Director, Infection Control

Job Summary

The Director, Infection Control oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the health system's infection prevention and control program. This role ensures compliance with state, federal, and The Joint Commission standards while advising on and implementing strategies to prevent the spread of infections. The Director collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, educates staff, and serves as a consultant for infection control practices, promoting patient and staff safety across the organization.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive infection prevention and control program, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Educates staff, leadership, and medical personnel on infection control policies, procedures, and emerging concerns, promoting adherence to evidence-based practices.
• Administers system-wide infection control initiatives, including surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and employee health exposures.
• Conducts regular audits to monitor and evaluate aseptic techniques, isolation protocols, and overall infection prevention practices.
• Collaborates with department leaders and medical staff to develop and update area-specific infection control policies and procedures.
• Acts as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, preparing for and participating in surveys, audits, and inspections to maintain compliance.
• Analyzes infection data and trends using surveillance software, preparing and presenting reports to leadership and quality committees.
• Advises on the selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, and sterilization practices to optimize infection prevention.
• Leads process improvement initiatives to reduce infection risks and improve compliance with infection control standards.
• Participates in the development and implementation of emergency preparedness plans related to infectious disease outbreaks and bioterrorism.
• Oversees employee education on infection prevention, including new hire orientation, ongoing in-service training, and updates on regulatory changes.
• Provides leadership and consultation on the management of infection outbreaks, including containment strategies and post-exposure follow-up.
• Stays current with emerging infectious diseases, best practices, and regulatory changes, integrating new knowledge into the organization’s infection control program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree In Nursing, Public Health, or health science related field required
• Master's Degree In Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or health science related field preferred
• 5-7 years of experience in infection prevention or epidemiology required
• 2-4 years of experience in a management or leadership role required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of infection prevention practices, epidemiology, and regulatory standards (e.g., CDC, OSHA, The Joint Commission).
• Strong leadership and management skills to oversee a multidisciplinary infection control program.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools to monitor infection trends and program performance.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to engage with staff, leadership, and regulatory agencies.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to manage outbreaks and implement effective containment strategies.
• Ability to educate and influence staff across all levels of the organization on infection prevention principles.

Licenses and Certifications

• CIC - Certified in Infection Control required
• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure preferred

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
• Generous PTO & Extended Illness Bank (EIB)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) with Matching Contributions
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Exclusive Discounts & Perks

INDLEAD
To apply, please email laura_peterson2@chs.net.