Unity Health Care - Washington, DC, US

Director of Infection Control and Employee He

Date Posted: 2024-06-16

Job description

INTRODUCTION

The Director of Infection Control and Employee Health is a qualified individual with knowledge of CDC guidelines and definitions of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), as well as federal and state regulations. Responsible for the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention, and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients and personnel. Responsible for assisting with in-service programs related to Infection Prevention and Control and Employee Health.

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Infection Control and Employee Health Director is responsible for promoting health and safety to all employees by carrying out the Infection Control and Employee Health Programs. Under the supervision of the Chief Quality Officer (CQO), this employee interfaces with all departments and services, and is responsible for identifying, controlling, and preventing outbreaks of infection in the health centers. Control is accomplished through collection and analysis of infection control data; planning, implementation, and evaluation of infection prevention and control measures; the education of individuals about infection risk, prevention, and control; the development and revision of infection control policies and procedures; the investigation of suspected outbreaks of infection/and the provision of consultation on infection risk assessment, prevention and control strategies.

Administrative and Leadership

Responsible for providing CQO with information and reports as needed to prepare for annual budget.
Responsible for making direct contact with the CQO when calling in due to illness or emergency.
Will participate in committees as requested.
Collaborate with department managers, health center leaders, and other sites when needed.
Participates in quality and performance improvement activities.
Maintains summaries and written reports required for employee illness/ injury reporting.
Attends workshops and trainings on employee health/ infection control and OSHA guidelines.
Orders and maintains an adequate supply of all necessities for the employee health program.
Implements program goals and policies that have been established by the medical and administrative directors.
Other duties as assigned

Infection Prevention and Control

Coordinates and leads both the Infection Prevention and Control Committee as well as the Infection Control Team.
Serves as a knowledgeable and available resource on infection control practices and policies to patients, families, staff, and employees.
Maintains compliance with national and state/ District standards and regulating bodies. Develop and update isolation techniques and procedures in accordance with current standards of practice, rules, and regulations.
Conducts surveillance and follow-up of employee exposure to communicable disease.
Collaborates with local health departments in conducting surveillance and follow-up of employee exposures to communicable diseases.
Promotes understanding and educates staff on relevant Unity Health Care policies and clinical protocols.
Collaborates with the clinical trainer to coordinate training for clinical staff as necessary, based on needs and established protocols.
Prepares clinical audits according to agency protocols and guidelines.
Identifies and reports concerns regarding provider performance directly to Chief Quality Officer.
Conducts environmental rounds in all patient areas.
Ensures all controls and regulations are met according to CLIA standards and policies for Unity Health Care and works with laboratory coordinator to maintain compliance.
Other duties as assigned.

Employee Health

Responsible for monitoring, inspecting and reporting safety hazards, facility needs and recommended improvements as related to infection control and employee health.
Responsible for monthly and quarterly site inspections and conducts all required drills and inspections.
Assures new employees are trained on OSHA regulations and environment of care.
Plans, organizes, develops and implements educational programs for all employees including administrative and ancillary services, which convey special knowledge and skills to increase employee awareness of existence of infections; techniques for avoidance and preventive measures to ensure a safe environment.
Immunization and Infectious Disease screening for all new employees
Perform tuberculin skin testing of employees as appropriate.
Provide Return-to-Work guidance for employees who may have infectious disease or exposure to infectious disease
Education, training, and development of staff on topics such as infectious disease, chemical exposure and the use of personal protective equipment. Document training efforts and evaluate the effectiveness of such programs by administering post-training assessments.
Refers employees with identifiable limitations and/or health risks to appropriate resources.
Collaborates with Human Resources to ensure completion of all health screenings
Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree or higher in relevant field (e.g., microbiology, nursing, public health, or clinical degree) from an accredited college or university.
Two (2) years of infection control, employee health, or occupational health experience in employee health clinic, infectious disease or internal medicine clinic.
Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) from the Certification Board in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
Familiar with an employee health system.
Knowledge of current literature applicable to occupational health.
Knowledge and experience documenting patient care in an electronic medical record.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to make appropriate clinical assessments and judgments.
Ability to educate staff.
Ability to provide counseling and emotional support with compassion and respect for the individual.
Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The position reports to the Chief Quality Officer.

GUIDELINES

The position abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies, as well as UHC policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organization relationships that may be a part of the work of the incumbent.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typical office work in nature. Some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items such as books and paper is required.
Refer to the attached ADA check list.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

The incumbent must be able to balance the needs of diverse constituencies on a daily basis.
Hours may include some evenings and/or weekend work.

RISKS

The position's work involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated. The employee shall provide evidence of a recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a PPD and/or chest x-ray results.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

2024-07-18

Director of Infection Control and Employee He, Unity Health Care, Washington, DC

Director of Infection Control and Employee He

Job description