Educator & Quality Assurance Specialist - CLC Sterile Processing

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or equivalent, Associate's degree in related field or 7 years'experience as supervisor with a background in Instrument Processing. Certified RegisteredCentral Service Technician (CRCST) and CHL Certification in Healthcare Leadership(IAHCSMM) are required. PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: Five years recent leadership experience in the Sterile Processing or Operating Room,Certified Registered Central Service Technician Certification (CRCST) and CertifiedInstrument Specialist (CIS). JOB SUMMARY: The Educator and Quality Assurance Specialist for the Sterile Processing Departmentworks to promote the development of a motivated and cohesive team and supportseducational strategies to enhance staff knowledge with respect to processing practices andservice delivery. Supporting the Central Sterile Reprocessing operations and ensuringcompliance and standardization, the Educator/QA Specialist has responsibility to monitorand improve the processes used at the University of Texas Medical Branch SterileProcessing Department. This role will also have responsibility to audit High LevelDisinfection procedures within the department to ensure that all polices and best practicesregarding instrument reprocessing and sterilization are being followed. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Develops and implements a comprehensive orientation and education program forSterile Processing staff.• Provides the technical expertise regarding standards and best practices in the fieldof sterile reprocessing especially as it relates to all appropriate regulatory agencieswho govern those standards.• Monitors all Sterile Processing Department quality systems and performs necessaryaudits for compliance practices, instrument sets in the Decontamination area,Assembly, Sterilization, Storage, and Case Cart preparation.• Audits the flow of instruments from SPD, through surgical procedures in the O.R.and back to SPD Decontam, making recommendations for improvement throughoutthe process.• Actively participates in service failure investigations, identifying root causes,developing and leading implementation of corrective actions, and conducting postimplementation reviews within the department.• Work with all departments and campuses to maintain proper documentation for thewashers and sterilization testing and operating processes.• Performs auditing of high level disinfection processes for all Sterile ProcessingDepartments at UTMB. Responsible for the systematic measurement, auditing andreporting of performance results and internal improvements in quality. • Collaborates with SPD front line staff and supervisors to resolve issues associatedwith processes within SPD (Included but not limited to work flow, equipmentrestrictions, etc.) • Coordinates education/in-service schedules for Sterile Processing staff.• Serves as an interdepartmental liaison to assess operational educational needs.• Participates in collaborative interdepartmental approaches to develop and enhancean integrated system of care, as appropriate.• Assists with the coordination of all joint operations for the program with both internaland external sources. Works with other campus departments to establishcollaborative programs.• Works with department managers, Infection Control and administration to establishquality standards and practices.• Maintains the quality assurance and performance standards programs for allcampuses.• Assists the departmental Manager in identifying and evaluating the need for newequipment, supplies, communication services, and information services for all areasof the program.• Utilizes Incident Reporting system for trending areas in need of improvement.Follows up on incident report communications• Conducts and incorporates an annual needs assessment for competency of staff. Equal Employment Opportunity UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.