Infection Preventionist (713286)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

An Infection Preventionist (IP) must:

Be currently Certified in Infection Control (CIC) by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC), which indicates competence in the actual practice of infection prevention and control and healthcare epidemiology.

Have completed post-secondary education in a health-related field, including but not limited to medicine, nursing, laboratory technology, public health, or biology.

Have a minimum of two years of work experience as required for CIC eligibility with direct responsibility for providing consultation to healthcare departments or assigned practice settings on infection prevention and control program elements, practices, and processes, as well as products used within healthcare facilities or providing direct supervision of those who perform these responsibilities.

Work experience, defined as active engagement in infection prevention activities, must include the following:

• Identification of infectious disease processes
• Surveillance and epidemiologic investigation
• Preventing and controlling the transmission of infectious agents
• Environment of care
• Cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and asepsis
• And at least two (2) of these three (3) components:
• Employee / occupational health
• Management and communication
• Education and research

LOCATION

The Infection Preventionist will be expected to work remotely. 25-50% travel (in-state, driving) should be expected.

SERVICE/HOURS

The IP typically follows an 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (Eastern Time) schedule with a ½ hour (30 min) unpaid lunch and two 15-minute breaks. Time of break and lunch is at the IP's discretion and under the supervisor's direction. Flexible scheduling may be used at the discretion of the supervisor.

MANDATORY TRAINING

The IP is responsible for completing all DOH-mandated training that applies to contracted personnel

Description of Duties

This position is under the direct supervision of an IP Supervisor.

The IP communicates and collaborates regularly with the supervisor, Project Firstline program lead, and team members.

The IP shall provide updates to the supervisor and Project Firstline program lead about the progression of the Project Firstline activities.

The IPs specific duties are as follows:

• Develop, plan, and facilitate infection prevention and control training course(s) to enable participants to pass the CIC exam.
• Develop, plan and provide training sessions for Department of Health field office personnel – epidemiology research associates, community health nurses, and facility surveyors- focusing on enhancing and expanding their infection prevention and control expertise.
• Construct educational text messages to address knowledge gaps among healthcare workers.
• Develop, review, and interpret regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines for infection prevention and control in non-commonwealth healthcare facilities to advise facilities and provide education.
• Advise on public health policies and regulations using infection prevention and control expertise.
• Review and evaluate staff training needs within non-commonwealth healthcare facilities with remote and in-person infection prevention and control support and guidance.
• Promote awareness and facilitate uptake of Project Firstline materials and disseminate information about healthcare-associated infections and infection control throughout the commonwealth via a statewide hand hygiene campaign, attendance, participation in professional conferences across the state, and partnerships with various healthcare organizations.
• Utilize in-person site visits and remote sessions to conduct Train-the-Trainer education to specifically prepare facility staff to provide PFL training and content to frontline healthcare workers. Note: All public health recommendations related to the COVID-19 pandemic must be followed, and the availability of in-person training will be subject to these recommendations.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team to serve as an IPC subject-matter expert.
• Collect and manage data to analyze trends in the access, use, quality, and impact of services.
• Design and deliver education throughout Pennsylvania directly to frontline workers in healthcare facilities, which may include but are not limited to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and personal care homes.
• Travel throughout Pennsylvania with some overnight stays may be required.
• Other duties as assigned for PA Project Firstline.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The DOH reserves the right to reject or remove any unqualified contract staff if they cannot perform their duties at an acceptable level. The supplier is expected to replace the contract staff ASAP, depending on the needs of DOH.

DRESS CODE

ID must always be worn and must be clearly visible and readable (other than teleworking). The IP shall dress in a manner that conveys professionalism, typically in a “business casual” style when appearing online or in person.

COMPETENCY MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

Maintain current professional Certification in Infection Control (CIC).

ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

• Interacts with team members and stakeholders using professional communication skills.
• Provides clear, concise, and comprehensive written work.
• Uses Microsoft Office Suite to document and share project activities.
• Uses Microsoft Teams and Outlook to facilitate meetings.
• Interacts with colleagues in a cooperative manner to develop effective working relationships.
• Reports problems accurately using the chain of command.
• Keeps conversations free from discriminatory, abusive, or sexually harassing comments.
• Prepares and submits thorough and accurate reports in a timely manner.
• Submits incident reports and work-related injury paperwork in a timely manner.

CRITICAL THINKING

• Prioritizes work tasks to be accomplished.
• Recognizes/anticipates the needs of colleagues and stakeholders.
• Identifies recurring problems and barriers.
• Implements practical solutions to mitigate problems and overcome barriers.
• Organizes compute files to easily access information.
• Coordinates with multiple organizations and colleagues to accomplish the same goals.
• Seek guidance and permission when appropriate.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

• Always demonstrates professional conduct.
• Demonstrates ethical behavior in the workplace.
• Maintains a non-discriminatory work environment.
• Abides by the Governor’s Code of Conduct and DOH Personnel Regulations, policies and procedures, and Bureau of Epidemiology policies and procedures.
• Adheres to scheduled work hours or informs supervisor of changes to the schedule.
• Submits time sheets and travel expense reports in a timely manner.

About Us:

TulaRay partners with clients to create staffing solutions that meet unique organizational needs. Our services are designed to reduce administrative burdens, protect your brand, and improve assignment time-to-fill. We believe that mutually successful client relationships are built on lasting quality and exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves on our uncompromising commitment to high-quality emergency management & healthcare personnel, while ensuring that our clients are taken care of with personalized attention. TulaRay manages total compliance and respectfully supports hundreds of professionals and patient-centered programs.

TulaRay is proud to be an affirmative action employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by visiting our website at tularay.com