Job Purpose
The Central Sterilising Supplies Department (CSSD) Supervisor will be responsible for managing all aspects of cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of medical instruments within the hospital, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. The role holder will also be responsible for managing the CSSD team, implementing best practices for infection control, and maintaining a high standard of service to support hospital operations.
Core Responsibilities
Sterilisation and Reprocessing Oversight
- Oversee sterilisation workflows, ensuring adherence to ISO 13485 and internal quality standards. Maintain consistency in sterilization cycles and identify opportunities for efficiency.
- Standardize sterilization cycle parameters (temperature, time, pressure) across all equipment and perform troubleshooting as necessary.
- Analyze and improve sterilization procedures, reviewing trends in instrument usage to ensure operational readiness and resource allocation.
- Implement infection control protocols during decontamination, including pre-cleaning, sorting, and the safe handling of instruments to avoid cross-contamination.
- Conduct regular technical skills assessments and mentor staff on decontamination protocols.
Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Conduct internal quality audits, supporting external audits as required. Implement corrective actions promptly, with follow-up documentation.
- Conduct regular quality control tests using biological, chemical, and mechanical indicators to confirm cycle efficacy, documenting results for regulatory compliance.
- Validate and calibrate all sterilization equipment to specifications, maintaining logs for regulatory review.
- Ensure alignment with infection control standards, coordinating with the Infection Control team on preventive measures.
- Design and update SOPs for instrument processing, integrating risk management and feedback from quality audits.
- Investigate non-conformances or incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to mitigate future risk.
- Monitor equipment maintenance schedules, report malfunctions, and collaborate with the engineering team for timely repairs.
Operational Management
- Supervise daily operations of the CSSD department, guiding the team in the safe and effective reprocessing of reusable surgical instruments, medical devices, and equipment.
- Ensure all sterilized instruments are logged for traceability, supporting inventory accuracy and operational accountability.
- Oversee the preparation and reporting of the department’s performance, incidents, and quality control metrics.
- Track and update staff training documentation, ensuring competencies are current and compliant with procedural changes.
Resource Management
- Oversee inventory, track usage data, report shortages and adjust stock levels based on consumption trends. Coordinate with procurement for timely restocking of critical supplies.
- Research advancements in sterilization and instrument tracking systems, and asses the cost-benefit and integration potential for departmental improvement.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, nursing, or a related discipline
Professional Requirements
- Possession of a relevant certification such as certified registered central service technician (CRCST), Health and Safety Certification is an added advantage.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in sterile processing or a related healthcare environment
- Experience in a supervisory role within a sterile processing department is a strong advantage.
- Experience in implementing infection control and quality assurance practices.
- Experience working with a surgical instrument decontamination unit and Endoscopy Unit
Competency Requirements
1. Knowledge Requirements
- Thorough knowledge of sterilisation processes, aseptic techniques and equipment handling
- Knowledge of infection control principles and practices
- Familiarity with healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and compliance requirements (e.g AAMI, AORN etc.)
- Knowledge of quality management systems, such as ISO 13485
2. Skill Requirements
- Proficient in the use of IT systems and applications, including Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication, with the ability to liaise across departments.
- Proficiency in operating and maintaining sterilisation equipment, such as autoclaves, washers, and ultrasonic cleaners. and related technology
- Leadership and Team Management
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Inventory Management
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
3. Personal Abilities
- Professional attitude towards work
- Shares the AMCE’s vision.
- Attention to Details
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Strong work ethic and dedication to maintaining high standards.
- Accountability
- Commitment to continuous improvement
African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.
