Infection Preventionist

UnitedHealth Group•Worcester, MA

1d•$72,800 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Infection Control Director, this role coordinates and provides technical support for the implementation, surveillance, data collection, analysis, reporting, and formulation/review of policies and procedures for site-based Infection Control programs. The Infection Preventionist serves as an internal consultant on infection control issues and participates in employee education programs. A key aspect of this role is maintaining direct communication between Reliant Medical Group and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and local Public Health agencies.

Requirements

3+ years of relevant experience in a similar position
Proven excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent project management and research skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams
Proven excellent analytic, interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to develop and execute complex work plans with substantial independence
Ability to use all electronic tools and applications relevant to the performance of the duties of the position, including but not limited to phone, keyboard, computer and computer applications
Ability to perform all job functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, local and company policies and procedures
Highly skilled in use of desktop software including Excel and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

CIC (Board Certification in Infection Control)
Experience in health care
Demonstrated background in infection surveillance, prevention and control measures; Nursing, Epidemiology Principles; or Infectious Diseases

Responsibilities

Supports the Infection Control Director to maintain Reliant Medical Group organization wide infection control program, which complies with or exceeds corporate and regulatory guidelines.
Monitors compliance with policies and procedures through a variety of methods including clinical department and site audits and data collection.
Communicates information and coordinates activities related to infection control program policies and procedures, training, documentation and record-keeping.
Contributes to short-term and long term goals for the infection control program across Reliant Medical Group, working with managers and frontline staff through visits to the practice sites (estimated 30-40% of the time) to inspect and educate on the topic of Infection Control standards.
Utilizes the EPIC electronic medical record system to review reports and information on patients with suspected or confirmed infectious disease to implement workflows and post-exposure surveillance and information later shared with the Occupational/Employee Health team.
Attends meetings and collaborates with the Infection Control team of Atrius Health and Reliant Medical Group (Optum Massachusetts) as a representative of the program and as required in his/her area of expertise.
Develops and standardizes infection control policies and procedures as it relates to infection control including but not limited to cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization practices, hand hygiene, transmission-based precautions, and infectious disease surveillance and exposure protocols.
Coordinates and facilitates activities needed to fulfill assigned project objectives.
Identifies need to modify schedules and plans and works with management to ensure project goals are met.
Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems.
Identifies primary and peripheral stakeholders and ensures needs are met during the planning, implementation, testing and evaluation phase of project.
Prepares reports and updates for management on progress.
May prepare and deliver formal presentations on project status or lead group meetings.
Creates and/or updates written material and documentation related to project work.
When applicable, may assist in user training and project rollout communications.
Maintains regular communication with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and local boards of health, representing Reliant Medical Group on all Infection Control related issues.
Represents Reliant Medical Group with MDPH and other public health agencies to report positive lab test results and respond to any specific questions.
Assists in development of Infection Control training content for new hire orientation and other training programs as necessary.
Serves as internal consultant to employees on infection control issues.
Answers questions, conducts research, collects surveillance information and generally assists all practice sites to incorporate infection control principles in current policies and procedures or practices and to provide a safe environment for patients, personnel and visitors.
Participates in the annual evaluation of the infection control program and development of corrective action plans, if warranted, as well as goals for the succeeding year.
Participates as an Assessor in the Practice Health & Safety Annual Assessment process, which involves: having a working understanding of best practices for clinical safety, walking through clinical sites to conduct assessments, documenting the results of such assessments into database, working with staff and managers to complete corrective action plans when necessary, and documenting completion of those corrective action plans.
Complies with health and safety requirements and with regulatory agencies such as Massachusetts DPH, etc.
Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
Enhances professional growth and development through educational programs, seminars, etc.
Attends a variety of meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed.
Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.
Regular, reliable and predicable attendance is required.