Sterile Processing Supervisor / Nights

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• Coordinates and oversees daily operations between the Operating Room (OR) and Central Sterile Services Department (CSS) to support efficient surgical case flow.

• Assists with projects and process improvement initiatives in alignment with organizational policies, goals, and expectations.

• Promotes customer service and satisfaction by addressing and resolving staff and physician concerns.

• Maintains knowledge of cleaning, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment in accordance with industry standards.

Standards and Compliance

• Follows current standards and guidelines from:

  • Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)

  • Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)

  • International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM)

• Demonstrates awareness of personal and workplace safety at all times.

• Uses evidence-based practices (EBP) while performing duties.

• Complies with facility safety policies, including those related to bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases.

• Maintains knowledge of aseptic techniques and basic microbiology to understand disease transmission and the importance of sterile supplies in patient care.

• Attends training related to new sterilization practices and microbiology developments affecting sterile supply operations.

Operational Coordination

• Acts as a liaison between the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) and the Operating Room (OR) to maintain workflow.

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with clinical nurse leaders and surgeons.

• Collaborates with Clinical Team Leaders, SPD staff, and surgical resources coordinators to resolve operational issues.

• Identifies and recommends instrument purchases to prevent workflow conflicts.

• Works with the SPD Educator to develop and deliver in-service training programs.

Instrument and Supply Management

• Assesses required supplies for standard surgical procedures and prepares case carts.

• Maintains inventory and performs the following for instruments and patient care equipment:

  • Collection

  • Disassembly

  • Inspection

  • Cleaning

  • Disinfection

  • Reassembly

• Communicates with CSS staff prior to surgical cases to confirm instrument and supply needs.

• Ensures required supplies are available or provides alternatives when necessary.

• Makes recommendations regarding maintenance and updates of physician preference cards.

Customer Service and Communication

• Communicates effectively using strong interpersonal and professional communication skills.

• Serves, manages, and supports internal and external customers, including physicians, staff, and patients.

Professional Development

• Demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development through education and training.

• Participates in educational programs and skill-building initiatives.

• Contributes to improvements in clinical care and workplace health.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Assists with orientation and training of new personnel.

• Serves as a mentor and preceptor for sterile processing technician students.

• Supports the development of new preceptors and team members.

• Encourages continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the healthcare team.

• Builds positive relationships across departments and disciplines.

Performance Improvement and Quality Initiatives

• Demonstrates knowledge of performance improvement tools and methodologies.

• Supports the integration of research and best practices into daily operations.

• Shares improvements and best practices with other units or across the healthcare system.

• Participates in task forces, committees, and departmental initiatives.

Operational Leadership

• Evaluates staff schedules and adjusts assignments based on departmental needs.

• Directs department workflow during off-shifts, weekends, or in the absence of leadership.

• Reports errors in real time to the SPD Manager, SPD Educator, and OR Surgical Technicians.

• Maintains a working knowledge of decontamination and sterilization equipment and can troubleshoot issues effectively.

• Models team-oriented behaviors and supports frontline employees.

• Serves as a resource for employees and internal/external customers.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other related duties as required.

• This job description represents a general overview of responsibilities and may not include all duties performed in the role.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of sterile processing experience.

• Certification: Sterile Processing Technician Certification (CBSPD or CRCST).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Proficiency with computer systems and technology.

• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow detailed instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Some college coursework or an Associate Degree.

• Experience:

  • 1–2 years of supervisory experience.

  • Experience as a Surgical Technologist.

• Certifications:

  • Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

  • Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)

• Knowledge/Skills: Familiarity with instrument tracking systems such as SPM.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.

• Coordinates and oversees daily operations between the Operating Room (OR) and Central Sterile Services Department (CSS) to support efficient surgical case flow.

• Assists with projects and process improvement initiatives in alignment with organizational policies, goals, and expectations.

• Promotes customer service and satisfaction by addressing and resolving staff and physician concerns.

• Maintains knowledge of cleaning, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment in accordance with industry standards.

Standards and Compliance

• Follows current standards and guidelines from:

  • Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)

  • Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)

  • International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM)

• Demonstrates awareness of personal and workplace safety at all times.

• Uses evidence-based practices (EBP) while performing duties.

• Complies with facility safety policies, including those related to bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases.

• Maintains knowledge of aseptic techniques and basic microbiology to understand disease transmission and the importance of sterile supplies in patient care.

• Attends training related to new sterilization practices and microbiology developments affecting sterile supply operations.

Operational Coordination

• Acts as a liaison between the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) and the Operating Room (OR) to maintain workflow.

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with clinical nurse leaders and surgeons.

• Collaborates with Clinical Team Leaders, SPD staff, and surgical resources coordinators to resolve operational issues.

• Identifies and recommends instrument purchases to prevent workflow conflicts.

• Works with the SPD Educator to develop and deliver in-service training programs.

Instrument and Supply Management

• Assesses required supplies for standard surgical procedures and prepares case carts.

• Maintains inventory and performs the following for instruments and patient care equipment:

  • Collection

  • Disassembly

  • Inspection

  • Cleaning

  • Disinfection

  • Reassembly

• Communicates with CSS staff prior to surgical cases to confirm instrument and supply needs.

• Ensures required supplies are available or provides alternatives when necessary.

• Makes recommendations regarding maintenance and updates of physician preference cards.

Customer Service and Communication

• Communicates effectively using strong interpersonal and professional communication skills.

• Serves, manages, and supports internal and external customers, including physicians, staff, and patients.

Professional Development

• Demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development through education and training.

• Participates in educational programs and skill-building initiatives.

• Contributes to improvements in clinical care and workplace health.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Assists with orientation and training of new personnel.

• Serves as a mentor and preceptor for sterile processing technician students.

• Supports the development of new preceptors and team members.

• Encourages continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the healthcare team.

• Builds positive relationships across departments and disciplines.

Performance Improvement and Quality Initiatives

• Demonstrates knowledge of performance improvement tools and methodologies.

• Supports the integration of research and best practices into daily operations.

• Shares improvements and best practices with other units or across the healthcare system.

• Participates in task forces, committees, and departmental initiatives.

Operational Leadership

• Evaluates staff schedules and adjusts assignments based on departmental needs.

• Directs department workflow during off-shifts, weekends, or in the absence of leadership.

• Reports errors in real time to the SPD Manager, SPD Educator, and OR Surgical Technicians.

• Maintains a working knowledge of decontamination and sterilization equipment and can troubleshoot issues effectively.

• Models team-oriented behaviors and supports frontline employees.

• Serves as a resource for employees and internal/external customers.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other related duties as required.

• This job description represents a general overview of responsibilities and may not include all duties performed in the role.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of sterile processing experience.

• Certification: Sterile Processing Technician Certification (CBSPD or CRCST).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Proficiency with computer systems and technology.

• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow detailed instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Some college coursework or an Associate Degree.

• Experience:

  • 1–2 years of supervisory experience.

  • Experience as a Surgical Technologist.

• Certifications:

  • Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

  • Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)

• Knowledge/Skills: Familiarity with instrument tracking systems such as SPM.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.