Position Summary / Scope of Responsibility
The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation’s largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. With approximately 2,000 employees, working in 28 Divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 Million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedics provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.
The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment within the surgery center. This role plays a critical part in preventing infection by ensuring that all instruments and supplies used in surgical procedures are properly cleaned, sterilized, and available when needed. The Sterile Processing Tech works closely with surgical staff to support patient care and maintain a safe, efficient operating environment.
This position will support operations at Watkins Mill Surgery Center, ensuring efficient daily workflows and high-quality patient care delivery. Watkins Mill Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, serving the DMV region and specializing in orthopedic surgery and pain management.
Primary Responsibilities
The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the Mission, Core Values and Operating Principles of CAO.
Sterile Processing Duties:
- Maintain a clean and orderly sterile processing area, including counters, shelves, and equipment.
- Follow sterilization process policies and manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning all instruments.
- Inspect instruments for damage or defects; lubricate and test for proper functionality.
- Sort and arrange instruments into trays according to established protocols.
- Wrap and label trays/items with accurate names and expiration dates.
- Operate sterilizers, ultrasonic washers, and other equipment correctly; monitor cycles and seek assistance when needed.
- Perform required biological and chemical monitoring tests on all sterilizers; maintain accurate logs.
- Clean sterilizers and ensure all equipment indicators are functioning properly.
- Monitor and replace outdated or compromised sterile items.
- Maintain and restock inventory for the sterile processing area.
- Update instrument tray lists and document items loaned or returned to external facilities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Infection Control Responsibilities:
- Support the development and implementation of the facility’s Infection Control Program.
- Ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols and regulatory standards.
- Monitor infection trends and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
- Participate in education, audits, committee meetings, and staff training on infection control practices.
- Conduct outbreak investigations and report communicable diseases in accordance with public health laws.
- Monitor and evaluate employee compliance with infection control procedures.
- Maintain accurate infection control logs and employee exposure records.
- Serve as an educational resource on infection prevention and control for staff.
- Collect, organize, and summarize data on infections for submission to the Medical Advisory Committee.
- Recommend and review antiseptic/disinfectant products to ensure compliance with current standards.
- Performs all duties in compliance with local, state, federal laws, and CAO policies and guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- At least 2 years of Sterile Processing experience required, preferably in an ASC environment.
- A combination of relevant education and experience that equates to the requirements above may be considered.
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of products required. Experience working with medical record systems preferred.
- Proficient knowledge of medical terminology.
Competencies / Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong Interpersonal Skills - Ability to develop relationships and collaborate to achieve assignments
- Confident and critical thinker who will seek input to ensure accuracy.
- Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment with a proven track record of results.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Able to work independently.
- Exudes professionalism in presentation.
- Must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in the English language.
Physical Demands
- Some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a standard work shift, to lift fifty (50) pounds unassisted
- Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting.
- Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, medical equipment, fax machine, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
- Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over telephone.
- Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
- Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including visual examination of the instruments, as well as reading materials from printed sources and computer screens.
- Requires potential exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment.