Summary
The Supervisor of Sterilization is a key component in the support of the CDMA clinics. The Supervisor of Sterilization directly supervises the Sterilization Assistants and is responsible for the inventory management, dispensing, collecting, and processing of dental instruments, equipment, and consumable supplies utilized in the CDMA clinics for the treatment of patients, as well as for the education of student doctors. Additionally, the Supervisor of Sterilization maintains a welcoming atmosphere to improve morale and promote collegiality among student doctors, faculty, and staff. This position reports to the Manager of Dental Clinic Operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for the inventory management of all instruments belonging to the College including safeguarding inventory and developing a replacement schedule for worn or retired instruments.
- Coordination of all disinfection and sterilization activities to assure compliance with regulatory requirements and manufacturer s standards regarding equipment operation and instruments.
- Assure all equipment is maintained in optimal working condition including microbiological testing of equipment, preventative maintenance program and operator training. For tracking purposes the microbiological test, maintenance and training must be properly recorded in a database.
- Maintain and submit Quarterly QA Reports for biological monitoring and dirty instruments
- Maintain the stock of supplies needed to properly run the sterilizing room, such as autoclave bags, steam indicator strips, towels, gowns, gloves, caps, etc.
- Maintain the stock of instruments needed to properly run the patient care clinics and supporting functions.
- Assures all Sterilization Assistants follow proper OSHA and aseptic techniques are trained on the proper use of all equipment.
- Work with other supervisors to maintain smooth daily operations within the clinic
- Maintain the organization, cleanliness and general appearance of sterilization and related storage facilities.
- Development of a distribution and retrieval system to supply instruments to all the clinical areas of the college and compose the related protocols, policy and procedures.
- Educate staff, faculty, and students about sterilization and infection control issues.
- Assists in the budget process by determining adequate surplus purchases and identifying operating costs for chemicals and equipment used in sterilization activities.
- Write and perform annual performance reviews for staff
- Serves on various College Committees dealing with instrumentation and infection control.
- Assist in the training of new employees
- Assist in continuous quality improvement projects within the College.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The position is responsible for the direct supervision of all Sterilization staff members.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner with regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Qualifications
This position requires a significant amount of interaction with the public and many internal customers and vendors, therefore, the individual must be able to develop positive rapport effectively. The ability to maintain a professional demeanor, be detail oriented and promote a welcoming atmosphere is essential. The individual must have the ability to become familiar with dental software programs.
Education and/or Experience
The Supervisor of Sterilization must have the following qualifications and skills:
- High school diploma or GED required, Associates degree preferred.
- A minimum of 5-7 years relevant experience in the operation of sterilization equipment and packaging of instruments, preferably in an academic environment. 3 years of previous supervisory or prior leadership skills are highly preferred.
- The ability to identify dental materials and instrumentation related to dental procedures.
- Experience working in a team and customer service-oriented environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Additional Qualifications & Skills
- Managerial experience is an asset.
- Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs and database management skills.
- In stressful circumstances, identifies, evaluates and addresses the needs of faculty, students, patients, staff and related stakeholders.
- Demonstrates excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Adapts to changing priorities and works under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrates strategic and tactical planning skills.
- Demonstrates effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills as related to problem-solving and conflict management are essential.
- Demonstrates judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in areas related to policies and protocol.
- Demonstrates pleasant and professional customer-service skills.
- Demonstrates ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative fashion.
- Previous experience in an educational institution and/or a dental institution is desired.
- The individual must have the ability to learn and utilize the dental software management system.
Computer Skills
Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Ability to become familiar with our dental software management system.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and sit. The employee must frequently lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.