Associate Director, Epidemiology

The Associate Director demonstrates infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge and expertise. They are responsible for the management of the IPC department, providing guidance, direction, and oversight of all activities within the team. They facilitate the achievement and sustainment of IPC targets, serve as a mentor to infection preventionists (IPs) and a resource to senior leadership, Medical Staff, Nursing, and other Hospital and Health System personnel. They collaborate to address gaps and opportunities, and assist with the development of the interventions to ensure success in achieving IPC department and organizational goals.

Principal Responsibilities:

Responsible for all hospital epidemiology department operations, including the achievement of goals and objectives. Facilitates the development and implementation of short- and long-range goals and objectives for the department, which are realistic, objectively measurable, and parallel the hospital's institutional plan.

Oversees programs to improve efficiency and effectiveness of department operations. Initiates proposed changes in systems, programs, and daily operations to advance the epidemiology program. Monitors effectiveness of these changes and reports on the activities of the department.

Supervises the facilitation and coordination of ongoing processes to address medical center clinical performance improvement goals relating to nosocomial infections, which include committees (Infection Control Committee, Quality Improvement Committee), performance measurement systems (core Measures, National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), epi markers, etc.

Establishes and maintains systems to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Serves as a resource person for addressing Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO), California Medical Association (CMA) and Title 22 regulations, standards and requirements relating to clinical performance improvement.

Leads the implementation of an IPC team comprised of dedicated stewards and accountable individuals with the potential to produce meaningful change within infection prevention practice.

Responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing current department policy and procedure manual.


 

Education:
Bachelor's Degree, Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or related field required.

Master's Degree, Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or related field preferred.

Work Experience:
5 years Experience in epidemiology/infection control required
3 years Experience in epidemiology/infections prevention management in a healthcare setting required

Licenses and Certifications:

Current -California RN State License -Upon Hire preferred 

Certification in Infection Control (CIC) - Upon Hire required