C.S.S.D Operative

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post (as at 01.06.2026) is:

€42,033; €43,117; €44,273; €45,382; €46,569; €47,790; €49,050

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 work as part of a team to deliver a high-quality decontamination and sterilisation service for RIMDs and Endoscopes. To reprocess surgical and medical instrumentation and devices, including the collection, cleaning, disinfection, inspection, packing, sterilising, and delivery back to the service user. Each step is tracked and traced on a computerised system, adhering to the HSE standards and recommended practices for Central Decontamination Units.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Decontamination 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 departments.
• Maintain effective work practices and relationships within the departments and hospital.
• Work within a team and report directly to the Decontamination Manager CNM2.
• Check and identify all endoscopes/equipment that require disinfection in line with the national decontamination standards.
• Respond efficiently and appropriately to damaged, leaking, or faulty R.I.M.D. or endoscope when identified and report to the Decontamination Manager/CNM2.
• Inspect, assemble, and test general specialty instrumentation for proper functioning.
• Be competent with the traceability system and participate in the further development of a computerised traceability system and any other computerised system.
• Be able to decontaminate reusable medical devices using mechanical and manual methods in line with HSE national standards and manufacturers' guidelines.
• Be able to operate mechanical processing equipment, including Washer Disinfectors, Ultra Sonic Washer, Drying Cabinets, Autoclave, Heat Sealing Machine, Pin Hole Detector, and Leak Tester. Document daily tests and report problems to the Decontamination CNM immediately in accordance with the department's reporting policy for equipment and machinery.
• Attend to the general cleaning of all work surfaces, including trolleys, shelving, storage, department machines, and any other areas requiring surface cleaning in the Decontamination Unit in accordance with Hospital Infection Control Guidelines.
• Under the CNM's supervision, meet the demands of the decontamination unit workload when requested and undertake duties as instructed by the CNM.
• Receive returned used items/trolleys and participate in the collection and distribution of all processed devices.
• Participate in the handling and storage of raw material components.
• Stock shelves with sterile supplies and non-sterile disposable items, assist with stock control and requisitioning, inform the Decontamination Manager and/or 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.
• Communicate effectively, take, record, and deliver messages, and act according to departmental policy.
• Maintain records and documentation of all processes with full, clear signatures as required according to departmental guidelines.
• Ensure safe handling and storage of cleaning material components using personal protective equipment in adherence with the departmental safety statement. 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 correctly, in the correct bins, and labelled appropriately as per Waste Management and IPC Guidelines.
• Observe hospital policy for the safe disposal of sharps as per IPC Guidelines.
• Be familiar with, act in accordance with, and comply with all legislation and hospital policies and standards, including Health and Safety, Dignity at Work, Infection Control, Moving and Handling, Dress Code, and Fire Policy to demonstrate the necessary knowledge to provide a safe working environment.
• Comply with and participate in ongoing decontamination audits as required by the Decontamination Manager.
• Engage in rostering requirements based on service needs.
• Attend training courses (NFQ Level 6) and study days as directed by the Manager.
• Be involved in the continuing education programme within the Department.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding patient information, department, and hospital data.
• Demonstrate flexibility and 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, for example Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards, 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.

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 appropriate to the post as may be assigned from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility CriteriaQualifications and/or Experience

Candidates must, on the latest date of application:

1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

a) Hold a qualification in Health Services Skills or Health Care Support at Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)* Level 5 (or higher).

Or

b) Hold a relevant healthcare qualification at least equivalent to (a) above.

Or

Agree to undertake the e-learning decontamination programme on HSELand and participate in the Minor Award Level 6 Certificate in Decontamination Course, if not previously completed, at an agreed time following employment.

And

c) Have experience in Decontamination and/or C.S.S.D.

And

d) Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.

Note: FETAC and HETAC have been replaced by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI). For more information visit .

2. Health

Candidates for, and any person holding, the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Character

Candidates for, and any person holding, the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in Decontamination and C.S.S.D. relevant to the role.

Other Requirements Specific to the Post

• Access to appropriate transport in order to fulfil the requirements of the role.
• All posts in Wexford General Hospital require a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required.
• Computer skills are essential, including experience in Excel, Microsoft Word, and Outlook.
• Candidates will be required to take up duty within 3 months of receipt of the formal offer of employment.

Additional Eligibility RequirementsCitizenship 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.

Read more about Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment Work Permits.

Skills, Competencies and/or KnowledgeProfessional Knowledge

• Demonstrate awareness of and adherence to relevant standards, policies, and legislation, for example Health and Safety, Freedom of Information Act 1997, Childcare Act, and HIQA Standards.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the 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 member of a team 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 approach to work and 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 (globally assessed – no questions asked)

• Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills (globally assessed – no questions asked)

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

Campaign Specific Selection ProcessRanking/Shortlisting/Interview

A ranking and/or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and/or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the Eligibility Criteria and Skills, Competencies and/or Knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in "bands" depending on the service needs of the organisation.