Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist

Our Quality and Compliance team is looking for an Infection Preventionist to join our team. In this role you will be responsible planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating organizational infection prevention and control (IPC) activities. You will need to have the ability to interpret regulatory and accreditation requirements, standards, and recommendations in order to develop and implement IPC-relevant policies, procedures, and associated protocols.

This is a full-time position with great benefits to include 12 paid vacation days, 5 paid personal days, accrued sick leave, 12 Federal paid holidays, health insurance, tuition reimbursement, 12 weeks of paid parental leave. This position is also pension eligible.

The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm and is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Must reside in Illinois.

Responsibilities include managing the agency infection prevention and control program, monitoring compliance with federal, state and local regulatory requirements and accreditation standards. Keeping up to date on laws and regulations that may affect policies and procedures and developing recommended updates. Recommending and implementing strategies to promote compliance pertaining to infection prevention and control. Conducting and coordinating internal auditing of infection prevention practices, liaising with Human Resources or designee for employee health-related activities based on identified needs.

Providing consultation, education, and training for DCHD staff on IPC related issues. Developing processes to ensure that all DCHD healthcare personnel understand and are competent to adhere to infection prevention requirements as they perform their roles and responsibilities. Supporting ongoing updates to agency plans; ensuring fulfillment of reporting requirements. Participating in licensing and accreditation activities as assigned. Implementing strategies for continuous quality improvement;

providing support and direction to IPC activities for all DCHD clinical programs and settings, including reporting of and response to notifiable cases, clusters, and outbreaks. Participating in agency committee(s) as assigned. Providing staff training, consultation, education and related resources on IPC topics and issues. Presenting findings of data analysis. Maintaining collaborative relationships with co-workers, available for in person or phone consultation during business hours.

Participating in emergency activities as assigned. Maintaining required training, licensure and/or certification. Maintaining confidentiality of privileged information and adhering to privacy laws. Demonstrating sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures. Considerable knowledge of the recommendations, regulations, and accreditation standards pertaining to infection prevention and control and data analysis. Working knowledge of continuous quality improvement tools and methods. Working knowledge of project management techniques.

Considerable skill in maintaining records to achieve compliance with regulations and standards. Considerable skill in analyzing issues, identifying alternative solutions and consequences, and recommending improvements. Considerable skill in using persuasion and diplomacy to achieve consensus. Considerable skill in training staff on new processes and procedures. Considerable skill in problem-solving, leadership, conflict management, and team-building strategies to ensure a productive work environment and achievement of goals.

Considerable skill in developing and maintaining positive and professional relationships with internal and external customers. Considerable skill in written and verbal communication. Developing and maintaining positive, respectful and professional relationships with internal and external customers. Supports, adapts, or delivers services in a manner that ensures understanding and inclusion of diverse client populations.

Requirements include completion of a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, health science or related field and at least one year of experience in infection prevention is preferred; a bachelor's degree and three years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Requires Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology within two years of employment.

An Illinois Registered Nurse license is also preferred.

Additional requirements:

Must have a valid driver's license and dependable vehicle to travel to agency locations throughout DuPage County.