High Level Disinfection Specialist 2

Scope of Position

The HLD amp; Sterilization Specialist is responsible to assess, address activities of planning, implementation, and evaluation specific to regulatory compliance in clinical practice and operations in all areas that use high level disinfection and ambulatory sterilization across The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Health System and supporting OSUP entities. The HLD amp; Sterilization Specialist assesses and directs HLD and Sterilization on any unit outside of CSS proper for the Health system and OSUP, including 17 sites on and off campus that totals 66 departments and over 200 staff members who conduct either HLD or Sterilization processing. These departments process over 200,000 surgical items per year.

The HLD amp; Sterilization Specialist functions as a primary resource for unit staff and leadership, working in collaboration with epidemiology, to provide the support necessary to operationalize effective infection prevention and control processes; prioritize and oversee action planning for areas identified as high risk to safety or compliance, regulatory standards related to renovations, new buildings, and review of current practices by conducting quarterly audits. Recommendations follow guidelines/standards of applicable professional organizations, as well as the requirements of the CMS, TJC and other applicable federal, state and local regulatory and/or accrediting agencies as they relate to high level disinfection and sterilization processes.

The HLD amp; Sterilization Specialist provides evidence based best practices, policies and training in order to meet and maintain industry and regulatory standards across the Health System and OSUP. Maintaining a culture of cooperation, enthusiasm and mutual respect, the HLD/Sterilization Program Analyst serves as an integral member of both the operational and clinical teams in the Perioperative Department and associated ambulatory areas.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree with at least 2-4 years experience in sterile processing and/or High Level Disinfection Processing leadership, or equivalent combination of education or experience. Certification as CRCST required through IAHCSSM or CSCBD upon hire and the completion of 1 more certification CIS, HCL, or CER within 1 year of hire for a total of two. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as a high level of attention to detail and the ability to creatively solve practical problems dealing with many perioperative and ambulatory variables.