POSITION SUMMARY: The Infection Preventionist identifies, investigates, monitors, and reports healthcare-associated infections; collaborates with teams and individuals to create and sustain infection prevention strategies and practices; and practices in accordance with Elwyn's policies and procedures and those of Elwyn's regulatory agencies.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Infection Control Program Management
Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program by establishing a plan of action for infectious disease to ensure standards are met to limit risk to infectious agents for both individuals supported and staff
Utilize epidemiologic principles of infection prevention to conduct surveillance and investigations of infectious disease outbreaks; evaluate and modify the organizational infection prevention program as necessary to ensure standards are met to limit risk to infectious agents for both individuals supported and staff
Develop, interpret, and assist with implementation of infection prevention and control policies and protocols in conjunction with the Executive Director of Healthcare Services and Vice President of Healthcare Services & Corporate Quality to ensure infection prevention practices meet regulatory and safety standards
Communicate infection prevention and control information and data to various committees across the organization as assigned to ensure awareness of infection control and necessary steps staff must take to maintain safety and limit risk from infectious disease
Integrate evidence-based practices into infection prevention policies, guidelines, protocols, and educational strategies to ensure infection control standards are met and satisfied for the wellbeing and safety of individuals supported and staff
Identify barriers for implementation of infection prevention measures through tasks including but not limited to review of audits, direct observation, etc. and develop strategies to minimize or remove barriers to ensure safety and wellbeing of individuals supported and staff by limiting risk to infectious agents
Consider the financial/safety implications to the program and the clinical outcomes for the individuals served when making recommendations, evaluating technology and products, and developing policies and procedures to ensure safety and wellbeing of individuals supported and staff by limiting risk to infectious agents
Infection Control Regulatory Requirements
Comply with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state and federal levels, including but not limited to reporting point of care antigen test results administered by Elwyn to the appropriate state database, and reporting reportable diseases to the Department of Health
Facilitate compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicare Service (CMS) infection prevention measures by monitoring antibiotic use, and monitoring receipt of certain vaccines (e.g. influenza, COVID-19) in individuals supported
Infection Control Occupational Supports - in cooperation with Risk Management, Human Resources, and the individual's program:
Assess risk of occupational exposures of staff and individuals to infectious disease through activities including but not limited to care of clients to ensure standards are met to limit risk to infectious agents to individuals supported and staff
Develop (or assist with) immunization and screening programs for staff and individual, as applicable, through tasks including but not limited to partnering with external pharmacies to provide access to immunizations combating illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19
If necessary, advise on work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases for staff and individuals following an exposure by following CDC / Department of Health guidance to ensure limitation of spread of infectious disease to individuals supported and staff
Infection Control Professional Development
Participate in an infection prevention and control professional organization/association (e.g. APIC) to maintain current knowledge and best practice
Collaboration related to Infection Control practices
Consult and collaborate, as needed, with local, state, and federal public health officials, and community health organizations regarding health issues around infection prevention and control
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Executive Director, Healthcare Services
DIRECT REPORTS: None
CONTACTS: Elwyn consumers, personnel, families/guardians, residential care providers, physicians; local, state, and federal public health officials, and community health organizations, health care providers, and service agencies such as pharmacies, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice program personnel
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in public health, infectious disease, infection prevention, nursing; licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State of New Jersey, and State of Delaware preferred.
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) certification, or to be obtained within one (1) year of hire, along with the Infection Prevention certification for Long Term Care, or to be obtained within three (3) months of hire
Three (3) years of general nursing or medical surgical experience
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities nursing experience preferred
Knowledge of program regulations including but not limited to PA Chapters 2380, 2390 and 61 preferred
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of an electronic medical record system
Excellent planning, communication, collaboration, and documentation skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities
Demonstrated strong attention to detail
Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills
Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision
Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
Ability to perform CPR, first aid and crisis intervention techniques using agency-trained protocols
Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Must have current, valid driver's license in state of residence, three (3) years driving experience in the United States, and acceptable driving record
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE: See Physical Demands Checklist below which represents the general physical demands and environment conditions to which the employee holding this position must meet, in addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Elwyn will engage otherwise qualified candidates for this position whose disabilities may require reasonable accommodations to enable an individual to perform the essential functions.
Elwyn reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as needed. This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive statement of duties and responsibilities of the job nor does it constitute a written or implied contract.
Elwyn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elwyn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, pregnancy status, medical condition, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, handicap status, marital or family status, mental or physical disability, perceived disability, military or veteran status, political activities or affiliations, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
Compensation: N/A