Sterile Processing Technician

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment. This role is critical in ensuring that all instruments and equipment used in medical procedures are sterile, functioning properly, and ready for use. May require working evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on the facility's needs.

Responsibilities

• Receive, sort, and decontaminate surgical instruments and equipment.
• Use appropriate cleaning agents and techniques to remove all biological material.
• perate and maintain decontamination equipment such as washers, disinfectors, and ultrasonic cleaners.
• Inspect instruments and equipment for cleanliness, proper function, and wear.
• Assemble instrument sets and trays according to established protocols.
• Ensure all instruments are complete and in good working condition.
• Package, wrap, and label instruments and equipment for sterilization.
• perate autoclaves, sterilizers, and other related equipment.
• Monitor and document sterilization cycles to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of sterilized items and equipment.
• Monitor inventory levels and report shortages or discrepancies.
• Ensure proper storage of sterile supplies and equipment to prevent contamination.
• Adhere to strict infection control protocols and procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance and quality control checks on sterilization equipment.
• Participate in continuing education and training to stay current with best practices and industry standards.
• Work closely with surgical teams, nurses, and other healthcare staff to meet their instrument and equipment needs.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure timely and accurate processing of instruments.
• Provide training and guidance to new or less experienced sterile processing staff.

Qualifications

• Ability to accurately follow procedures and protocols.
• Proficiency in handling small, delicate instruments.
• Capability to stand for extended periods and lift heavy equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with healthcare staff.
• Ability to serve as a preceptor and a mentor by fostering teaching environment. Position eligible for preceptor premium pay with completion of preceptor education and leader approval.

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED required

Certification:

• Sterile Processing Tech Certification required

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture. 
Benefits Overview UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits. 
Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.
Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist. 
Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.
Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.
FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses. 
Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers. 
Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.
EEO Statement UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.  It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.