Lead Certified Surgical Services Tech (CST)- Orthopedic Surgery Center

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Lead Certified Surgical Services Tech (CST)- Orthopedic Surgery Center to join our team!

We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey.

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department

DH OPERATING ROOM PAV L

The Denver Health Outpatient Operating Room features six state-of-the-art surgical suites, all equipped with 4K video integration technology to support precision and efficiency in surgical care.
Outpatient OR specializes in a wide range of day-surgery services, including:

• General surgery
• Dental- Pediatric and Adult
• Gender affirmation
• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Podiatry
• GU/GYN
• Ophthalmology
• Vascular
• Pediatrics
• Oral maxillofacial
• Plastic and Hand surgery
• ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat)

Like the inpatient OR, the nurse-to-patient ratio here is also 1:1.

Job Summary

The Lead Surgical Technologist is a clinical expert for assigned surgical specialties. Under minimal supervision, assumes service line leadership in collaboration with the Service Leader, Charge Nurse, OR Manager and Director to identify and resolve operational issues and/or needs. This includes, but is not limited to: analyzing patient charts to plan for upcoming surgical procedures, evaluating equipment, supply and instrumentation needs, collaborating with vendors and internal auxiliary departments, selection, training and mentoring of team members, pulling cases, supporting teams, performing scrub duties and technical tasks pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12 Article 43.2. The Lead maintains an understanding of, and ensures compliance, with the regulatory standards, operating room policies and standard work protocol.

Essential Functions:

• CASE MANAGEMENT Utilizes the surgery schedule, patient chart and Surgical Preference Cards to prepare for upcoming surgical procedures by: analyzing block times, physician notes, diagnostic tests, previous surgeries, equipment availability, supply and instrument needs. Communicates with physicians when questions arise. Arranges for vendor support and specialty items (equipment, supplies, implants, etc.). Collaborates with leadership team when making staff assignments. Builds, maintains and makes updates to Surgical Preference Cards. (30%)
• LEADERSHIP Oversees the members of a surgical specialty service to ensure that it is performing effectively and providing optimal patient care. Proactively approaches each surgical case by: assessing patient needs, evaluating, planning, collaborating, and encouraging positive communication while directing the healthcare team. Visible in the operating rooms daily. Delegates tasks to promote a sense of “team work”. (20%)
• SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST Performs direct and indirect preoperative surgical care for pediatric, adult, geriatric and vulnerable patient populations. Scrubs for minor/major/complex surgical procedures. Responsible for procurement and handling of instrumentation, supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedures. Utilizes knowledge, training and skills to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and ensure quality patient care. (15%)
• PROJECTS Identifies new projects aimed at improving systems and processes in the operating room. Defines, plans, communicates, executes, delegates and manages project from start to finish. (15%)
• MANAGEMENT OF EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS AND SUPPLIES Ascertains the availability of equipment, instruments and supplies by collaborating with the leadership team, vendors and internal auxiliary departments. Participates in and gathers data for new or replacement equipment. Assists and collaborates with SPD to build and maintain instrument sets. Arranges for broken or damaged items to be repaired or replaced. Researches and arranges for the use of new technology, equipment and supplies. Directly communicates with vendors and internal auxiliary departments to request quotes, place requisitions and establish Lawson numbers. Reports supply chain issues and requests substitute items. (10%)
• EDUCATION, MENTOR AND PRECEPT Facilitates learning by assisting staff to meet service specific technical and professional objectives. Arranges schedules, serves as an evaluator, providing feedback, support and guidance. Coordinates and conducts service specific education and training about equipment, supplies and instrumentation. (i.e. daily huddle, Monday morning in-service, bi-annual Skills Day, fast talks). Develops training/resource tools (visual, hands on, etc.) utilizing the preoperative SharePoint site to preserve training materials. (10%)

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Required and
• Post High School Diploma or Certificate Program Certification from an accredited Surgical Technology program Required

Work Experience:

• 1-3 years Typically, three years’ experience as a Surgical Technologist Required

Licenses:

• BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association or American Red Cross Required and
• CST-Certified Surgical Technologist - NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Required and
• Surgical Technologist - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Denver Health mission and values of Trust, Respect and Excellence, state regulatory standards and operating room policies and standard work protocol.
• Communications and Interpersonal Skills – clearly convey needs and establish rapport with physicians, co-workers and auxiliary staff.
• Professional and Courteous Demeanor
• Critical Thinking – using logic and reasoning for daily case management and staff support.
• Active Listening – giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting in at inappropriate times.
• Judgement and Decision Making – considering the surgical needs of the patient and the optimal patient outcome.
• Service Oriented – actively looking for ways to help teams.
• Leadership – respecting professional standards, hospital and departmental policies and standards of care.
• Research – ability to leverage resources to acquire needed information.
• Mentor and Precept – desire to share knowledge, experience and insights and use them to help other people grow in their professions.
• Work Independently and Collaboratively - prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

Shift

Varies (United States of America)

Work Type

Regular

Salary

$31.04 - $45.01 / hr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

Here is a small list of our benefit programs:

• Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
• 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
• Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
• Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
• Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
• Tuition reimbursement & assistance
• Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
• Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
• National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.