Infection Control & Health Specialist

Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist

Department:
Quality, Compliance and Privacy

Program:
Quality, Compliance and Privacy

Reports To:

Quality and Risk Manager

Employment Status:
Full Time

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Schedule:

40 hours/52 weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Revision Date: 11/19/2024

The Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist possesses knowledge of clinical epidemiology principles and is responsible for facilitating compliance of the Tribe's Infection Control & Employee Health Program which includes surveillance, analysis, and reporting of healthcare acquired infections for the Dena'ina Wellness Center; educating employees about infection control; and developing policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection control standards meet accreditation, OSHA, Public Health Department, and Center for Disease Control requirements.

In collaboration with the Medical Director, the Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist supports and acts as a resource to staff and services.

• Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures surrounding infection control and employee health within the Kenaitze Indian Tribe to ensure compliance with accreditation entities, OSHA, CDC, CMS and other county, state, and federal regulatory agencies. Consult with department directors/administrators for policy and procedure development surrounding clinical care
• Conducts regular review and research of best practices and translate, develops or updates policies and procedures and staff training as needed. Directs and assists in preparing, filing, and following up on reports and statistical data for local or state agencies
• Ensures a safe and effective system for the maintenance of a sanitary environment for patients and staff
• Direct, consult, manage and evaluate the Infection Control Program as outlined by the Infection Control and Employee Health Program Manual for all departments of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe
• Maintains records to include but not limited to the employee health records, confidential medical records, Sharps Injury Log, and Infectious Diseases. Shall facilitate communication and report reportable diseases between DWC administration, State of Alaska, and public health officials regarding infectious disease as required by the State of Alaska. May consult with additional KIT facilities regarding infection control and employee health topics.
  
  Monitor, evaluate and report compliance within facility with established infection control and patient safety best practices. Develop improvements to infection control and patient safety practices based on new information, technology in light of clinic services capacity and equipment in use. Complete an annual review and update of related policies and procedures in accordance with best practice guidelines. Update staff on changes
• Direct, manage and evaluate the Employee Health Program as outlined by the Infection Control and Employee Health Policies and Procedures for all Kenaitze Indian Tribe employees and departments. This program includes but is not limited to OSHA blood borne pathogens, respiratory fit testing and additional training
• Establish and maintain an Employee Health database with employee health records for all Kenaitze Indian Tribe employees as outlined in the Infection Control Employee Health Manual. In partnership with Human Resources, manage new employee TB screenings and onboarding as appropriate. Initiate lab orders as needed to assure that all employees' records are complete per the Infection Control Employee Health Manual and the Exposure Control Plan.
  
  Provide direct assistance to the primary care staff for any employees and patients exposed to or ill with communicable disease
• Functions independently as an advanced specialist with responsibilities for performing a variety of complex professional tasks and through advising others
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Lifting Requirements

• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or…