Infection Control Coordinator

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Northeast Region/Hogan Regional Center in Danvers is seeking a dynamic, caring, mission-driven nursing professional with excellent organizational, management and leadership skills for the position of Infection Control Coordinator.

The Infection Control Coordinator has Infection Control and Prevention oversight authority for Hogan Regional Center, Area Offices within the Northeast Region and the Northeast Regional offices, The Infection Control Coordinator will provide Infection Control consultation to Provider organizations within the Region.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Establish and implement evidenced based infection control practices throughout the Facility and Region that take into consideration the special health care needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by DDS.
• Develop and monitor Infection Control policies and procedures within the Facility and Region consistent with recommendations, guidelines and legislation to mitigate risk of transmission.
• Coordinate all infection control related surveillance, data, data analysis, investigating and management of infectious disease outbreaks.
• Review current science-based information sources regarding infectious diseases and disseminate evidence based facts using empathy, honesty and evidence based facts.
• Responsible for all Infection Control and Prevention related testing and vaccination processes (e.g., annual N95/TB/Influenza/COVID testing, vaccinations, management of potential blood born disease exposures/OPIM) and disease outbreaks.
• Participates as an integral team member, collaborating with various departments and colleagues.
• Use epidemiological principles and statistical methods to design, implement and evaluate infection prevention and control strategies.
• Provides consultation and education to regional and provider staff regarding Infection Control and Prevention and the development and delivery of competency-based education for all front-line staff.
• Coordinate with Department of Public Health to determine the direction of surveillance and audit activities and actively evaluate effectiveness of the Region’s Infection Prevention and Control plan.
• Interacts with physicians, nurses, department managers, supervisors and occupational health and other professional/non- professional staff members to provide resource information, resolve infection control problems and identify new opportunities to improve service and reduce cost.
• Conduct risk assessments at least annually and as needed with considerations of persons served, regional vulnerabilities, relevant statistical data and new and emerging infectious diseases.
• Assures compliance with MA DPH Infectious Disease Surveillance and reporting requirements and other reporting requirements as necessary.
• Develop and implement continuously improved resident care procedures and control mechanisms relating to quality, compliance and infectious diseases.
• Collaborate with training department to provide comprehensive infection prevention training and subsequent competency-based skill validation for new and experienced staff during orientation and annually thereafter, including classes in infection prevention and control practices.
• Ensure that all infection prevention and control procedures meet CMS, DPH, county, state and CDC regulations, standards or guidelines.
• Organize and chair Infection Prevention and Control Committee.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Detail oriented and capable of exploring innovative solutions to solve complex problems and address issues through the use of a combination of delivered and custom-developed tools.
• Ability to compile, code and categorize, or verify information/data.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner
• Current knowledge of the epidemiology of infectious diseases and methods to effectively control their spread.
• Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledge, skills, abilities)

• Demonstrated ability to quickly assess and take actions to reduce the spread of Infectious disease and exposures.
• Ability to keep up to date and relevant regarding information issued by official sources that pertain IC and Prevention
• Possess active nursing and or medical credentials and training that support the competent performance of the duties and responsibilities of this position
• Liaise with officials and counterparts within the Commonwealth to ensure that IC and Prevention practices in the Northeast region are conducted in a manner consistent with the highest standards of practice and efficacy.

Schedule: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Days off: Saturday/Sunday

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions concerning the information in this requisition, please contact Human Resources at 800-510-4122, Option #4.

Qualifications - External

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.* No substitutions will be allowed for the required (B) experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS IN SERIES: Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing .*

*Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.