Pay Range:
$36.91 - $47.93
SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.
Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.
The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAI); monitoring reportable conditions, educating employees about infection prevention; and developing health system policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection prevention and control standards that meet Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Medicaid/ Medicare Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and other nationally recognized agencies and evidence-based infection prevention and control practices. Ensures timely reporting of infection prevention and control measures and outcomes based on CMS requirements.
The IP is responsible for providing infection prevention and control education to all areas of SEARHC. The IP assists in planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive consortium-wide infection prevention and control program. Sets goals based on risk assessments, evidence-based practices, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Conducts evidence-based research to determine appropriate actions by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Facilitates and supports the process of educating staff, patients, and visitors on matters of infection prevention and control.
The IP works in collaboration with the entire Performance Improvement team and is cross trained to assist in the department’s needs. The IP reports to and takes direction from the Infection Prevention & Control Manager.
Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job
-
Infection Prevention and Control Program: Responsible for supporting the development, implementation, maintenance, and updating of the SEARHC Infection Prevention and Control Plan and Program in alignment with all IPC regulatory agencies and leading practices. Appropriate policies and procedures are written, approved, and implemented that support the IPC program and initiatives using CDC, OSHA, FDA, TJC, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) guidelines.
-
Data/Reporting: Collects, trends, prepares, and maintains all infection control data and statistical reports and records, providing appropriate reports as needed to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other regulatory agencies. Provides support and resource assistance to all areas in the Consortium regarding infection prevention, control, and surveillance.
-
Education/Training: Serves as an expert for Infection Prevention and Control, staying abreast of the most current literature and leading practices; facilitates and promotes IPC education and training of all SEARHC staff, patients, families, and communities; maintains a strong working relationship with Public Health and other regional, state, and national entities to ensure up-to-date information is being distributed to SEARHC constituents. Conducts new and annual employee IPC orientation and training.
-
Leadership and Teamwork: Serves as a role model and liaison for IPC to others; strives to maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible teamwork. Serves as a co-chair for the IPC committee and participates in other committees/teams as needed. Travel is required to various sites within SEARHC to assess, educate, and train.
-
Other duties as assigned.
Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required
-
Bachelor’s degree in healthcare-related field of study (Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbiology, or similar).
-
Master’s in healthcare-related field (MPH, MSN) preferred.
-
Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within 6 months of hire or when qualified to take the examination.
-
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.
-
Basic Life Support (BLS) current within 3 months of hire, and biannually thereafter.
Experience Required
-
Minimum 3 years of acute care/infection control experience and/or data collection and performance improvement/risk management experience.
-
Experience with basic statistics and epidemiological principles.
-
Long-Term Care IPC experience a plus.
Knowledge of
-
Working knowledge of epidemiology and infectious disease.
-
Working knowledge of project management and performance improvement methodology.
-
Understanding of data analysis and statistics.
Skills
-
Accurate, precise, and timely data entry and reports.
-
Proficient computer skills in MS Office and database applications.
Ability to
-
Synthesize regulatory requirements and evidence-based practices from a variety of professional and accrediting organizations and translate knowledge into policy, implementation, and staff education.
-
Communicate appropriately with consideration of health literacy needs for specific audiences in multicultural settings.
-
Manage programs and evaluate effectiveness.
-
Collect, analyze, trend, and report data accurately and effectively.
-
Work in a team environment and independently as necessary.
-
Maintain a professional demeanor and communicate clearly with staff and leadership.
Required Certifications:
Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association, Certification In Infection Control - Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality - National Association for Healthcare Quality, Clinical Competency Assessment - SEARHC
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
What We Do
For nearly 50 years, SEARHC has provided high-quality healthcare services to the residents of Southeast Alaska.
Operating as an independent and nonprofit health Consortium, SEARHC provides a comprehensive range of health-related services, including primary, urgent and specialty medical care, dental services, behavioral health support, wellness programs, optometry services and more. We are dedicated to improving the health, well-being and quality of life for all people in these communities.
SEARHC is committed to keeping care closer to home and making advanced medical technologies accessible to all. One of the many ways SEARHC does this is by offering specialty clinics or sending medical specialists to remote communities and facilities to care for patients who cannot travel.
Established in 1975, SEARHC is one of the largest Native-run health organizations in the United States. In 1976, SEARHC contracted with the Indian Health Service under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to assume management of the Community Health Aide Program. Today, SEARHC has more than 1,700 employees and operates in 27 communities throughout Southeast Alaska, including two Critical Access Hospitals.
