Infection Control Specialist

Trinity Health•Boise, ID

About The Position

INFECTION CONTROL SPECIALIST Responsible for identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of healthcare associated infections at one or more of the Saint Alphonsus Medical Centers and their associated clinics. The ICS is responsible for conducting/assisting with educational programs related to infection control and prevention, developing policies, and implementing performance improvement measures that ensure the medical centers meet the Infection Control requirements of CDC, OSHA, TJC and other federal and state regulatory agencies. Some travel between sites may be required. Colleagues of Saint Alphonsus Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout SAHS and Trinity Health. Visit www.saintalphonsus.org/careers to learn more about the benefits, culture and career development opportunities available to you at Saint Alphonsus Health System. Saint Alphonsus and Trinity Health are committed to promoting diversity in its workforce and to providing an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. We are committed to recruit and retain a diverse staff reflective of the communities we serve. Saint Alphonsus and Trinity Health are equal opportunity employers and prohibit discrimination against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our Commitment Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, faith-based health care systems in the nation. Together, we’re 121,000 colleagues and nearly 36,500 physicians and clinicians caring for diverse communities across 27 states. Nationally recognized for care and experience, our system includes 101 hospitals, 126 continuing care locations, the second largest PACE program in the country, 136 urgent care locations, and many other health and well-being services. Based in Livonia, Michigan, in fiscal year 2023, we invested $1.5 billion in our communities through charity care and other community benefit programs. For more information, visit http://www.trinity-health.org. You can also follow Trinity Health on LinkedIn.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in health care related field required.
A combination of bachelor’s degree in any field and current Certification in Infection Control (CIC) may substitute in lieu of health care degree requirement.
Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within three years of employment.
3 years of acute care experience required.
Experience in performance improvement, facilitation and adult education required.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines that affect infection control.
Knowledge of infection control requirements of CDC, OSHA, TJC, APIC recommendations and ability to interpret them in clinical settings.
Knowledgeable of epidemiologic principles, communicable diseases, pharmacokinetics, microbiology, pathophysiology, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience in statistics and research methodology preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates self-direction in providing systematic surveillance of patients to identify hospital acquired infections through established criteria.
Maintains databases related to surveillance and process/outcome metrics.
Analyzes, displays and communicates infection prevention data.
Identifies persons who are at high risk for infections or pose an infection risk to others and initiates preventative measures.
Coordinates appropriate investigation and intervention when a patient or employee is exposed to a potentially infectious agent.
Provides consultation on standards interpretation and implementation to hospital departments for the safety of health care services in relation to infection control.
Participates as a member or consultant in organizational decision making, including the development of policies and procedures that affect the delivery of patient care.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with professional and supportive personnel throughout the medical centers to promote safety in relation to infection control.
Identifies areas for performance improvement or study in the realm of infection prevention and control and leads/participates in performance improvement teams, as appropriate.
Initiates changes in clinical practice based on current concepts and findings from regulatory and accrediting agencies, professional practice guidelines, and other research and /or studies.