East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust is recruiting for a SSD/EDD Trainee Technician who will support the collection, cleaning, inspection, assembly, sterilisation and dispatch of surgical instruments under supervision.
The role requires a strong commitment to learning, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast‑paced, safety‑critical environment.
Responsibilities
* Participate in a structured training programme to achieve competency in decontamination and sterilisation processes.
* Collect used surgical instruments and medical devices from designated areas within the Trust.
* Carry out sorting, cleaning and decontamination of reusable equipment in line with departmental procedures.
* Prepare, load and operate decontamination and sterilisation equipment under supervision.
* Inspect, assemble and package instruments in preparation for sterilisation.
* Perform routine operational tests on equipment and complete associated records.
* Maintain clean, safe and organised work areas; ensure compliance with infection prevention and health & safety requirements.
* Use tracking and traceability systems to record instrument processing activity.
* Follow procedures for product release and escalation of faults, defects or non‑compliance.
* Prioritise workload in line with service demands and customer requirements.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues and communicate effectively within the team.
* Adhere to Trust policies, quality standards and regulatory requirements at all times.
Person Specification
Previous Experience
* Experience within a decontamination unit or clan room.
* Experience within a hospital environment.
Skills
* Good literacy and numeracy.
* Good organisational skills and time management.
* Ability to understand and implement manufacturers guidelines for reprocessing reusable medical devices.
* Ability to meet deadlines, be adaptive, follow procedures, and work under pressure.
* Manual dexterity and excellent vision (with or without reading aids).
* Capacity to stand for long periods and work in areas with moderate to heavy physical activity.
* Capacity to concentrate for long periods whilst quality checking complex instrumentation.
* Capacity to work in an environment with high exposure to items contaminated with blood, bone and tissue.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of SSD processes.
* Knowledge of health & safety, CoSHH and PPE.
Other Requirements
* Understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion.
* Possess a professional attitude, treating all colleagues and patients with courtesy.
* Commitment to patient safety by ensuring accurate instrument preparation and processing.
* Maintain confidentiality and handle equipment and data with discretion and integrity.
* Take pride in delivering a behind‑the‑scenes service that directly impacts quality of care and outcomes.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion for all applicants, staff, patients and the wider community. We welcome applications from people with disabilities, and from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic backgrounds under‑represented in our workforce.
We support flexible working and are a Disability Confident employer.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
The post holder will work with vulnerable people and a Disclosure and Barring Service check is required.
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