Infection Prevention Specialist

Infection Prevention Specialist - Full Time

The Infection Prevention Specialist working with direction of an Infection Preventionist is responsible for implementing and maintaining a system for prevention, surveillance, investigation and control of infection within Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH). In alignment with Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC), and other licensing, accrediting, and regulatory agencies, the hospital-wide infection prevention system will include staff education regarding products or procedures that carry special infection-related potentials and consultation with physicians, administration, and staff for the management of infections and/or patients  Infection Prevention Specialist will report to the Director of Infection Prevention and Control and other key members of the administrative team.

The Infection Prevention Specialist will work closely with directors, managers and supervisors across all departments in the hospital.

• Monitor the infection prevention and control policies and procedures for all departments.
• Monitor the surveillance system for detecting and monitoring hospital-acquired and community infections.
• Collect and analyze infection prevention data as required by federal, state and local mandates.
• Provide physicians and staff with updates of infection prevention and control policy changes.
• Consult with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious patients at risk.
• Collaborate with local and state health departments in the prevention, control, and appropriate reporting of communicable diseases.
• Participate in ongoing infection control educational programs for employees, including hand hygiene, tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis, and universal precautions. May educate patients as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Medical Technology or Public Health preferred.
• Master’s Degree desired.

• Current California Registered Nurse license preferred (if applicable).
• More than 5 years of nursing, medical technology (microbiology) or public health required.
• Supervisory or charge nurse experience preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Working knowledge of epidemiological principles, infectious disease, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practices. Ability to manage and evaluate infection and control functions, identify improvement opportunities, and implement appropriate actions. Basic knowledge of CDC, CMS, TJC, and other regulations required.
• Knowledge of CDC criteria for MDROs, hospital-onset and community-onset infections and proficiency in data management.
• Understanding of statistical reports and use of statistical methods in reporting formats. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, detail oriented. Proficiency in computer skills utilizing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military service, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This application is intended for use in evaluating your application for employment.

Applicants are required to provide verifiable documentation confirming eligibility to work in the United States.