Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and staff by adhering to CDC guidelines and federal and state regulations regarding healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This position involves a comprehensive approach to identification, investigation, reporting, prevention, and control of HAIs, which is critical in maintaining a safe healthcare environment. This position will work closely with various departments to implement effective infection control measures. Under the supervision of the Director of Risk and Compliance, the Infection Preventionist will interface with all departments and services, playing a key role in identifying, controlling, and preventing outbreaks of infection within the health centers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote health and safety through Infection Control and Employee Health Programs.
• Collection and analysis of infection control data, planning and evaluating infection prevention strategies, and educating staff and patients about infection risks and prevention techniques.
• Developing and revising infection control policies and procedures, investigating suspected outbreaks, and providing consultation on infection risk assessments.
• Work closely with employee health initiatives, ensuring that all employees are trained on OSHA regulations and that safety hazards are monitored and reported.
• Collaborate with local health departments and other health center leaders to ensure compliance with national and state standards.
• Quality and performance improvement activities, maintaining necessary documentation for employee illness and injury reporting, and conducting educational programs to enhance employee awareness of infection prevention measures.
• Identify, control, and prevent outbreaks of infection in health centers.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate infection prevention and control measures.
• Develop and revise infection control policies and procedures.
• Investigate suspected outbreaks of infection and provide consultation on risk assessment.
• Provide information and reports to the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for budget preparation.
• Participate in committees as requested and collaborate with department managers.
• Conduct environmental rounds in all patient areas to ensure compliance with standards.
• Monitor and report safety hazards and facility need related to infection control.
• Plan and implement educational programs for employees on infection prevention. .
• All HealthLinc staff is committed to engage in quality improvement initiatives that align with and support Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH).
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Training

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., microbiology, nursing, public health, or clinical degree)
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) required

Experience

• Four (4) years of infection control in a clinical setting highly preferred
• Experience documenting patient care in an electronic medical record
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Ability to make appropriate assessments and judgments
• Ability to educate staff
• Experience in quality and performance improvement activities
• Knowledge of OSHA guidelines and regulations

Skills/Job Requirement

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proven ability to work well in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable
• Proficiency with business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)
• Ability to follow HealthLinc policies and procedures
• Travel is required

Technology Skills

• Operate a multi-line phone system and other office equipment including printers, fax machines, etc.
• Basic software skills (Microsoft Office, EHR, online sources, etc.)