C.S.S.D Operative

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post as of 01/08/2025 is: €41,117 - €42,190 - €43,335 - €44,433 - €45,608 - €46,817 - €48,064

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Purpose of the Post To provide a safe and efficient delivery of sterile / High Level Disinfected reusable invasive medical devices to Operating Theatres, Endoscopy, and other departments where reusable medical devices are used.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities The C.S.S.D. Operative will:

• Be able to consistently produce accurate work to a high standard in accordance with the procedures and standards of practice and quality initiatives within the department.

• Maintain effective work practices and relationships within the CSSD unit, Endoscopy decontamination unit in the hospital.

• Work within a team and report directly to the CNM2/CNM3/Supervisor and Manager of Domestic Services department.

• Inspect and function test instruments and equipment for faults or damages and report same to the CNM2/CNM3.

• Be familiar with the traceability system and participate with the further development of a computerised traceability system and any other computerised system.

• Be able to decontaminate reusable used medical devices using mechanical and manual methods in line with HSE national standards.

• Be able to operate mechanical processing equipment including washer/disinfector. Document daily tests and report problems to the CNM2/CNM3/Deputy immediately in accordance with the department’s reporting policy equipment/machinery.

• Attend to the general cleaning of all work surfaces, including trolleys, shelving, storage and department machines and any other areas that require surface cleaning.

• Address spillages in accordance with Infection Control Guidelines and maintain daily equipment check sheets as per policy.

• Receive returned used items/trolleys and participate in the collection and distribution of all processed devices.

• Partake in the handling and storage of raw material components.

• Stock shelves with sterile supplies, non-sterile disposable items and assist with stock control and requisitioning. Inform the CNM/Deputy of any stock shortages and ensure continued stock rotation.

• Maintain effective and efficient use of resources.

• Ensure appropriate and effective communication within all disciplines of the department, theatre and throughout the hospital.

• Take, record and deliver messages and act according to departmental policy.

• Maintain records and documentation of all processes with full clear signature as required according to departmental guidelines.

• Ensure safe handling and storage of cleaning materials components using personal protective equipment. Be familiar with the location of the “Spill Kit” and actions to take in the event of a chemical spillage.

• Ensure all clinical waste is disposed of appropriately, in correct bins and labelled appropriately as per Waste Management Guidelines and IPC Guidelines.

• Observe hospital policy for safe disposal of sharps as per IPC Guidelines.

• Be familiar with and comply with all legislation and hospital policies and standards, including health and safety, infection control, moving and handling, dress code and fire policy in order to demonstrate the necessary knowledge to provide a safe working environment.

• Comply with on-going decontamination audits and participate when required by the CNM Manager/Deputy.

• Partake in the department roster.

• Attend training courses/study days as directed by the Manager.

• Be involved in continuing education programme within the Department.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding patient information, department and hospital data.

• Demonstrate flexibility, mobility consistent with the needs of the service.

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role, e.g., Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards, etc., and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Note: The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/or Experience Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

Note: Eligible applicants will be those who have achieved a major award in the above listed Professional Qualifications. FETAC and HETAC have been replaced by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). For more information visit .

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship Requirements: Eligible candidates must be: (i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizens OR (ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status. To qualify, candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, Competencies and/or Knowledge

Professional Knowledge

• Demonstrate awareness of and adherence to relevant standards, policies and legislation, e.g., health and safety, Freedom of Information Act 1997, Childcare Act and HIQA Standards.

• Demonstrate knowledge of HSE code of practice for Decontamination of Reusable Invasive Medical Devices.

• Demonstrate evidence of basic computer skills.

Team Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to be a good team player.

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as a team member and make positive contributions to that team.

Planning & Organising Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to look ahead and forward plan for service delivery.

• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise workload and complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.

• Demonstrate a meticulous work approach and possess the ability to pay attention to detail.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrate the ability to ensure high quality work and results.

• Demonstrate experience in the use of quality standards and procedures to ensure continuous improvements in the running of the service.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Demonstrate initiative, flexibility and problem solving skills.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

Tenure The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time. The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Working Week The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 39 hours per week.

Your normal weekly working hours are 39 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full-time equivalent.

You are required to work agreed roster/on-call arrangements advised by your Reporting Manager. Your contracted hours are liable to change between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of collective agreements and HSE Circulars.

Protection of Children – Guidance and Legislation The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.

Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and/or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.

Visit HSE Children First for further information, guidance and resources.

Infection Control Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role, e.g., Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards, etc., and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Health & Safety It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a SSSS for the department/service, as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

• Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety-related records are maintained and available for inspection.

• Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

• Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

• Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures.

• Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

• Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.