INFECTION PREVENTIONIST

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

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The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAI); monitoring reportable conditions, educating employees about infection prevention; and developing health system policies and procedures to insure rigorous infection prevention and control standards that meet Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Medicaid/ Medicare Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and other nationally recognized agencies and evidence-based infection prevention and control practices. Ensures timely reporting of infection prevention and control measures and outcomes based on CMS requirements.

The IP is responsible for providing infection prevention and control education to all areas of SEARHC. The IP assists in planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive consortium-wide, infection prevention and control program. Sets goals based on risk assessments, evidence-based practices, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Conducts evidence-based research to determine appropriate actions by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Facilitates and supports the process of educating staff, patients, and visitors on matters of infection prevention and control.

The IP works in collaboration with the entire Performance Improvement team and is cross trained to assist in the department’s needs. The IP reports to and takes direction from the Infection Prevention & Control Manager.

1. Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job Infection Prevention and Control Program:  Responsible for supporting the development, implementation, maintenance, and updating of the SEARHC Infection Prevention and Control Plan and Program in alignment with all IPC regulatory agencies and leading practices. Appropriate policies and procedures are written, approved, and implemented that support the IPC program and initiatives using CDC, OSHA, FDA, TJC, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) guidelines. Data/Reporting:  Collects, trends, prepares, and maintains all infection control data and statistical reports and records, providing appropriate reports as needed to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other regulatory agencies. Provides support and resource assistance to all areas in the Consortium regarding infection prevention, control, and surveillance. Education/Training:  Serves as an expert for Infection Prevention and Control, staying abreast of the most current literature and leading practices; facilitates and promotes IPC education and training of all SEAHC staff, patients, families, and communities; maintains a strong working relationship with Public Health and other regional, state, and national entities to ensure up to date information is being distributed to SEARHC constituents. Conducts new and annual employee IPC orientation and training. Leadership and Teamwork: Serves as a role model and liaison for IPC to others; strives to maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible teamwork. Serves as a co-chair for the IPC committee and participates in other committees/teams as needed.  Travel is required to various sites within SEARHC to assess, educate, and train. Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare-related field of study (Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbiology, or similar).
• Masters in healthcare-related field (MPH, MSN) preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within six months of hire, or when qualified to take the examination.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.
• BLS current within 3 months of hire, and biannually thereafter.

Experience Required

• Minimum 3 years of acute care/infection control experience and/or data collection and performance improvement/risk management experience.
• Experience with basic statistics and epidemiological principles.
• Long-Term Care IPC experience a plus.

Knowledge of

• Working knowledge of epidemiology and infectious disease.
• Working knowledge of project management and performance improvement methodology.
• Understanding of data analysis and statistics.

Skills in

• Accurate, precise, and timely data entry and reports.
• Proficient computer skills in MS Office and database applications.

Ability to

• Synthesize regulatory requirements and evidence-based practices from a variety of professional and accrediting organizations and translate knowledge into policy, implementation, and staff education.
• Communicate appropriately with consideration of health literacy needs for specific audiences in multicultural settings.
• Manage programs and evaluate effectiveness.
• Collect, analyze, trend, and report data accurately and effectively.
• Work in a team environment and independently as necessary.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and communicate clearly with staff and leadership