Infection Preventionist

PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires that all employees are fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine before the first day of employment. 

Job Overview:

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) Healthcare-Associated Infections/Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program oversees public health surveillance and response to infections associated with healthcare settings, including infections with multidrug-resistant organisms, contaminated medications, healthcare procedures, and devices. The HAI/AR Program also conducts educational activities to prevent and control the emergence of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in Philadelphia healthcare facilities (HCFs).

The HAI/AR Program seeks a qualified individual to serve as an Infection Preventionist (IP) to execute PDPH’s Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) activities; conduct ICAR assessments in healthcare facilities; and assist the core HAI/AR outbreak, surveillance, and response activities with the HAI/AR team and collaborators, including, but not limited to, responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare settings. The IP will also develop and deliver infection prevention and control (IPC) education in various types of HCFs in Philadelphia as part of Philadelphia’s Project Firstline team and works with IPs at healthcare facilities to improve their programs and implement policies and protocols.

This full-time (37.5 hrs/week, Monday through Friday) or part-time (to be negotiated) position offers a combination office-based work and HCF site visits. Rarely, work after hours or on weekends may be required in urgent situations or emergencies. The position is grant funded for a minimum of one year. Continuation of the position is dependent on sustained grant funding. This position reports directly to the Manager of the HAI/AR Program in the Division of Disease Control.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This job may require moderate physical effort including lifting materials and equipment of less than 50 pounds and involves viewing a CRT or VDT screen 50 to 75 percent of the time. The position will require local travel within City of Philadelphia

Responsibilities:

Lead standardized infection control assessments in Philadelphia healthcare facilities as part of the CDC-supported Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) program

Conduct site visits on a short notice as part of an outbreak response or to address urgent IPC concerns

If clinically licensed, administer vaccines, provide on-site support of testing, vaccination, and other in person clinical activities for novel and recurrent infectious diseases such as mpox, flu, Ebola, COVID, etc.

If authorized, administer vaccinations for novel and recurrent infectious diseases (as listed above) at department sponsored clinics and events

Use data from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other sources to inform ICAR planning for Philadelphia healthcare facilities

Provide feedback to facilities on assessment findings both verbally and in a written report

Develop and deliver IPC education in various types of healthcare settings based on CDC’s Project Firstline content and the HAI/AR Program’s priorities, including follow-up education after facility assessments

Assist HCF IPs to evaluate and modify their IPC and antibiotic stewardship programs, surveillance plans, response strategies, and infection control policies and protocols

Work with HCF to understand their own data and overcome internal barriers to implementing best infection control practices

Develop materials, conduct educational programs and presentations for large audiences and in-services at HCF

Participate in the development of Project Firstline promotional materials and campaigns

Participate in core HAI/AR Program activities, including surveillance, outbreak detection and response, including, but not limited to, COVID-19 response in congregate settings

Serve as IP expert responding to questions and inquiries from facilities and partners

Collaborate with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and other partners to improve HAI/AR surveillance, prevention, and response.

Disseminate results of investigations through reports, presentations, and publications.

Mentor junior staff and rotating fellows and students as appropriate.

Skills:

Strong knowledge and understanding of healthcare infection prevention and control is required

Experience assessing infection prevention and control practices in multiple healthcare settings is preferred

Experience conducting infection control or related training and education for healthcare professionals is required

Enthusiasm for teamwork and interdisciplinary, hands-on work in healthcare settings

Flexibility with changing of duties during the pandemic response

Excellent English language skills, including composition, grammar, and public speaking

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Ability to work independently and in teams to establish and convene meetings, prepare summary reports and present findings

Research experience preferred, including publishing or presenting scientific manuscripts and reports.

Training in applied epidemiology and data analysis is preferred

Experience:

Certification in Infection Control (CIC), with minimum 2 years’ experience working as an Infection Preventionist (required)

Education Requirement:

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a related healthcare field required (non-clinical candidate with strong qualifications will be considered)

Master’s degree in Public Health or related field strongly preferred

Salary:

Commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position comes with a generous benefits package including health, dental, retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave days with pay.