Director of Infection Control and Employee He

Job Description

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), quality improvement strategies and processes, NCCHC and ACA compliance and auditing, as well as federal and state infection control regulations.

Responsible for the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention, and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients and personnel in the DC jail sites, Central Detention Facility (CDF) and the Central Treatment Facility (CTF).

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 among all employees by carrying out the Infection Control and Employee Health Programs.

Under the supervision of the Medical Director of Correctional Health, this employee interfaces with all departments and services, and is responsible for identifying, controlling, and preventing outbreaks of infection in the Central Detention Facility (CDF) and the Central Treatment Facility (CTF).

This position plays a vital role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare to incarcerated individuals, compliance with healthcare standards, and continuous improvement of healthcare practices.

Administrative and Leadership

• Responsible for providing Medical Director of Correctional Health with information and reports as needed to prepare for annual budget.
• Supervises, coaches, and develops Procurement Specialist.
• Participates in committees as requested.
• Collaborates with department managers and DOC leaders when needed.
• Participates in and assists with 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.
• Responsible for data collection and evaluation of programs related to infectious diseases, prevention and population, as assigned.
• Implements program goals and policies that have been established by the medical and administrative directors.
• Responsible for making direct contact with the Medical Director of Correctional Health when calling in due to illness or emergency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Coordinates and lead 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 policies 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 managers and trainers to coordinate training for clinical staff as necessary, based on needs and established protocols.
• Prepare clinical audits according to agency protocols and guidelines.
• Identifies and report concerns regarding provider performance directly to Chief Quality Officer.
• Conduct environmental rounds in all patient areas.
• Ensure 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.

• Provides applicable immunization and Infectious Disease screening for all new employees
• Performs tuberculin skin testing and vaccinations of employees as appropriate.
• Provides Return-to-Work guidance for employees who may have infectious disease or exposure to infectious disease
• Provides 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.

• Refer employees with identifiable limitations and / or health risks to appropriate resources.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure completion of all health screenings
• Other duties as assigned.

Quality Improvement and Compliance

• Participates in and assists with quality improvement activities, in collaboration with the QI Manager and under the guidance of the Medical Director of Correctional Health.
• Assist with development and revision of data collection procedures and methodology to monitor health outcomes, patient safety, and compliance with standards and requirements.
• Collaborate with DOC leadership, managers and Quality Improvement Manager to analyze data and identify trends, patterns and areas for improvement.
• Support the Quality Improvement Manager in training and provide ongoing support to managers and staff to conduct Plan, Do Study, Act (PDSA) cycles and other recognized approaches to test change as part of quality improvement efforts.
• Assist QI Manager and DOC leadership to prepare for, participate in, and help develop responses to findings in site visits and compliance audits, including NCCHC and ACA.
• Assist with maintenance of NCCHC and ACA accreditation and compliance documentation.

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.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license active in the District of Columbia
• Five (5) 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.
• Knowledge of and experience implementing quality improvement strategies and processes
• 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 Medical Director of Correctional Health.

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 organizational 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.