Infection Preventionist

** Location**:  Central Office – 123 Robert S Kerr Ave; OKC, OK
** Full Time /Part Time**:
Full time
** Work Schedule**:  Monday to Friday
** Primary Hours**: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
** Position

Description:

** The Infection Preventionist is responsible for serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Infection Prevention and Control providing guidance and education to county public health partners, healthcare facility infection preventionists and frontline clinicians;
Support the mission of the Acute Disease Service while performing Healthcare Associated Infections program activities.
** Position Responsibilities/

Essential Functions:

*** Plan and coordinate with state and federal partners in HAI prevention activities.
* Work with other OSDH personnel and healthcare provider partners, including hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, Long Term Care (LTC) and Long-term Acute Care (LTAC) facilities, dialysis centers, etc. to conduct HAI surveillance, case investigation, and cluster/outbreak response.
* Conduct on-site healthcare facility infection control assessments to identify potential gaps in infection control practices, make recommendations from assessment findings and provide resources to address identified gaps.
* Present training, lectures, technical reports to healthcare facilities and state partners.
* Deployable to other regions within the state to assist with HAI-related outbreak response.
* Evaluate readiness of healthcare facilities to respond to cluster or outbreak investigations.
* Support county health departments in each designated region to develop strong infection prevention base to assist in directing healthcare facility activities.
* Being present in the office is an essential function of this job
* Other duties as assigned
** Other Duties
*** Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
* Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.
*
* Minimum Qualifications:

*** Requirements consist of a master’s degree in Epidemiology and three years of experience in a field involving the use of epidemiological techniques and analysis plus one year of experience in a field involving the use of epidemiological research and investigation. OR possession of a valid Oklahoma license as a registered nurse as approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing or, Registered Nurse License recognized by the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) and a minimum of eight (8) years of professional nursing experience, OR, a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a minimum of six (6) years of professional nursing experience, OR a master’s degree and a minimum of four (4) years of professional healthcare or public health experience.
* Experience in infection prevention and quality improvement within a healthcare facility setting, as well as knowledge of current state and national HAI and AR requirements.
** Preferred
* ** Certification in Infection Control (or ready to sit for CIC certification test) are preferred.
** Application Requirements:
*** If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
* All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
** Valued Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

*** Thorough knowledge of healthcare-acquired infections and emerging infectious disease infection prevention and control methods.
* Ability to effectively communicate infectious disease prevention and control recommendations to other epidemiologists, healthcare providers, and the public using a variety of communication methods.
* Experience providing clear expert guidance directly to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
* Ability to be flexible and quickly adapt to urgent job responsibilities.
* Ability to build relationships within and outside of the organization.
* Ability to think critically, analyze data, work independently and collaborate with a team.
* Proficient skills using Microsoft Office…