Infection Preventionist 5

As a recognized infection prevention and control expert, leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of enterprise-wide strategies to reduce healthcare-associated infections and promote a culture of patient and workforce safety. Provides strategic leadership in healthcare epidemiology, surveillance, outbreak investigation, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and evidence-based infection prevention practices. Partners with multidisciplinary leaders across the organization to assess and mitigate infection risks, develop policies and procedures, implement prevention initiatives, analyze and communicate surveillance data, and advance education, research, and innovation. Directs complex, high-impact programs and projects with organization-wide influence, serving as a trusted advisor to leadership while mentoring infection prevention professionals and contributing to the advancement of the field through scholarly activities, presentations, and publications. Applies advanced clinical and epidemiologic expertise to shape institutional policies, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen infection prevention practices across the health system

Department Overview

The Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Prevention provides epidemiologic analysis based on the results of surveillance, risk assessment, communicable disease exposure follow-up, outbreak investigation, and other data; direct interventions at the patient, location, and service levels where needs are identified and where risk-reduction or change in practice is likely to have long-term success; education to personnel, patients and visitors with an emphasis on their role in infection prevention; thresholds of infection rates for surgical procedures and device-related infections above which department action is indicated; ensures regulatory, accreditation and legal compliance related to infection prevention issues.

Key Responsibilities 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Special Conditions of Employment: (Statements identifying the fundamental non-negotiable job conditions and/or requirements which an individual must meet to be eligible for the position.  For example, the ability to pass a background check, work in a particular environmental setting, work a flexible or irregular work schedule, etc.)

1. Rotates and adheres to after-hours on-call coverage.
2. Has at least 8 years of experience in infection control, preferably in an academic medical center. 
3. Meets or exceeds all competencies of ICP4.
4. Competency in Microsoft Word (create, format, save, edit using track changes, and print a document), Microsoft Outlook (create and send email, attach files, manage and organize messages and calendar), Excel (create a simple spreadsheet), PowerPoint (create, edit and present PowerPoint slideshows,), enter, manipulate and extract database information, and basic descriptive statistics e.g., Chi square, frequency analysis
5. Ability to pass a background check.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Problem Solving 

Common problems solved by the employee:

• Leads and manages all aspects of multiple enterprise-wide, cross-functional projects
• Identifies and applies appropriate risk reduction strategies to assigned or claimed projects/assignments
• Mentors earlier career colleagues

Less frequent and more complex problems solved by the employee:

• Negotiates for appropriate data display and dashboard functionality
• Leads assigned or claimed aspects of institutional epidemic/pandemic response  

Problems/situations that are referred to this employee's supervisor:

• Fiscal negotiations with senior leadership
• Professional behavior issues

Management of Funds:  No

Does this position require oversight or management funds?  No  

         Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbiology, or another related healthcare discipline; or licensure as a healthcare professional in the State of California (e.g., RN, Pharmacist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Respiratory Therapist, Physical Therapist, or equivalent).
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible infection prevention and control experience, preferably in an academic medical center or large, complex healthcare organization.
• Current California healthcare license (e.g., RN or comparable licensed healthcare professional)
• Current Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC).
• Demonstrated expertise in healthcare epidemiology, infection surveillance, regulatory compliance, outbreak investigation, infection prevention program development, and quality improvement.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and partnering with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient safety and infection prevention outcomes.
• Advanced analytical, project management, and communication skills, including experience interpreting surveillance data, developing policies and procedures, and presenting findings to clinical and executive leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and infection prevention surveillance and data management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a health-related field, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, DSN, or equivalent).
• Experience leading enterprise-wide infection prevention programs within a large academic health system.
• Record of scholarly activity, including publications, presentations, or participation in multicenter research.
• Active leadership roles in local, state, or national professional infection prevention organizations.