Harris Health System is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Healths robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; and the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, the Director System Sterile Processing is responsible for the oversight of the Sterile Processing Department and all operational functions related to High Disinfection/Sterilization across the Harris Health enterprise. The Director is accountable for the operational, compliance, human resource, quality, and financial management of the entire HHS Sterile Processing Department (SPD) system.

The Director works with system and executive leadership to promote quality patient care, adheres to budgetary guidelines, and oversees the appropriate utilization of resources. The Director will lead all aspects of operational workflows, resources, standards, policies and procedures related to the decontamination, inspection, high level disinfection, sterilization, and distribution of inventoried items within the system. With a focus on patient and employee safety, the Director will work collaboratively with system leadership, Peri-Op management, surgeons, Infection Prevention and Control, facilities, biomed, and other appropriate leadership and committees. The System Director ensures compliance with standards established by professional sterile processing organizations; national, state, and local regulatory agencies; and Harris Health policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Degrees:
a) Bachelor's degree in nursing or health-related field required.
b) Master's degree in nursing, business, or healthcare administration preferred.

Licenses & Certification:
a) Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) required upon hire.
b) Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) or Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor, GI Scope Certification (CFER) required upon hire.
c) Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) or Surgical Instrument Specialist Certification (CSIS) required or must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
d) Certification in Sterile Processing Management (CSPM) or Certification in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) preferred. Must be obtained within two (2) years of employment.
e) CNOR preferred.

Work Experience:
a) Seven (7) Years Work Experience: in sterile processing or operating room; and experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other processing improvement methodologies preferred. Experience leading multiple teams or locations preferred.

Management Experience:
a) Five (5) Years Work Experience: in sterile processing or operating room in a complex healthcare setting.

Communication Skills:
a) Exceptional Verbal Communication: Capability to communicate effectively through verbal or written communications
b) Writing/ Correspondence
c) Writing/ Reports

Proficiencies:
a) MS Word
b) MS PowerPoint
c) MS Excel

Job Attributes

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:
a) Analytical Abilities
b) Design Knowledge and Skills

Work Schedule:
a) Travel
b) Flexible
c) On-call

Other Special Requirements:

a) Ability to synthesize complex processes and evidence and critically translate into concise, fundamental information
b) Knowledge of various applications related to instrument management (i.e., Steris SPM Surgical Asset Tracking Software)
c) Technical knowledge and abilities
d) Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to hold others accountable as needed.
e) Knowledge of ANSI/AAMI guidelines and recommendations.