Supervisor of Sterile Processing in Snoqualmie, Washington at Snoqualmie Valley Health

At Snoqualmie Valley Health, we’re not just in the business of healthcare; we’re in the business of empowering our community to live boldly and live well. Our commitment to excellence and innovation calls for team members who will build trust, obsess over excellence, lead innovation, and deepen connections within our community. We are guided by our core values, and we’re looking for someone who can embody those principles as part of our dynamic and growing team.

Located in a trailblazing, adventure-loving town at the base of the Cascades, Snoqualmie Valley Health is an independent public hospital district serving a vibrant community that thrives on both adventure and connection. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger.

JOB TITLE: Sterile Processing Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY: The Sterile Processing Supervisor is responsible for the daily operational, technical, and personnel management of Sterile Processing Services. This position provides direct supervision and leadership to Sterile Processing staff, ensuring appropriate staffing, workflow coordination, employee performance, competency development, and accountability while maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant department operations.

The Supervisor oversees all aspects of sterile processing, including decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of medical and surgical instruments and supplies. This role serves as the department's subject matter expert in the processing, preparation, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment and ensures adherence to manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs), organizational policies, infection prevention practices, applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

As a working Supervisor, this position balances direct technical responsibilities with personnel supervision and operational leadership. The Supervisor is accountable for directing daily work activities, managing staffing and schedules within delegated authority, establishing performance expectations, providing coaching and feedback, addressing employee concerns, and supporting recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management. The position serves as the primary point of contact for day-to-day departmental operations and employee concerns and partners with Surgical Services leadership and Human Resources on complex employee relations matters and department-level initiatives.

The Supervisor collaborates with Operating Room, Materials Management, Infection Prevention, Nursing, Facilities, and other interdisciplinary partners to ensure instrument availability, operational readiness, patient safety, and efficient perioperative services. This position promotes a culture of accountability, teamwork, professional development, and continuous improvement while ensuring the department meets organizational and operational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Build Trust – We exhibit integrity, transparency, and compassion in every interaction.

• Provide direct supervision, leadership, and guidance to Sterile Processing staff, establishing clear expectations for performance, conduct, productivity, and professional accountability.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day employee questions, concerns, operational issues, and departmental needs.

• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment that promotes open communication, employee engagement, psychological safety, and accountability.

• Communicate departmental priorities, expectations, policy changes, operational updates, and performance standards to staff.

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, direction, and constructive feedback to employees to support individual performance and professional growth.

• Address employee performance, attendance, punctuality, conduct, and workplace behavior concerns promptly and consistently, escalating issues requiring additional intervention to department leadership and Human Resources.

• Maintain appropriate documentation of employee coaching, performance concerns, attendance issues, and other supervisory matters in accordance with organizational policies.

• Support consistent application of organizational policies, procedures, work rules, and performance expectations.

• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, selection, and hiring recommendations for Sterile Processing personnel in collaboration with department leadership and Human Resources.

• Coordinate employee onboarding, orientation, training, and integration into departmental workflows.

• Maintain patient, employee, and organizational confidentiality.

• Encourage staff to promptly report errors, near misses, safety concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

• Address employee concerns and facilitate resolution of operational and interpersonal issues in a timely and constructive manner.

• Promote open, respectful, and professional communication among Sterile Processing, Operating Room, and other clinical teams.

• Provide clear communication regarding instrument availability, processing delays, missing or damaged instruments, equipment concerns, and patient safety issues.

• Partner with IT, Informatics, clinical leaders, and vendors in implementation and optimization of workflows, EMR, and other software integration.

• Participate in operational readiness assessments, mock scenarios, workflow testing, and regulatory survey preparation to ensure a safe and successful HUB Surgical Center launch.

• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, professionalism, and respect in all interactions.

Obsess Over Excellence – We have high standards and seek continuous improvement.

• Provide direct oversight of daily Sterile Processing operations, ensuring appropriate staffing, workflow coordination, productivity, and completion of departmental responsibilities.

• Establish daily work assignments and delegate responsibilities based on employee competency, workload, operational priorities, and department needs.

• Develop and coordinate staff schedules, monitor attendance and staffing coverage, and address scheduling needs within established departmental guidelines and delegated authority.

• Monitor employee performance, productivity, work quality, and adherence to established departmental standards.

• Ensure staff compliance with departmental policies, procedures, competencies, required education, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Conduct regular employee check-ins and provide ongoing feedback regarding performance, productivity, attendance, and professional expectations.

• Participate in formal employee performance evaluations and provide recommendations regarding performance, recognition, development opportunities, and corrective action.

• Address performance deficiencies through coaching and corrective guidance and partner with department leadership and Human Resources regarding formal disciplinary action when appropriate.

• Identify staffing shortages, performance trends, and operational concerns and develop recommendations to address identified needs.

• Ensure appropriate coverage and coordination of departmental activities during absences, changes in workload, and periods of increased surgical demand.

• Lead operational readiness for HUB Surgery Center Sterile Processing Department (SPD), ensuring policies, procedures, workflows, equipment, supplies, and processes are developed, tested, and implemented prior to go-live.

• Provide daily technical leadership and oversight of Sterile Processing operations, including decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment.

• Ensure surgical instruments and equipment are processed according to manufacturer IFUs, organizational policies, and applicable standards.

• Monitor the preparation and availability of surgical trays, instrument sets, supplies, and equipment to meet scheduled and emergent procedural needs.

• Perform and/or oversee sterilization monitoring, biological and chemical indicator testing, equipment testing, documentation, and quality control activities.

• Identify and escalate instrument, equipment, sterilization, or processing concerns that may impact patient safety or surgical procedures.

• Participate in root cause analyses and quality improvement activities.

• Assist with inventory management, instrument tracking, tray accuracy, and identification of missing, damaged, or outdated equipment.

• Assist with room turnover, equipment cleaning, and preparation for subsequent procedures, as needed.

• Maintain department readiness for regulatory, accreditation, and infection prevention reviews.

• Participate in quality assurance, audits, competency assessments, performance improvement activities, and regulatory readiness. Implement corrective actions as needed.

• Monitor adherence to infection prevention and patient safety practices within both Sterile Processing and the operating room.

• Ensure staff competency requirements are maintained, validated, documented, and addressed when deficiencies are identified.

• Serve as a working Supervisor and perform the essential functions of Sterile Processing Technician as operational needs require.

Lead Innovation – We lead with creativity, agility and think bold in our approach.

• Identify operational gaps, barriers, and readiness risks; in conjunction with Surgical Services/SPD leadership, develop action plans and monitor progress to support successful Sterile Processing Department implementation.

• Establish and monitor departmental workflows, staffing practices, and productivity expectations to support operational effectiveness.

• Evaluate department performance, staffing needs, workload distribution, and resource utilization to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Assist in evaluating new instruments, surgical equipment, technology, supplies, and processing methods.

• Implement and promote effective use of instrument tracking systems, electronic documentation, and other available technologies.

• Identify and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives to improve Sterile Processing and Operating Room workflows, efficiency, quality, and patient safety.

• Collaborate with perioperative leadership and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement process improvements.

• Evaluate workflow challenges involving instrument availability, case cart preparation, surgical equipment, room turnover, and instrument processing, recommending innovative solutions to improve outcomes.

• Use operational observations, quality data, staff feedback, and surgical team feedback to identify trends and recommend solutions.

• Assist with standardizing instrument sets, preference cards, workflows, and other processes when appropriate.

• Lead implementation of new technologies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Identify opportunities to improve employee engagement, retention, training, and departmental effectiveness.

• Promote a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, accountability, and innovation.

Deepen Connections – We build strong relationships with our patients, their families and partners in the communities we serve.

• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with surgeons, nurses, Surgical Technologists, Sterile Processing staff, Infection Prevention, Supply Chain, Facilities, and other healthcare partners.

• Serve as a bridge between Sterile Processing and the Operating Room to improve communication and coordination.

• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retention activities.

• Provide consistent leadership, mentorship, and support to employees, promoting teamwork, professional growth, and employee engagement.

• Identify educational needs and coordinate staff professional development activities.

• Develop and support staff through cross-training, competency development, and opportunities to expand technical knowledge and skills.

• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mutual respect while addressing interpersonal or operational concerns constructively.

• Respond promptly and professionally to urgent surgical requests and changing procedural needs.

• Communicate proactively regarding instrument shortages, processing delays, equipment issues, and other barriers to patient care.

• Promote teamwork and mutual respect among perioperative and wider SVH team members.

• Support a service-oriented culture that recognizes the direct connection between sterile processing, surgical care, and patient safety.

• Participate in interdisciplinary initiatives and SVH committees designed to improve surgical quality, efficiency, and the patient experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervise Sterile Processing personnel and maintain accountability for the day-to-day performance and operations of the department.

• Plan, organize, assign, and direct daily work activities to ensure appropriate staffing, workload distribution, productivity, and operational coverage.

• Establish clear employee expectations related to job performance, attendance, punctuality, conduct, productivity, quality, and adherence to organizational policies.

• Develop and coordinate employee schedules and staffing assignments within established guidelines and delegated authority.

• Monitor employee attendance, timekeeping, punctuality, and adherence to assigned schedules; address concerns and escalate recurring or unresolved issues.

• Monitor employee performance and provide regular coaching, feedback, direction, and corrective guidance.

• Conduct employee check-ins and participate in formal performance evaluations, providing documented feedback and recommendations to department leadership.

• Address performance deficiencies, conduct concerns, and policy violations promptly and consistently in partnership with department leadership and Human Resources.

• Recommend and participate in formal corrective action, performance improvement plans, and other employment-related actions in accordance with organizational policies.

• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, selection, and hiring recommendations.

• Oversee employee onboarding, orientation, training, competency validation, and ongoing professional development.

• Identify performance gaps and educational needs and implement appropriate training, coaching, and development plans.

• Recognize and support employee achievement, engagement, retention, and professional growth.

• Monitor departmental staffing needs and recommend adjustments to support operational demands and continuity of services.

• Ensure employees have the appropriate training, equipment, supplies, and resources necessary to perform their responsibilities safely and effectively.

• Maintain appropriate documentation related to employee performance, attendance, training, competencies, and supervisory activities.

• Promote consistent application of organizational policies, procedures, and employment practices.

• Collaborate with department leadership and Human Resources to address employee relations concerns, workplace conflicts, and matters requiring formal intervention.

• Exercise supervisory authority within established organizational policies and delegated authority.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing program.

Preferred Education: Associate degree in Sterile Processing, Healthcare, or a related field.

Required Licensure: None, unless required by applicable state or local regulations.

Specialty Certification: Current CRCST certification through HSPA or CSPDT certification through CBSPD.

Additional specialty certifications related to sterile processing or perioperative services preferred.

Certifications must be maintained in good standing.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience in Sterile Processing or a combination of relevant perioperative experience.

• Minimum of 1–2 years serving in a Lead, Charge, or Supervisory capacity.

• Demonstrated experience with decontamination, instrument inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, sterile storage, and surgical instrument management.

• Demonstrated experience providing staff supervision, work direction, coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback.

• Experience coordinating staffing assignments, employee schedules, departmental workflows, and operational priorities.

• Demonstrated ability to address employee performance and workplace concerns professionally and consistently.

• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement or quality initiatives.

• Experience in an ambulatory surgery center, hospital outpatient surgery department, acute-care hospital, or comparable environment preferred.

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of sterile processing principles, surgical instrumentation, sterilization, disinfection, and infection prevention.

• Ability to interpret and follow manufacturer IFUs.

• Knowledge of applicable AAMI, AORN, CDC, OSHA, and accreditation standards.

• Strong supervisory, leadership, communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to direct staff, delegate responsibilities, establish expectations, and hold employees accountable.

• Ability to provide constructive feedback, address performance concerns, and support employee development.

• Knowledge of staffing coordination, scheduling, timekeeping, and departmental workflow management.

• Ability to navigate employee relations concerns and appropriately partner with Human Resources and department leadership.

• Excellent organization, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to identify and escalate patient safety and quality concerns appropriately.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to urgent surgical needs.

• Proficiency with instrument tracking systems and standard computer applications.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in high-stress clinical situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office and clinical settings with potential exposure to patient care areas.

• Primary work areas may include Sterile Processing, decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization, sterile storage, Operating Rooms, procedure rooms, and other perioperative areas.

• Potential exposure to blood, body fluids, contaminated instruments, sharps, chemicals, sterilants, heat, moisture, and other occupational hazards.

• Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas.

• Frequent interaction with surgeons, nurses, surgical technologists, sterile processing staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals.

• Requires the ability to balance direct technical responsibilities with employee supervision, department operations, and administrative responsibilities.

• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed.

• May require weekends, holidays, on-call, overtime, or variable shifts based on surgical volume and departmental needs.

• May require assignment to different clinical areas or facility locations based on operational needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during surgical procedures and Sterile Processing activities.

• Ability to frequently bend, reach, push, pull, lift, and carry surgical instruments, trays, equipment, and supplies.

• Ability to safely handle and transport instrument sets and surgical equipment.

• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with instrument inspection, assembly, surgical instrumentation, and sterile field activities.

• Ability to maintain visual and manual attention to detail for extended periods.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment for extended periods.

• Ability to respond quickly to changing surgical and patient-care needs.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS:

We believe in taking care of those who take care of our community. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that puts your health and well-being first. With our flexible medical plan, you’ll have access to multiple in-network tiers, including top-quality care from Snoqualmie Valley Health, Eastside Health, and First Choice/First Health providers. The best part? Anyone covered under our plan can receive care at SVH at no cost! It's all about giving you the options and support you need to experience life’s great adventures.

Medical

Dental

Vision

Pharmacy

Life and AD&D

Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Other Voluntary Benefits

Benefit Eligibility Requirements: Employees regularly scheduled at least 20 hours per week.

Employee Dependents: Your legal spouse or domestic partner; dependent children until age 26.

Waiting Period: 1st of the month from the date of hire.

PLEASE NOTE:

The flu vaccine or exception (during flu season) is required for employment, with exemptions available for valid medical or religious reasons.

Snoqualmie Valley Health is a drug-free workplace. We complete drug screenings as part of our onboarding process.