Infection Preventionist

Healthlinc; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

HealthLinc in Valparaiso, IN seeks an Infection Preventionist to ensure patient and staff safety by enforcing CDC guidelines and state regulations, focusing on HAIs prevention, investigation, and control. Under supervision of the Director of Risk and Compliance, you will interface with departments to implement infection control measures and participate in committees.

You will educate staff, monitor OSHA-related safety, and collaborate with health centers to maintain compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• CIC certification required.
• 4+ years infection control experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promote infection control and employee health programs.
• Collect and analyze infection control data and educate staff.
• Investigate outbreaks and revise policies as needed.
• Collaborate with health departments to ensure compliance.

Skills

Infection prevention

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Staff education

OSHA knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in microbiology, nursing, public health, or clinical field

CIC Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

EHR systems

Job description

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/TrainingBachelor's Degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., microbiology, nursing, public health, or clinical degree)Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) requiredExperienceFour (4) years of infection control in a clinical setting highly preferredExperience documenting patient care in an electronic medical recordExcellent verbal, written, and presentation skillsAbility to make appropriate assessments and judgmentsAbility to educate staffExperience in quality and performance improvement activitiesKnowledge of OSHA guidelines and regulationsSkills/Job RequirementStrong organizational and time management skillsProven ability to work well in a team environmentExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to remain flexible and adaptableProficiency with business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)Ability to follow HealthLinc policies and proceduresTravel is requiredTechnology SkillsOperate a multi-line phone system and other office equipment including printers, fax machines, etc.Basic software skills (Microsoft Office, EHR, online sources, etc.)