SPD Manager

Overview

The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Manager is responsible for the direction and overall operations of the Sterile Processing Department.  The SPD Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of surgical instruments, from decontamination and sterilization to storage and distribution, ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance (like TJC, OSHA, CDC), and operational efficiency through staff management, quality control, budget oversight, and interdepartmental collaboration to support surgical needs.  The SPD Manager will work in collaboration with the Infection Control Manager, and is responsible to develop and maintain an environment that supports quality care in the processing of instrumentation and equipment for the hospital.  The SPD Manager key responsibilities include leading staff training, managing inventory, developing policies, and resolving service issues to maintain high standards for clean, ready-to-use medical devices.  This position will manage the Sterile Processing line by aligning operations and performance improvement training, and capital equipment purchase and maintenance.

 

This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of San Gabriel Valley Medical Center. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The employee shall support San Gabriel Valley Medical Center’s strategic plan and the goals and direction of the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

 

Responsibilities

• Directs daily operations (decontamination, assembly, sterilization, distribution).
• Develops and implements quality/infection control programs in collaboration with the Infection Control Manager.
• Manages instrument tracking, inventory levels, and case cart preparation; identifies waste reduction and cost-saving opportunities.
• Acts as a liaison with surgical, nursing, and other departments to ensure efficient instrument availability and resolve issues.
• Maintain a consistent high standard of supplies, equipment and surgical trays and assure that the department will meet or exceed the Joint Commission requirements and be maintained in a cost effective manner.
• Responsible and accountable for the application of clinical practice to the instrumentation and equipment utilized by clinicians in the care of hospitalized patients.
• Ensures clear communication with Perioperative services and ensure all instruments/equipment are available on time for each procedure with full oversight of quality control following all regulatory guidelines.
• Develops competencies and ensures appropriate staffing.
• Responsible for providing inservice education, maintaining accurate record of the effectiveness of the various processes, and maintaining quality assurance parameters. 
• Responsible for providing supervision and procedural guidance for Sterile Processing Technicians.
• Responsible for providing input to the director of Peri-Operative Services for Sterile Processing employee education.
• Reviews the Biological Monitoring log on a daily basis to ensure the proper recording of the daily test.
• Ensures that the physical environment is clean, safe and attractive for the performance of daily tasks.
• Communicates all incidents, injuries and other information required for the safe, orderly and progressive activities of the department to the Infection Control Manager.
• Demonstrates independent thinking and performance ability in directing the processing, maintenance and dispensing of materials and equipment required by medical and nursing personnel for the care, diagnosis or treatment of patients.
• Demonstrates the ability to organize time, prioritize activities and solve problems.
• Undertakes projects as assigned and when required to assist the department in maximizing the use of its resources.
• Attends meetings with and inservice as required and actively participates in assignments as an active member of the department.
• Can assemble all O.R. and C.S. instrument trays and case carts.
• Responsible for sending instruments for repair following hospital policy.
• Responsible for ordering instruments and supplies as required for Sterile Processing.
• Conducts audits and corrective actions.
• Performs other related duties as deemed necessary.

Qualifications

Education/Training/Experience

 

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Graduate from a Central Sterile Program or Graduate from an accredited surgical technology program
• This position requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a sterile processing, operating room or similar setting, including at least 2 years in a Sterile Processing Supervisory capacity, acquired knowledge of decontamination, and sterilization sciences, case cart systems and medical supplies and surgical equipment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sterile processing, inventory and supply distribution required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

 

Licenses/Certifications:  

 

• Certification from Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution Inc. (CBSPD) or Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certification