Infection Preventionist

Our Quality and Compliance team is excited to announce a new position! We are 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.

• Manages the agency infection prevention and control program, monitors compliance with federal, state and local regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
• Keeps up to date on laws and regulations that may affect policies and procedures and develops recommended updates.
• Recommends and implements strategies to promote compliance pertaining to infection prevention and control.
• Conducts and coordinates internal auditing of infection prevention practices, liaises with Human Resources or designee for employee health-related activities based on identified needs.
• Provides consultation, education, and training for DCHD staff on IPC related issues.
• Develops 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.
• Supports ongoing updates to agency plans; ensures fulfillment of reporting requirements.
• Participates in licensing and accreditation activities as assigned.
• Implements strategies for continuous quality improvement; provides support and direction to IPC activities for all DCHD clinical programs and settings, including reporting of and response to notifiable cases, clusters, and outbreaks.
• Participates in agency committee(s) as assigned.
• Provides staff training, consultation, education and related resources on IPC topics and issues.
• Presents findings of data analysis.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with co-workers, available for in person or phone consultation during business hours.
• Participates in emergency activities as assigned.
• Maintains required training, licensure and/or certification.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to privacy laws.
• Demonstrates 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.
• Develops and maintains 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. 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.