Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist

Kenaitze Indian Tribe•Kenai, AK

About The Position

The Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist possesses knowledge of clinical epidemiology principles and is responsible for facilitating compliance of the Tribe's Infection Control & Employee Health Program which includes surveillance, analysis, and reporting of healthcare acquired infections for the Dena'ina Wellness Center; educating employees about infection control; and developing policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection control standards meet accreditation, OSHA, Public Health Department, and Center for Disease Control requirements. In collaboration with the Medical Director, the Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist supports and acts as a resource to staff and services.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school or education and experience may be substituted for a degree
Three (3) years clinical experience in a clinic or hospital setting or disease surveillance experience in public health setting.
State of Alaska RN license
BLS certification
Valid Alaska Driver License and must remain insurable under the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's policy
Strong organizational, analytic and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of infection control and employee health practices
Computer, research and statistical skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, or obtain training within 90 days of hire
Proactively and consistently applies regulatory and accreditation standards to assure that activities are reviewed and performance improvement processes are implemented within guidelines
Ability to process complex information while working independently including the interpretation of best practice and regulatory standards into clinical applications with recommendations for implementation
Ability to report audit or clinical findings to appropriate staff to ensure appropriate outcome and/or follow-up for improvement as indicated
Ability to maintain knowledge and adherence of infectious diseases and the State of Alaska regulations for management of reportable diseases.
Ability to maintain knowledge of current principles and practices for infection control standards for various ambulatory care departments
Knowledge of current regulations and standards for quality assurance in an ambulatory care setting
This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience with infection control and employee health practice preferred.
Infection Control or Occupational Health training with certificate preferred
Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

Responsibilities

Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures surrounding infection control and employee health within the Kenaitze Indian Tribe to ensure compliance with accreditation entities, OSHA, CDC, CMS and other county, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
Consult with department directors/administrators for policy and procedure development surrounding clinical care
Conducts regular review and research of best practices and translate, develops or updates policies and procedures and staff training as needed.
Directs and assists in preparing, filing, and following up on reports and statistical data for local or state agencies
Ensures a safe and effective system for the maintenance of a sanitary environment for patients and staff
Direct, consult, manage and evaluate the Infection Control Program as outlined by the Infection Control and Employee Health Program Manual for all departments of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe
Maintains records to include but not limited to the employee health records, confidential medical records, Sharps Injury Log, and Infectious Diseases.
Shall facilitate communication and report reportable diseases between DWC administration, State of Alaska, and public health officials regarding infectious disease as required by the State of Alaska.
May consult with additional KIT facilities regarding infection control and employee health topics.
Monitor, evaluate and report compliance within facility with established infection control and patient safety best practices.
Develop improvements to infection control and patient safety practices based on new information, technology in light of clinic services capacity and equipment in use.
Complete an annual review and update of related policies and procedures in accordance with best practice guidelines.
Update staff on changes
Direct, manage and evaluate the Employee Health Program as outlined by the Infection Control and Employee Health Policies and Procedures for all Kenaitze Indian Tribe employees and departments. This program includes but is not limited to OSHA bloodborne pathogens, respiratory fit testing and additional training
Establish and maintain an Employee Health database with employee health records for all Kenaitze Indian Tribe employees as outlined in the Infection Control Employee Health Manual.
In partnership with Human Resources, manage new employee TB screenings and onboarding as appropriate.
Initiate lab orders as needed to assure that all employees' records are complete per the Infection Control Employee Health Manual and the Exposure Control Plan.
Provide direct assistance to the primary care staff for any employees and patients exposed to or ill with communicable disease
Functions independently as an advanced specialist with responsibilities for performing a variety of complex professional tasks and through advising others
Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance
It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.