What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Prevention Specialist II - Behavioral Health/Addiction - Hybrid position at Behavioral Health/Addiction - Hybrid - Henry Ford Health - Careers Careers?
Position Summary
The Infection Prevention Specialist II (IPS II) is an advanced-level role responsible for leading infection prevention and control efforts across the organization. Working independently with minimal supervision, this position partners with clinical staff, leadership, and interdisciplinary teams to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections and ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
Hospital infection control experience is preferred although behavioral health experience is not a requirement, the candidate should have an interest in working in a residential addiction setting.
Position is hybrid. Working 2-3 days a week on-site and the remaining time can be remote.
Position will fall under the Behavioral Health Service Line Administration Quality Department. Quality Department reports through the Chair of Psychiatry for HFH. This position will report to current BH Quality Infection Control lead.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a comprehensive infection surveillance program, using internal thresholds, external benchmarks, and regulatory requirements to identify and reduce healthcare-associated infections.
- Provide expert consultation on infection prevention practices, including outbreak investigations, complex case reviews, and proactive risk-reduction strategies.
- Implement evidence-based methodologies to improve infection prevention performance and patient safety outcomes.
- Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs for employees, physicians, leadership, and the community related to infection prevention, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Lead or co-lead multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with senior administrators, nursing leadership, and medical staff on complex projects and initiatives.
- Guide implementation plans and serve as a facilitator or subject matter expert on infection prevention and control practices.
Role Level & Scope
- This is an advanced position that builds on the core competencies of the Infection Prevention Specialist I (consultation, education, and surveillance).
- The IPS II independently manages complex projects and initiatives with minimal oversight.
- Acts as a trusted advisor to clinical and operational leaders on infection prevention matters.
Education & Experience
Required
- Master's Degree in Public Health is preferred
- Epidemiology background is preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of healthcare experience, preferably in a hospital or ambulatory care setting
- Strong working knowledge of:
- Infectious disease processes and transmission
- Infection prevention and control practices
- Clinical care practices related to patient safety and quality
- Experience leading complex initiatives and managing projects with multidisciplinary teams, including collaboration with senior leadership
- Basic computer proficiency, including:
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
- Electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Working knowledge of medical terminology and a clear understanding of patient confidentiality requirements
Preferred
- Master’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, or a related field
- Graduate-level coursework in:
- Statistics
- Epidemiology
- Clinical microbiology
- Infection prevention and control
Licensure & Certifications
- Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required