What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Prevention Specialist II - Full Time(40Hrs)/Days - Detroit position at Full Time(40Hrs)/Days - Detroit - Henry Ford Health - Careers Careers?
Infection Prevention Specialist II
Department: Infection Prevention & Control
Status: Full Time - 40 Hours - Days
Location: One Ford Place - 1 Ford Place Detroit MI 48202
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under minimal supervision and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Infection Prevention Specialist II (IPS II) assesses, evaluates, and supports the needs of professional staff in the areas of infectious disease, infection prevention, and control practices.
This role conducts a comprehensive surveillance program for healthcare-associated (nosocomial) infections using internal thresholds, external benchmarks when available, and regulatory requirements. The IPS II applies evidence-based methodologies to improve clinical practices and outcomes, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
As an advanced-level position, the IPS II functions independently and leads complex, interdisciplinary initiatives. The role includes collaboration with senior administrators, nursing leadership, and medical staff to drive infection prevention strategies, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement efforts. The IPS II also serves as a consultant, educator, and facilitator for infection prevention initiatives, including outbreak investigations and proactive risk mitigation.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leads and maintains a robust infection surveillance program in alignment with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Analyzes infection data, identifies trends, and develops actionable strategies to reduce infection rates.
- Leads or co-leads multidisciplinary teams to implement infection prevention initiatives and performance improvement projects.
- Serves as a subject matter expert and consultant on infection prevention and control practices across the organization.
- Conducts outbreak investigations, complex case reviews, and implements mitigation strategies.
- Guides the development and implementation of infection prevention plans, including proactive risk assessments.
- Designs, delivers, and evaluates educational programs for staff, physicians, leadership, and, when appropriate, the community.
- Collaborates with clinical and operational leaders to ensure compliance with infection prevention, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Supports construction and renovation projects by conducting Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs).
- Promotes adherence to high-level disinfection and sterilization standards and practices.
- Participates in policy development, review, and implementation related to infection prevention and control.
- Utilizes data systems and reporting tools to monitor outcomes and communicate findings to stakeholders.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing or other health-related field required.
- Master’s Degree in Nursing, Public Health, or related field preferred.
- Graduate coursework in statistics, clinical microbiology, epidemiology, and infection prevention and control preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in healthcare required, preferably in a hospital or ambulatory setting.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex change initiatives and managing projects with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including senior leadership.
- Professional-level knowledge of:
- Disease processes
- Transmission methods of infectious diseases
- Clinical bacteriology
- Clinical care practices as they relate to planning and implementing patient care
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and electronic health records (EHRs).
- Basic proficiency in medical terminology and strong understanding of patient confidentiality standards.
CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSURES REQUIRED:
- Current State of Michigan Registered Nurse (RN) license required if applicant is a nurse.
- Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with:
- High-level disinfection and/or sterilization
- Infection surveillance systems and reporting
- Construction/renovation projects and Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs)
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and senior leadership.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to educate and influence across all levels of the organization.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead and facilitate team-based initiatives.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in complex clinical scenarios.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS:
- Hospital or healthcare setting with potential exposure to infectious diseases.
- May require participation in on-call rotation for infection prevention concerns or outbreak response.