Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics and a wide variety of nutritional, social, and educational services. We are recruiting for the following position:

Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization

Infection Control Nurse – Posting #22310

Position Summary:

Sea Mar Community Health Centers is seeking a Full-time Infection Control Nurse for White Center, Seattle. This position, under the direction of the Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Medical Officer, is responsible for the effective direction, management and operation of the infection prevention and control department, including education of personnel and consultation with the organization, CDC, and the county and state health departments. The overarching responsibility of the Infection Control Nurse (ICN) is infection prevention and management of both contained infections and broader outbreaks, ensuring that our healthcare centers are safe and sanitary for everyone who walks in their doors. The responsibilities encompass compliance with Joint Commission (JC) standards, CMS, OSHA, and state regulations, outbreak investigation, and overall direction of the infection prevention and control program.

The ICN will be familiar with and work to ensure the mission of the organization is carried out. This position is an intrinsic member of our everyday medical teams, and will work with VPs of Medical Operations, the Chief Medical Officer, Health Center Administrators, and Nurse Managers to ensure the safety of all patients under the care of our organization. The ICN is a meticulous and detail-oriented individual, and must stay informed, be proactive and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. The ICN is a problem solver and innovator, skilled and trained to create and follow strict, structured preventive protocols, and are always at the forefront of modern healthcare solutions. 

The ideal candidate for this position has previous experience in a nursing leadership position, a strong ability to work with a team, and an in-depth knowledge of the healthcare industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• In an interdisciplinary care delivery system, insure the delivery of quality care and services to all facility residents, in compliance with all federal, state and local rules and regulations; and facility policies and procedures. Including but not limited to:
  • Patient Rights & Responsibilities
  • Infection Control
  • Health and Safety
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Quality Improvement
• Must demonstrate and develop excellent teamwork within the department and with other facility and organization departments.
• Provide staff training and ensure staff competence; in compliance with Joint Commission and organizational performance standards, including the job description
• Work closely and constructively with other departmental directors/managers
• Follow all organizational and facility personnel policies and procedures
• Develop, implement and maintain the Infection Control Policy and Procedure Manual
• Review, as necessary and in a timely manner, the Nursing Dept. policies and procedures, as well as other departments’ Policy and Procedure Manuals, including Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health, and Health & Safety, to ensure congruency on policies and protocols relevant to organizational infection control policies.
• Direct and maintain the infection control and employee health orientation programs which includes surveillance; analysis of data; developing reports, policies and procedures.
• Responsible for Quality Improvement activities relevant to Infection Control.
• Assist with the implementation of quality improvement programs relevant to Infection Control protocols designed to help us deliver the highest possible levels of service.
• Participates as an integral team member, collaborating with various departments and colleagues, including Safety Officer, Human Resources, Quality Officer and others as needed to advocate for employee health and safety.
• Responsible for all pre-employment testing and vaccination processes, annual Influenza vaccinations, and the management of potential blood exposures, employee illnesses and disease outbreaks.
• Provides consultation and education to staff, physicians and community leaders in respect to Infection Prevention & Control.
• Notify the County and/or State Health Department of any reportable diseases, adhering to all internal county and state procedures.
• Resolve issues and deficiencies when needed
• Will perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must have specific knowledge about nursing administration.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with a team
• Must display an understanding of local, state and federal laws and guidelines
• Must demonstrate leadership and a high level of professionalism, integrity and commitment to the position and the organization at all times.
• Must work well with an interdisciplinary team.
• Must be able to work well in a multicultural setting.
• Must be able to communicate in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Must be able to accommodate schedule flexibility as needed.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• English required. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Education and/or Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and licensed in the State of Washington
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required (Master’s degree preferred)
• Valid RN license (Must be a Registered Nurse in the state of Washington with a current license or obtain one through reciprocity)
• Certification of successful examination by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
• Meet continuing education requirements.
• At least 3 years’ experience in ambulatory care.
• At least 3 years’ experience as a supervisor.
• Must have current nursing license in Washington State.

What We Offer:

Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours more, receive an excellent benefit package of Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Prescription coverage, Long Term Disability, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), paid-time-off starting at 27 days per year 10 paid Holidays. We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment. 

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, complete the online application and click SUBMIT or APPLY NOW. If you have any questions regarding the position, email Harshiem Ross, Senior VP at HarshiemRoss@seamarchc.orgPlease reference the posting number on the subject of your email. 

Sea Mar is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted 09/09/2021

Please visit our website to learn more about us at www.seamar.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.