Lead Infection Preventionist

UNC Health; Hendersonville (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Health is seeking an Infection Preventionist to lead surveillance, policy development, education, and data analysis to prevent infections across our facilities. The role coordinates outbreak responses and collaborates with clinical teams and public health partners.

Required qualifications include a Master’s degree in a related field, CIC certification within one year, and proven infection prevention experience in healthcare settings.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in nursing, microbiology, public health or related field required.
• Certified in infection control (CIC) desirable and required within one year.
• Proven experience in infection prevention in healthcare settings.

Responsibilities

• Infection Surveillance: Monitor and document infection rates and outbreaks within the healthcare facility.
• Policy Development: Create and implement infection prevention policies and procedures in compliance with health regulations.
• Education and Training: Educate healthcare staff on infection control practices, hygiene protocols, and PPE use.
• Data Analysis: Analyze infection data to identify trends, risk factors, and improvement areas.
• Collaboration: Work with healthcare teams, public health agencies, and regulators to ensure compliance.
• Outbreak Management: Coordinate response during outbreaks, including investigations and control measures.
• Team Lead / Operational Coordination: Lead IP operations and coordinate priorities and coverage.

Skills

Infection prevention

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education & training

Education

Master's degree in nursing or microbiology or public health

Job description

Job Description

Description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Summary:

Infection Preventionists are healthcare professionals responsible for development and implementation of strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.

Responsibilities:

• Infection Surveillance: Monitor and document infection rates and outbreaks within the healthcare facility.
• Policy Development: Create and implement infection prevention policies and procedures in compliance with health regulations.
• Education and Training: Educate healthcare staff on infection control practices, hygiene protocols, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Data Analysis: Analyze infection data to identify trends, risk factors, and areas for improvement in infection control practices.
• Collaboration: Work closely with healthcare teams, public health agencies, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with infection prevention standards.
• Outbreak Management: Coordinate response efforts during infection outbreaks, including investigation and implementation of control measures.

Team Lead / Operational Coordination:

• Serve as a team lead for day-to-day infection prevention operations, providing work coordination and subject-matter guidance to Infection Prevention staff.
• Coordinate daily and weekly IP work priorities (e.g., surveillance assignments, audits, construction risk assessments, regulatory deadlines, outbreak follow-up) to ensure timely completion and appropriate coverage.
• Act as the primary operational point of contact for Infection Prevention activities, escalating barriers, risks, or resource needs to leadership as appropriate.
• Support standardization of workflows, tools, and documentation across the Infection Prevention team to improve efficiency, consistency, and regulatory readiness.
• Assist with onboarding and ongoing competency support for Infection Prevention staff through mentoring, real-time coaching, and review of work products.
• Lead or coordinate project-based work (e.g., construction IPC, regulatory surveys, system initiatives, special investigations) as assigned.
• Participate in operational planning for Infection Prevention coverage during surges, construction, or emergent events.

Other information:

• Education: A master’s degree in nursing, microbiology, public health, or a related field is required.
• Experience: Proven experience in infection prevention or a similar role in a healthcare setting is essential.
• Certification: Certification in infection control (CIC) is highly desirable and required within one year of full-time employment.
• Additionally, AL-CIP preferred

Job Details

Legal Employer: Pardee - HCHC

Entity: Pardee UNC Health Care

Organization Unit: Infection Control

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: PARDEEHOSP

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.