Infection Prevention Specialist I

Health Research, Inc. • Syracuse, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Infection Prevention Specialist I will work within the Bureau of Healthcare-Associated Infections (BHAI) Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Control (HEIC) program in the Central NY Regional Office (CNYRO), Syracuse, NY. The incumbent will oversee the coordination of and perform a broad range of epidemiological and surveillance activities necessary to identify and control healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), respiratory viruses in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities in Central NY. The incumbent, in collaboration with central office public health physicians and other senior staff, will coordinate and provide epidemiology and infection control expertise and technical guidance in the reporting, investigation, diagnosis, prevention, and control of HAIs to healthcare professionals, including infection control/epidemiology staff, physicians, nurses, and other state and local health department partners. The incumbent will perform and/or oversee other appropriate related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, nursing, medical laboratory science or a related field and four years of experience in healthcare epidemiology and/or infection control, and/or healthcare associated infection surveillance and/or communicable disease epidemiology
• OR a Master's degree in a related field and three years of such experience
• OR a Doctoral degree in a related field and one year of such experience.
• Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required.
• The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree in public health, epidemiology, nursing, or medical laboratory science with at least three years of professional IPC subject matter experience in a hospital or nursing home infection prevention and control (IPC) program and/or experience in a local, state or federal public health HAI focused agency.
• Experience conducting outbreak investigations, participating in research to reduce healthcare-associated infections including communication of research findings and providing IPC technical assistance and training to healthcare providers.
• Certification in infection control (CIC®)
• Demonstrated, strong organizational and analytic skills
• Demonstrated, excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to apply those skills to various audiences and settings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the coordination of and perform a broad range of epidemiological and surveillance activities necessary to identify and control healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), respiratory viruses in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities in Central NY.
• Coordinate and provide epidemiology and infection control expertise and technical guidance in the reporting, investigation, diagnosis, prevention, and control of HAIs to healthcare professionals, including infection control/epidemiology staff, physicians, nurses, and other state and local health department partners.
• Perform and/or oversee other appropriate related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.
• HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level