HAI/AR Nurse Epidemiologist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

12d•$102,260 - $111,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, is seeking an experienced individual to serve as the Nurse Epidemiologist for the Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program. The HAI/AR Nurse Epidemiologist will provide oversight and subject matter expertise to coordinate state, regional and local district response efforts for targeted multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and other infectious diseases in healthcare and congregate settings across Virginia according to CDC guidance. Targeted MDROs include carbapenemase-producing organisms, Candida auris, vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), and other emerging infections. In addition, the HAI/AR Nurse Epidemiologist will provide infection prevention and control guidance for HAI/AR outbreaks including outbreaks of targeted multidrug-resistant organisms, invasive group A Streptococcus in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities as well as MRSA outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units. As such, this position will collaborate extensively with the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, the Mid-Atlantic AR Laboratory, other HAI/AR staff, regional epidemiologists, regional infection preventionists, local health districts, other state agencies, and healthcare staff. This position will serve as the infection prevention and control subject matter expert and the HAI/AR outbreak lead. The HAI/AR Nurse Epidemiologist will be responsible for developing and updating disease control guidance for targeted MDROs and HAI outbreaks for local health districts. To do this, this position must remain up to date with guidance from federal agencies and professional organizations and coordinate with VDH infection preventionists. The HAI/AR Nurse Epidemiologist will present guidance and situational updates to statewide audiences via presentations, the VDH website, and consultations, and will serve as a member of the Virginia HAI Advisory Group. This position will conduct education for public health and healthcare staff in conjunction with the HAI/AR Program’s Infection Prevention Educator. These efforts will build capacity for case and outbreak response, preparedness, and infection prevention and control. This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the CDC Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for August 1, 2025 period ending July 31, 2027. The availability of funding is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of transmission, prevention, and treatment of and related clinical practice guidelines; public health theory, practice, and epidemiology; quality assurance, quality management, and program evaluation; and HAI federal and state laws, regulations and policies
Strong data analysis, computer, and oral and written communication skills
Ability to conduct research and make recommendations; apply findings; develop and execute goals and objectives; develop curricula utilizing adult learning theory/techniques; develop and conduct program training and evaluation; problem solve and make decisions
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with laboratories, pharmacies, clinicians, community-based organizations, and related professional partners
Ability to prepare and review technically accurate reports and educational materials; develop, interpret and implement policies and procedures; and provide technical assistance

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience in infection prevention and control programs, working in a public health clinic, and providing infection prevention and control training to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians preferred
Ability to travel onsite to healthcare and congregate settings
Participation in respiratory protection program

Responsibilities

Provide oversight and subject matter expertise to coordinate state, regional and local district response efforts for targeted multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and other infectious diseases in healthcare and congregate settings across Virginia according to CDC guidance.
Provide infection prevention and control guidance for HAI/AR outbreaks including outbreaks of targeted multidrug-resistant organisms, invasive group A Streptococcus in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities as well as MRSA outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units.
Serve as the infection prevention and control subject matter expert and the HAI/AR outbreak lead.
Develop and update disease control guidance for targeted MDROs and HAI outbreaks for local health districts.
Present guidance and situational updates to statewide audiences via presentations, the VDH website, and consultations.
Serve as a member of the Virginia HAI Advisory Group.
Conduct education for public health and healthcare staff in conjunction with the HAI/AR Program’s Infection Prevention Educator.