C.S.S.D Operative

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is: as 01/06/2026

€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.

Principal duties and responsibilities

The CSSD Operative will:

• Adhere to SSD Standard Operating Procedures based on HSE Code of Practice for the Decontamination of RIMD.

• Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as specific to each area.

• Cleaning duties as appropriate to the Sterile Services Department.

• Handling, delivery and storage of raw material components and supplies.

• Conform with equipment and technological advances within their work areas e.g. National traceability systems.

• Participate in audits and complete records and reports as appropriate.

• Reporting of any faults in line with department policy.

• Maintain records and input data to electronic traceability system in line with department policy.

• Attend all mandatory and local training as required.

• Rotate through all sections of the department as required. Alteration and flexibility of rostered duties as required and to provide cover for other employees if/when required.

• Taking, recording and delivering phone messages as required.

• Assist staff in assigned area by carrying out duties as assigned from time to time which would facilitate the smoother running of the department.

General Duties:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all information made available to him/her during the course of his/her work.

• Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the workplace as per work schedules, existing policies and procedures and Infection Control guidelines.

• To wear and adhere to the required uniform while on duty. Wearing of uniforms to and from work is not permitted.

• Report any equipment faults to person in charge (e.g. department manager/Supervisor) and ensure all equipment is stored safely.

• Prepare such reports and returns as required for the effective and efficient discharge of duties.

• Attend as per rostered hours. The hours of duty may include weekend and night work.

• Have knowledge of the Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards and how they apply to the role, e.g. Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Infections, Hygiene Standards, Guide to HIQA’s programme of monitoring the decontamination and reprocessing of reusable medical devices in Public Acute Hospitals (2018) etc.

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

• Adhere to HSE national and local policy, procedure, protocol and guidelines (PPPG).

Education & Training

• Attend induction and mandatory in-service education.

• As directed participate in the induction of new staff.

• Maintain continuous personal and participate in team based development, education, training and learning.

• Participate in appraisal and the development of a personal development plan in conjunction with his/her line manager.

Health & Safety

• In accordance with Health and Safety at work policy, it is each staff members responsibility to observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work.

• To use all equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner and in line with manufacturer guidelines.

• Understand and adhere to all relevant HSE policies, comply with health and safety, infection, prevention and control and risk management procedures and comply with statutory obligations.

• Report any risk, incident or potential incident which may compromise the health and safety of patient/clients/residents, staff or visitors and take appropriate action.

• Report any accidents or near misses to the person in charge and ensure completion of incident/near miss forms.

• Undertake duties related to patient/client/resident care for which he/she is trained.

• Attend training courses as required e.g. complete relevant online training courses, Cleanpass, HACCP, Manual Handling, Fire Prevention, IP&C, medical gases, etc.

• Conduct his/herself in a manner that ensures safe patient/client care.

• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Building and grounds is not permitted.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

• The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

• The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

• The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves and comply with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:

• Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives.

• Document Control Information Management Systems.

• Risk Management Strategy and Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.

• Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards.

• Decontamination Code of Practice.

• Infection Control Policies including the Health Protection Surveillance Centre document September 2020.

• Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure.

• Data Protection and confidentiality Policies.

• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in their area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.

• The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out their area of responsibility.

• The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.

• The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.

• It is the responsibility of the post holder to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management / Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder will be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her 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:

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 health care qualification at least equivalent to (a) above.

And

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

And

d) At a minimum possess Level 6 Minor Award in RIMD Decontamination or commence same within 12 months of appointment.

And

e) 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 www.QQI.ie

Health

A candidate 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.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Other requirements specific to the post

Have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following:

Professional Knowledge & Experience

• Understanding of a Health Care Environment.

• Knowledge of decontamination role.

• Knowledge of decontamination and HIQA standards.

• Knowledge of HSE codes of practices for Decontamination of Reusable invasive Medical Devices.

• Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and needle stick policy.

• Awareness of requirements for personal hygiene and hospital Infection, prevention and control.

• Demonstrate knowledge of service requirements as relevant to the role.

Planning and Managing Resources

• Demonstrate the ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks and experience in working effectively under pressure.

• Demonstrate proactive initiative and sound judgment in resolving day-to-day logistical issues, as they may arise.

• Demonstrate evidence of ability to plan work effectively and efficiently.

• Demonstrate flexible approach to working hours, rostering, e.g. unsocial hours/shift work, night duty, on call, attitude to work.

Building & Maintaining Relationships including Leadership and Team Skills

• Demonstrate teamwork skills including the ability to work with multidisciplinary team members.

• Demonstrate the ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.

• Demonstrate commitment to maintaining high work standards and delivering a quality service.

• Demonstrate ability to carry out instructions and appreciate the importance of providing quality care to patients.

• Demonstrate a willingness to support colleagues and be accountable for fair task-sharing and team outcomes.

• Maintain professional conduct in all interactions, particularly under pressure.

• Contributes to a respectful and inclusive working environment.

Commitment to Providing Quality Care/Customer Focus

• Demonstrate a focus on quality.

• Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.

• Demonstrate motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service.

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

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

• Demonstrate analytical skills and the ability to evaluate complex information.

• Demonstrate effective decision-making skills including ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team to resolve problems and implement solutions.

• Demonstrate clear and legible writing skills, along with basic competence in using computers, email, internet, printers, and standard applications.

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with patients, staff, and the public.

• Listen attentively and actively, follow instructions without resistance.

• Maintain composure and courtesy during high-pressure or sensitive situations.

• Escalate key issues promptly and take responsibility for the impact of their communication on team function and patient experience.

Campaign specific selection process

Ranking/shortlisting/interview

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out based on 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 progressing 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.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.