Job Description

The Manager of High-Level Disinfection is responsible for the efficient management of assigned work areas and is responsible for the integration of services within the organizational setting. This position is responsible for the development, management, oversight and implementation of processes and procedures for high level disinfection and sterilization for the Medical Center, including hospital based and ambulatory care sites. The High‑Level Disinfection (HLD) Manager oversees all activities related to the safe, compliant, and efficient reprocessing of semi‑critical medical devices, including flexible endoscopes and other reusable instruments requiring high‑level disinfection. This role ensures adherence to regulatory standards, manages staff competency, maintains quality assurance programs, and supports patient safety through rigorous oversight of HLD workflows, documentation, and equipment.

Essential Job Statements

• Implements all operational workflows, standards, policies, and procedures related to the decontamination, inspection, sterilization, procurement, storage, organization, and distribution of surgical inventory within the Central Sterile Processing Department.

• Assures that the standards of operation of the department are following the standards set by regulatory agencies, such as the State Department of Health, JCAHO, DEQ and others.

• Provides guidance and assistance to staff with technical problems when necessary. Instruct Central Sterile employees in new techniques. Continually works to upgrade skills of all Central Sterile staff.

• Oversees the interface between sterile processing, surgery, and materials as well as other departments within and outside the organization to ensure that instruments are available as needed to all areas.

• Demonstrate personal ownership and accountability for safety in the department an entire organization role model daily use of the safe behavior expectations for error prevention (BEEP) as personal work habits.

• Support reporting of events and near misses. Facilitate timely evaluation of safety events involving your department or staff and implement planned corrective actions.

• Responsible for helping with accurately managing and preparing the annual budget relating to Central Sterile Processing.

• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning of new programs/strategies and regulatory action as those items impact the VCUHS

• Resolve non-routine and complex escalated operational matters and provides innovative solutions and follow-up accordingly.

• Partner with system leaders, to drive operational initiatives to shape VCUHS culture by ensuring operational designs, structures, and systems are in place that foster an environment of learning, innovation, and agility. 

Patient Population

Not applicable to this position.

Employment Qualifications

Required Education:

Associate degree or high school or 7 years of experience

Combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree

Licensure/Certification Required:

Certification as CRCST or above through HSPA

OR certification as CSPDT or above through CBSPD

Licensure/Certification Preferred:

Certification as CRCST or above through HSPA

OR certification as CSPDT or above through CBSPD

AND

Certification as CHL through HSPA

OR certification as CSPM through CBSPD

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience

Three (3) years of management or supervisory experience within sterile processing

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping, reaching (overhead, extensive, and repetitive);

Repetitive motion: computer keyboard

Cultural Responsiveness:

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills;

Attention to detail and ability to write legibly;

Ability to lift/push/pull 50 - 100lbs.

Working Conditions:

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. *

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *

May have periods of constant interruptions.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Bending

Work Position:

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform Shift Work, Reach above shoulder, Color Vision

Hazards: Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Mental/Sensory – Emotional  

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

Days

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.