership team in the planning and implementation of clinical service unit and departmental goals, development of policy and procedures, and annual competencies.
18. Assisting leadership in the collection of other data for performance improvement initiatives, if needed.
19. Performing other duties as assigned and being flexible to step in as a working supervisor on the floors as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Certified Registered Central Sterilization Technician (CRCST) or CBSPD certification as mandated by NJDOH required. Certification as an instrument specialist (CIS) preferred. Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) within 2 years of hire required and Certified Endoscope Processor Certification (CFER or CER) preferred.
• EXPERIENCE: Supply chain management, Lean Six Sigma methodology, Microsoft applications, computer skills a must, instrument tray tracking system required, creating schedules, payroll, developing and creating dashboards, strategic planning, competency assessments, education and advanced knowledge base in all sterile processing systems.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Demonstrates the ability to perform the department-specific competencies as listed on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Potential for exposure to the hazards and risk of the hospital environment, including exposure to infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, hazardous substances and potential injury. This position requires extensive walking and standing and occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.

Essential functions of this position are listed on the department-specific Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to the SPD QA Safety Data Manager

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.