Travel Sterile Processing Technician
Lancaster, CA
Encompass Healthcare Staffing
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Sterile Processing Technician 

TITLE: Central Processing Technician
JOB CODE: C5760
DEPARTMENT: Central Processing
REPORTS TO: Central Processing Manager
POSITION LEVEL: Contractor 

Job Objective

Under the supervision of the Central Processing Manager, the Central Processing Technician performs standard department duties requiring a high degree of accuracy. The technician provides technical and clerical assistance in planning, organizing, and controlling workflow to maintain the high standards of service provided by the department. 

Duties and Responsibilities

General Duties

• Case Cart Assembly: Assemble surgical case carts according to Physician Preference Cards and transport them to the designated area of use. 

   

• Instrument Processing: Decontaminate, prepare, assemble, store, and dispense reusable medical equipment. Inspect, prepare, assemble, and wrap surgical instrument trays. 

   

• Equipment Operation: Safely operate sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves) and handle routine cleaning and maintenance of department equipment. 

   

• Quality Control: Maintain and monitor established quality control systems, including biological, chemical, and mechanical indicators. 

   

• Inventory Management: Order, receive, inventory, store, and dispense sterile and non-sterile medical supplies and equipment. Assist with stock and non-stock item tracking. 

   

• Aseptic Standards: Maintain aseptic working conditions within the department through the daily cleaning and disinfecting of work surfaces. 

   

• Communication: Answer and route telephone calls professionally to and from internal and external customers. 

   

• Compliance: Decontaminate reusable equipment strictly adhering to manufacturers’ recommendations (IFUs). 

   

• Team Support: Assist in the orientation, on-the-job training, and project monitoring of new personnel. 

   

• Documentation: Assist in maintaining accurate records, reports, and department statistics. 

   

Non-Essential Duties

• Perform other miscellaneous, related duties as assigned. 

   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of medical terminology, medical products, and surgical instrumentation (typically acquired through at least one year of hospital experience in a facility of comparable size and scope). 

   

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

   

• Strong attention to detail and organizational efficiency. 

   

Abilities

• Ability to learn and master core central processing skills (autoclave operation, wrapping techniques, instrument technology). 

   

• Ability to learn inventory systems, including ordering and restocking shelves. 

   

• Willingness to assume additional department tasks, such as monitoring quality control measures or managing specific supply, computer training, or equipment maintenance projects. 

   

Education and Experience

• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required. 

   

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in Central Processing OR successful completion of coursework leading to certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Surgical Technologist. 

   

Required Licensure and/or Certifications

• Central Service Certification (e.g., CRCST or equivalent) is required. 

   

Key Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Environment: Work is performed throughout the medical facility and primarily within the sterile Central Processing Department. 

   

• Mobility: Requires frequent standing and walking for the majority of the assigned shift. 

   

• Lifting: Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of objects weighing up to and over 50 lbs. 

   

• Physical Effort: Frequent bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and reaching. 

   

• Hazards: Potential exposure to chemical agents and biohazards (blood-borne infectious waste) requiring the strict use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

   

Required Health Documents for All Traveler and Registry Staff

Documentation 

Period of Validity / Requirement 

Physician’s Statement

Must be within the last 12 months.

Drug Screen

Within 30 days prior to the assignment start date.

Proof of TB Test

Skin Test: Within 12 months prior to start.
Chest X-Ray: Proof of Positive TB with Chest X-ray and questionnaire.
T-Spot/TB Gold: Within 12 months prior to start.

T-dap Vaccine

Administered within 10 years of the assignment start date.

MMR Titer
(Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella)

Must show proof of immunity. If negative, a booster is required and the titer must be repeated 6 months post-administration.

Varicella Titer

Must show proof of immunity. If negative, a booster is required and the titer must be repeated 6 months post-administration.

Hepatitis B Titer

Must show proof of immunity. If negative, a booster is required and the titer must be repeated 6 months post-administration.

Mask Fit Test

Must be within the last 12 months.

Ishihara Test

Official record of color-blindness testing results.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, and working conditions for the personnel so classified.