ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                      Sterile Processing Educator

REPORTS TO POSITION:        Sterile Processing Manager

DEPARTMENT:                         Sterile Processing

DATE LAST REVIEWED:          July 2026

OUR VISION:                Creating America’s healthiest community, together

OUR MISSION:             In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:              Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY: Sterile Processing is responsible for cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments, sets, and scopes, and building case carts for all procedural departments (Operating Room (OR), Medical Diagnostic Unit (MDU), and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab).

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Sterile Processing Educator serves as a subject matter expert, leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of education that advances evidence-based sterile processing practices, regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, and patient safety. This role applies advanced technical expertise across all areas of sterile processing to assess learning needs, design and delivery competency-based education, evaluate staff proficiency, and support the ongoing professional development of sterile processing technicians.

As a consultant to leaders and staff, the educator promotes adherence to organizational policies, industry standards, and best practices while supporting continuous quality improvement and operational excellence. This role provides expert guidance through competency assessment, workflow evaluation, coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to strengthen individual and team capabilities.

While this position does not directly supervise caregivers, it plays a key role in strengthening individual and team performance through education and mentorship.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of orientation, onboarding, competency-based education, and professional development programs for sterile processing staff.

Develops and delivers education on evidence-based sterile processing practices, including decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, distribution, flexible endoscope processing, and emerging technologies.

Assesses learning needs, evaluates competency, identifies performance gaps, and develops targeted education, coaching, and remediation plans to support individual and departmental performance.

Serves as a subject matter expert and consultant to leaders and staff, promoting compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and nationally recognized standards, including AAMI, AORN, and The Joint Commission.

Collaborates with OR leadership, Infection Prevention, and department leadership on process improvements/updates.

Leads the educational implementation of new instrumentation, equipment, technologies, products, and workflow changes, including pilot testing, competency validation, and staff readiness.

Develops and maintains educational curricula, competency tools, training records, certification documentation, and other learning resources to support compliance and workforce development.

Monitors education, competency, and certification metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, identify improvement opportunities, and support accreditation and regulatory readiness.

Contributes to the development and revision of departmental policies, procedures, and standardized work to reflect evidence-based practice and regulatory requirements.

Provides expert coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback through practice observation, competency assessment, and continuing education, including precepting new staff.

Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate. 

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION:                  

Required: High school diploma or GED.  Must be willing to take additional courses as requested.            

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree    

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

Required: Current CRCST, CBSPD, or IAHCSMM certification in Sterile Processing.      

Preferred: Advanced instrument handling certification. Advanced knowledge of AAMI and AORN procedures and policies.           

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Minimum of five (5) years sterile processing experience. Minimum of three (3) years prior experience educating sterile processing technicians, to include the design and delivery of evidence based education programs.           

Preferred: Three to five years of experience in a Sterile Processing educator position.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

Successful completion of Physical Capacity Evaluation (PCE) prior to employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Continually (75% or more): Standing, walking, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 1-10 pounds, grasping/squeezing, Use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level. 
Frequently (50%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 11-25 pounds. 
Occasionally (25%): Climbing ladder/step stool, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 25-50 pounds, Ability to hear whispered speech level. 
Rarely (10%): Sitting, climbing stairs, keyboard Operation, operation of motor vehicle. 
Exposure to Elemental Factors 
Occasionally (25%): Heat, cold, wet/slippery area, noise, dust, vibration, chemical solution, uneven surface 
Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category 
Risk for Exposure to BBP 

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