Infection Prevention Specialist

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Closing Date: 03/27/2025 Type of Position: Professional Staff - Project/Program Administration Job Type: Regular Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans. UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only): Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only) Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000 Career Training and Educational Opportunities Merchant Discounts Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at askrecruitment@uams.edu. Department: ICE | CORE Quality Infection Prevention Department's Website: Summary of Job Duties: The Infection Prevention Specialist provides leadership in the application of the infection control program to patient care, organizational processes and/or systems, improving outcomes at the program or service level; is an integral component of the plan for improvement of practice and patient outcomes; and provides expert knowledge and guidance in epidemiology and infection prevention and control-related issues across all service and product lines. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: RN (BSN ) or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, or Medical Technology 5 or more years of experience in a healthcare setting with 2 or more years of experience in infection control/prevention Experience in managing multiple priorities, projects and deadlines. Achievement of Certification in Infection Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology required within 2 years of hire into this role Knowledge and experience in the areas of patient care practices, microbiology, asepsis, disinfection/sterilization, and infectious disease. Experience and skills in communication, adult education, program administration and computer skills. Expertise in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access. Understanding of regulatory and compliance standards of various organizations/ agencies (TJC, CMS, ADH, etc). Preferred Qualifications: Masters in Public Health, Nursing, or Biology 5 or more years of experience in infection control/prevention. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology Additional Information: UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks: Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for staff and family 11 paid Holidays in addition to Vacation and Sick Leave Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only) Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000 Career Training and Educational Opportunities Merchant Discounts Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy. Additional Information: Responsibilities: Utilizes effective prevention and control activities that are specific to the practice setting, the population served, and the continuum of care. Integrates surveillance findings into the organization’s plan for improvement of practice and patient outcomes. Reviews, analyzes, and applies existing regulations, standards and/or guidelines of applicable professional organizations and governmental agencies. Recommends new or revised practices or procedures based on currently accepted, evidence-based infection prevention and control strategies. Reviews, analyzes, and applies pertinent information from current scientific literature and publications. Recognizes populations who are at high risk for infection to assess the status of patient care and implement effective infection control policies and procedures. Epidemiology – Applies epidemiological principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification, to identify target populations, analyze trends and risk factors, and evaluate prevention and control strategies. Conducts surveillance and investigations by using epidemiologic principles. Uses appropriate statistical techniques to describe the data, calculate rates, and critically evaluate significance of findings. Uses a systematic approach to surveillance to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies that are consistent with the organization’s goals and objectives. Participates in the development of the organization’s surveillance plan based on the population(s) served, services provided, and previous surveillance data, if available. Uses standardized definitions for the identification and classification of events, indicators or outcomes. Analyzes data utilizing internal and external (if appropriate) benchmarks. Reports epidemiologically significant findings to appropriate customer. Participates in periodical evaluation of the effectiveness of the surveillance plan. Program Management and Evaluation – Systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of the infection control program appropriate to the practice setting. Participates in the periodical evaluation of the effectiveness of the infection control program. Seeks innovative ideas and improvements to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the infection control program. Incorporates JCAHO and CDC patient safety goals/guidelines into the infection control program. Provides leadership in improving and sustaining the quality of care in diverse or complex programs. Initiates interdisciplinary projects to improve organizational performance. Management of the Environment – Assists in facilitating an environment that is safe, supportive and free from harmful microorganisms that affect patients, staff and visitors. Conducts rounds to monitor compliance with safety and infection control standards. Provides education opportunities to enhance dialogue and staff knowledge. Identifies opportunities for improvement based on indicators, process and outcome measures, other findings, and/or observations. Participates in the organization’s multidisciplinary improvement strategies. Contributes epidemiologic skills to improvement processes. Establishes criteria for the Performance Improvement Plan for the infection control program. The Infection Prevention Specialist provides expert knowledge and guidance in epidemiology and infection prevention and control-related issues across all service and product lines. Maintains access to current information on infection prevention. Provides expertise regarding infections, communicable diseases and epidemiological procedures to other clinical staff. Collaborates in the integration of pertinent regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, guidelines, and current infection control practice into policies and procedures. Ensures that findings, recommendations, and policies of the infection control program are disseminated to appropriate individuals. Provides consultation to administration, councils, staff, and managers on issues regarding infection prevention and control. Education/Career Development - Implements an educational plan to meet changing program or service needs for self and others. Maintains knowledge of current techniques, trends and professional issues. Professional Accountability - I responsible for the development, evaluation, and improvement of his/her own practice in relations to the practice standards for infection control. Establishes and works toward professional goals and objective. Performs regular self-evaluations to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Actively participates in professional organizations. Provides expert knowledge and guidance as an educational resource for all employees. Acquires and maintains current knowledge and skills in the area of infection prevention and control and epidemiology. Achieves and maintains board certification in infection control. Advances his/her knowledge and skills through continuing education. Maintains a knowledge base of current infection prevention and control information through peer networking, internet access, published literature, and professional meetings. Interacts with, and assists, the public in a professional and friendly manner as needed. Demonstrates effective communication skills; communicates accurate and complete information; maintains strict confidentiality when necessary. Demonstrates positive working relationships with co-workers, management team, and ancillary departments; follows the Core Concepts of Patient and Family Centered Care and the Basic Code of Conduct Guidelines. Assists internal and external stakeholders, as needed, with exceptional customer service. Other duties as assigned. Salary Information: "Commensurate with education and experience" Required Documents to Apply: License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Recruitment Contact Information: Please contact askrecruitment@uams.edu for any recruiting related questions. All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Annual TB Screening, No Background Check Required, Substance Abuse Testing This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. Constant Physical Activity: Crouching, Driving, Feeling, Hearing, Kneeling, Pulling, Pushing, Repetitive Motion, Sharps, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking Frequent Physical Activity: Crouching, Driving, Feeling, Hearing, Kneeling, Pulling, Pushing, Repetitive Motion, Sharps, Sitting, Standing, Stooping, Talking, Walking Occasional Physical Activity: Crouching, Driving, Feeling, Hearing, Pulling, Pushing, Repetitive Motion, Sharps, Sitting, Standing, Stooping, Talking, Walking Benefits Eligible: Yes At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), we are looking for health care and non-health care professionals who believe in excellence as a way of life. If you think you have the skills and commitment to succeed at the highest level, consider a career at UAMS, the state’s only academic health sciences center. Combining diverse talents and expertise, our employees work together to provide advanced patient care. We currently have a wide variety of positions available, from patient care to support staff- we may have the perfect position for you. UAMS is Arkansas’ only comprehensive academic health sciences center. We educate and train the vast majority of the state’s physicians and prepare doctors, scientists, nurses, pharmacists and health professionals through innovation, compassion, teamwork and patient- and family-centered care so they can impact the world. UAMS rewards its nurses! Statewide opportunities are available in direct patient care, education, and research settings. We offer Bonus Programs, Hotel Lodging, New Graduate RN Residency and support for Clinical Ladder, National Certification, Shared Governance, and Recognition Programs to name a few. Go to nurses.uams.edu for more details. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and prospective employees. The below report is provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). The report will provide you with information on campus safety and security including information on various policies and procedures for reporting crime, safety and security prevention and protection programs, victim assistance services, fire safety, and other materials to assist you in maintaining your safety and security. www.uams.edu/police.

Salary : $50,000