Job Description Summary
Under the leadership of the Senior Vice President and Chief Quality and Safety Officer (CQSO), the Director of Infection Prevention and Control is responsible for overseeing system-wide processes for evaluating, managing, and preventing infection risks to patients and employees through the implementation of national best practices for infection prevention and control. The Director is accountable for ensuring program congruence and compliance with standards and regulations set forth by The Joint Commission (TJC), Center for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Department of Public Health (DPH).
The Director of Infection Prevention partners with:
* Chief of Infectious Disease, VP for Quality and Safety, VP Medical Affairs, Associate Chief Nursing Officers, and service line directors and managers.
The Director reports to the SVP, CQSO. The Director also regularly communicates with, prepares materials for, receives direction from, and provides counsel to department leaders across SSH’s system of care (inpatient and ambulatory).
Work will be performed in both office and clinical services settings. Attendance at meetings in and out of the hospital, availability for early and late meetings, and flexibility to meet frequent deadlines is necessary. Some evening and weekend work will be required as necessary.
This is an amazing opportunity for an established healthcare leader to serve as a member of SSH’s leadership team that is high performing and quality focused within a system that has a reputation for exceptional care throughout the communities we serve.
Job Responsibilities:
* Responsible for the ongoing development and timely implementation of evidence-based infection prevention practices across South Shore Health system of care.
* Develops system-wide infection prevention and control goals, supporting an operating plan that is specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant, working collaboratively with key stakeholders in establishing appropriate targets and timelines for success.
* Performs annual risk assessment of clinical service areas taking into account populations served, care and treatment provided, and analysis of infection prevention and control (IPC) data and surveillance activities. Uses risk analysis information and ongoing surveillance to drive continuous IPC performance improvement.
* Works closely with the Quality team and clinical service line leaders to establish processes for ongoing monitoring, trending, and evaluation of performance improvement efforts to meet established targets and benchmarks.
* Works collaboratively with IPC Team and Clinical Leaders to develop, maintain, revise, and support infection prevention and control policies and procedures ensuring compliance with national and local professional and regulatory standards and guidelines (CDC, OSHA, APIC, TJC, DPH).
* Responsible for ongoing monitoring of environmental cleanliness and compliance of precaution procedures, working closely with Environment of Care and Safety Dept. Directs review and additional inspections where necessary.
* Monitors antimicrobial susceptibility resistance trend studies. Identifies trends, resistance patterns, and clusters of infections with the same organ when indicated.
* Identifies risk or potential risk of communicable disease or spread of infection, notifying Infection Prevention Clinical Leader and SVP/Chief Quality and Safety Officer immediately when a problem is identified. Collaborates with local/state authorities as needed.
* Responsible for the development of system-level education that is congruent with professional standards and guidelines. Partners with Clinical Nurse Educators in educating staff and ensuring relevant competencies.
* Utilizes appropriate resources to provide consultation, education, and information services as needed or requested across the organization.
* Oversees coordination and validation of data for submission to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) per state and CMS requirements.
* Recognizes, investigates, documents, and communicates findings of real or potential IPC issues, developing and implementing action plans and follow-up reports within established timeframes.
* Participates in shared governance that supports IPC engagement in organization-wide project teams and committees. Serves as project/committee chair as needed.
* Serves as a member of the Product Evaluation and Standardization Committee to ensure identification of new products to reduce injury and transmission of microorganisms. Works collaboratively with designated departments to ensure appropriate communication of product changes and enhancements.
* Maintains professional licensure and knowledge of professional practice. Through goal setting and performance review process, works with staff to develop opportunities for professional development.
* Supports, maintains, and promotes organizational culture of safety and reliability. Serves as a role model for accountable leadership, demonstrating and promulgating SSH ASPECTS of caring standards.
* Represents Infection Prevention and Control through participation in professional activities as evidenced by attendance at meetings of professional organizations and regional learning collaboratives.
* Participates in Emerging Infectious Disease Committee and facilitates/leads other Infection Prevention Committees as directed.
Education & Experience:
* Bachelor of Science in Nursing or other clinical degree from an accredited school.
* Master's degree in Nursing, Public Health, or Epidemiology (Preferred).
* RN licensure (Preferred).
* Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) (Required).
* Working knowledge of the field of infection control of epidemiology, OSHA standards, identification of pathogens, antibiotic susceptibility testing.
* APIC membership.
* 3-5 years demonstrated competence and experience in Infection Prevention and Control, infectious disease, or epidemiology experience in a health care setting.
* Previous supervisory/management experience required.
* Previous experience in managing at health system level, strongly encouraged.
Skills & Abilities:
* Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to lead and direct system-level IPC program.
* Ability to collaborate and partner across all levels and functions within the organization.
* Possesses strong analytical skills to identify and monitor practice patterns and trends and identify opportunities for improvement.
* Requires strong organizational skills to manage many competing timetables and responsibilities. The ability to delegate, effectively supervise, and plan for the timely and successful completion of short and long-term objectives is essential. The responsibilities of this position require detailed, concentrated effort and constant re-establishment of priorities as well as complex and sensitive decision-making.
* Possesses strong communication skills to serve as liaison to internal and external stakeholders. Requires superior skills in financial, written, and oral formats.
* Ability to interact with all members of the organization in ways that enhance understanding, respect, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Leadership Competencies:
* Passion for and commitment to the organizational mission and serving as a key member of the organization's leadership team.
* Sets an honest, transparent, and positive tone in all areas and works in concert with leadership, medical staff, and other members of care delivery to establish a collaborative environment.
* Strong communication skills in all venues; strong focus on listening to understand.
* Solutions-oriented coupled with the ability to function well in a culture that values relationships and collaborative decision-making.
* Ability to serve as a role model in commitment, engagement, and accountability for the provision of outstanding patient care.
* Ability to mobilize team for common goals and shared vision.
* Positive change agent who builds a solid infrastructure and organizational foundation.
* Value-driven commitment to the provision of quality, safety, and patient/family-centric healthcare services.
* Ability to proactively identify problems, lead change, and overcome obstacles.
* Data-driven, results-oriented style with a high degree of analytical ability and proven problem-solving skills.
* A team player who can build collaborative relationships across the organization.
* Able to proactively cultivate new and innovative approaches and solutions to infection prevention and control issues that promote the mission, vision, values, and culture of South Shore Health.
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