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Sterile Processing Technician - Webster Surgery Center

Advocate Health · Chicago, IL · $20.80–$31.20 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you caught a mistake in someone else's work. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up about errors in a way that fixes the problem without blaming people.

In a surgery center, you may be one of only a few SPD techs. How do you stay organized when you're responsible for everything?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage the full workflow independently in a small team with no backup on the floor.

What would you do

While assembling a tray, you find a little dried bioburden in a hinge. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they send it back to decontamination instead of letting it slide because the tray is needed soon.

The washer isn't running right halfway through your shift. What steps do you take?

What they are checking: Whether they stop using it, red tag it, notify engineering and document it on the shift report as the posting describes.

A surgeon needs a tray turned around fast and you're short on time. How do you handle the pressure?

What they are checking: Whether they refuse to cut corners on sterility no matter who is waiting.

About the work

Walk me through what happens to a surgical instrument from the moment it leaves the OR until it's ready for the next case.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the full reprocessing cycle and why skipping any step can harm a patient.

What protective equipment do you wear in decontamination, and why each piece?

What they are checking: Whether they take personal protection seriously when handling contaminated instruments and infectious waste.

How do you test an insulated instrument, and why does it matter?

What they are checking: Whether they know damaged insulation can burn patients during electrosurgery, so testing is not optional.

What sterilization methods have you worked with, and how do you know a load was actually sterilized?

What they are checking: Whether they understand indicators, biological tests and load records that prove sterility.

Are you certified as a sterile processing technician, and how do you keep up with standards?

What they are checking: Whether they hold or are working toward a credential and keep their knowledge current.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Advocate Health from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Advocate Health.

Department: 09120 Chicago Webster & Clybourn Surgery Center - General Administration Status: Full time Benefits Eligible: Yes Hou rs Per Week: 40 Schedule Details/Additional Information: Monday - Friday 7:00-3:30 No weekends, No holidays, No call Pay Range: $20.80 - $31.20 Major Responsibilities: Decontamination of Instruments and Equipment 1)Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination. 2)Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination is complete and correct. 3)Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and continuous work flow throughout the shift. 4)Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times. 5)Reports improper equipment operation to clinical engineers, red tags the equipment, and documents on the Shift report. 6)Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned. 7)Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure. Performance of Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping 1)Examines and ensure that all the components of the surgical instrumentation is clean and properly function prior to tray assembly. 2)Test all instrumentation for correct function following established procedures each time the instrumentation is processed. 3)Electrical test all instrumentation that has an insulation coating each time the instrument is processed. 4)Assembles instrument sets, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following the tray count sheet created in the Censitrac Instrument Tracking system. Placing the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user. 5)Follow all manufacture information for use sheets approved processes to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization. Validation of Sterilization Equipment: 1)Runs appropriate tests for sterilizers; biological, bowie dick. 2)Validates and document in Censitrac Instrument Tracking system each sterilization cycle utilizing biological, chemical and mechanical indicators. Performance of Sterilization 1)Utilizing the Censitrac Instrument Tracking system, scan all items into each sterilizer load. 2)Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label. 3)Position each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization. 4)Include Biological Challenge pack on the second load for each Steam Sterilizer and any load containing Implantable. 5)Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorded data strip provided. Scan the strip into Censitrac Instrument Tracking system and document results of chemical and biological test. 6)Initiate a recall should any load fail to meet specified parameter. Notify Manager immediately. Performance of Inventory/Storage/Distribution Functions 1)Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department. 2)Receives supplies from warehouse and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering SPD are devoid of external contaminants. 3)Completes case carts for OR following the standard work for loading the cart and ensuring items requested are ready for distribution to OR. 4)Complete case cart assembly log and Case Cart Communication form per Standard work for each case cart built. 5)Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant-free environment. Performance of Low Temperature, Sterrad, Sterilization 1)Assure that all items are completely dry prior to assembly. Utilize Censitrac Instrument tracking system to assemble trays/instruments. 2)Wrap or containerize items for sterilization. Use Tyvek pouches for single instruments. 3)Run a biological test in the first load for each sterilizer daily. 4)Label each item placed in a sterilizer with a correct load label. 5)Position each item in the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization. 6)Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorded data strip provided. Scan the strip into Censitrac Instrument Tracking system and document results of chemical and biological test. Demonstration of Leadership Behaviors 1)Assists with adjustment in daily work assignments to compensate for fluctuation to work flow. 2)Observes employee activities throughout the shift to ensure that established procedures are being followed for quality control. 3)Assists in ensuring that equipment is properly functioning by communicating equipment malfunctions to manager and/or Engineering/Biomed and filling out appropriate work orders. 4)Acts as liaison between SPD and other departments to interpret problems that occur and communicate back to them in a courteous and professional manner. 5)Assists in maintaining SPD inventory by periodically ordering and receiving supplies and maintaining the appropriate paperwork. Implementation of Quality Improvement Ideas to Enhance Operation and Team Function 1)Presents problem/improvement opportunities with an A3 action plan. 2)Monitors process improvement indicators and reports to staff. 3)Assists in precepting new associates and sterile processing students. Communication Skill to Support the Accomplishment of Team Outcome: 1)Understands verbal instruction. 2)Communicates properly with co-workers and customers. 3)Comprehends written and verbal instructions. 4)Documents appropriately ie: Censitrac Instruments tracking system, Shift report. 5)Collaborates with co-workers to prioritize work load. 6)Cooperates with co-workers to produce productive outputs. 7)Works in all areas to accomplish daily work loads. 8)Gives and receives appropriate feedback to and from co-workers. Maintenance of Effective Functions in the Department 1)Demonstrates independent function in performing related tasks as deemed necessary by team. 2)Reaches consensus with the team to perform unit operations in the most productive manner. 3)Supports team decision made by team outputs. Education/Experience Required: High school diploma. 1 yr. SPD experience Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Ability to communicate and follow directions. Computer skills. Experienced in operating sterilization equipment Certified Central Service Tech within 90 days of hire Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Exposure to blood/body fluids. Heavy lifting 30 to 35 lbs. Hepatitis vacc. at hire. Ability to respond quickly to emergent situations. Strength/dexterity to handle surgical instruments/equipment Ability to access all areas of the department Rotation to all shifts to accommodate the departments scheduling needs Positions with patient contact lifting requirements should use the following standard lifting requirement: Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties. Our Commitment to You: Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including: Compensation • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job • Incentive pay for select positions • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance Benefits and more • Paid Time Off programs • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs • Educational Assistance Program Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About Advocate Health Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

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