at City of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
INFECTION PREVENTION SPECIALISTJob Number:3405.3-CDPH-2023
Description
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Infection Prevention Specialist
Bureau of Disease Control
Healthcare Program
Number of Positions: 1
WORKING ON THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DISEASE CONTROL BUREAU
The mission of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient and Healthy Chicago.
As a part of the CDPH Disease Control Bureau, the position will engage residents, communities, and partners in establishing and implementing policies and services that prioritize residents and communities with the greatest need.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Infection Prevention Specialist functions as a specialized technical advisor managing Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) prevention and control activities in ventilator-capable Skilled Nursing Facilities (vSNFs) and Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals (LTACHs). The Infection Prevention Specialist supports healthcare partners by providing guidance, training, and technical support in implementing appropriate infection prevention and control measures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
* Establishes and implements policies and procedures relating to HAI prevention and control objectives
* Functions as a specialized advisor to healthcare facilities in defining infection prevention and control objectives and strategies
* Educates stakeholders about infection prevention practices
* Identifies and monitors HAIs at healthcare facilities by assisting in the surveillance, analysis, and investigation of infections
* Manages and responds to known or suspected outbreaks of HAIs in healthcare facilities
* Conducts on-site assessments of healthcare facilities (e.g., examining infection control practices, reviewing protocols to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, conducting gap analyses) and compiles assessment and recommendation reports
* Assists healthcare facilities in the development of mitigation strategies and conducts follow up visits to ensure facilities have resolved concerning practices
* Consults with State and Federal agencies to ensure compliance with infection control and reporting practices
* Maintains abreast of health regulations, infection control practices, procedures and best practices, and national standards
* Disseminates evidence-based infection prevention and control best practices
* Attends multi-jurisdictional HAI infection prevention meetings
Location: Hastings Center, 1340 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education
* Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Nursing, Epidemiology, Medical or Clinical Laboratory Science or a directly related field
Experience
* Four years of work experience in infection prevention and control management, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience provided that the minimum degree requirement is met.
Licensure or Certifications
* Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) is required within six (6) months of hire
* A valid State of Illinois driver's license
OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES, AND ABILITIES
* Knowledge and understanding of healthcare infection control principles, including healthcare facility surveillance, gap analysis, standard and transmission-based precautions, personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning/disinfection, respiratory protection, etc.
* Familiarity with federal infection control regulations specific to healthcare facilities, including CMS, HHS, OSHA, and FDA
* Familiarity with healthcare facility outbreak mitigation guidance from organizations like APIC, SHEA, Joint Commission, and CDC
* Analytical ability and comprehensive knowledge base to analyze a variety of data, ascertain HAI data and reports, identify infection control gaps, and formulate remedial recommendations
* Experience providing effective training and education to healthcare providers
* Ability to lead groups, prioritize tasks, and work independently as well as part of a team
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical writing skills
* Experience in stakeholder engagement and project management
ABOUT YOU
You have a strong focus on CDPH's core values, which are:
* Anti-Racism - a commitment to dismantling systemic racism to create an organizational culture that actively supports anti-racist efforts and is committed to recognizing, addressing, and eradicating all forms of racism within the department and the community.
* Informed Decision Making - collect, share, and operationalize data to support public health decisions and actions to improve health and achieve our mission. CDPH leverages appropriate data infrastructure and... For full info follow application link.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer
