What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Preventionist position at Pottawattamie County?
Pottawattamie County Public Health is announcing the hiring of a full-time Infection Preventionist.
The purpose of this position is to develop and direct infection prevention programs and policies; providing a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment that prevents the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections. Collaborate with confinement and transitional housing facilities to create, educate, and sustain infection prevention strategies and identify, investigate, monitor, and report facility communicable diseases.
Work should be performed under, but with limited supervision of the Public Health Administrator.
This position is a full-time, grant funded position to work through 6/30/2023.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Assess the need for, develop, and implement written policies and procedures for infection control.
Establish a facility-wide system for the prevention, identification, investigation, and control of infections of residents, staff, and visitors, including surveillance designed to identify possible communicable diseases or infections before they spread.
Collaborates with facility leadership to coordinate and implement evidence-based preventative practices and control measures related to communicable diseases.
Implement communicable disease screening and diagnostic testing for facility residents, staff, and visitors; assist with other immunization and screening programs as needed i.e. Influenza and TB.
Prepare epidemiological reports to analyze and interpret surveillance data to ensure accurate, concise, meaningful information.
Guide facility work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases or following an exposure consistent with CDC and public health guidance.
Provide infection prevention education and training.
Assist with new projects and perform other tasks as assigned by the Public Health Administrator.
Perform other duties as assigned or as situations dictate.
General knowledge of epidemiological methods, principles and practices; ability to effectively and tactfully apply accepted infection prevention methods, and coordinate activities with partner organizations to protect target populations
General knowledge of local and State rules, regulations, procedures and policies; general knowledge of health
General knowledge of the principles of public health services; general knowledge of the methods of organizing, coordinating and carrying out health improvement and protective programs
Skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment
Skill in excellent customer service
Ability to exercise judgment in appraising situations and making decisions
Ability to accurately maintain patient medical records and prepare reports
Ability to use strong interpersonal and customer service skills using tact, patience and courtesy
Ability to pay close attention to detail and to effectively organize time and anticipate, plan and successfully respond to changing circumstances
Ability to handle confidential information according to established procedures
Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form
Ability to diagnose a variety of common illnesses and injuries
Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports
Ability to repair and maintain assigned tools, equipment, and vehicles
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, coworkers, partners, and the general public
Bachelor’s degree in nursing, epidemiology, microbiology, public health or other health related field
2 years’ experience in infection prevention preferred
Valid driver's license
Possession of Red Cross CPR certification, BLS and State of Iowa Department of Human Services Child and Adult Abuse certification upon hire
Obtain blood borne pathogen training within 6 months of hire
Salary : $27
