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Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist

Department: Quality, Compliance and Privacy

Program: Quality, Compliance and Privacy

Reports To: Quality and Risk Manager

Employment Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Revision Date: 11/19/2024

Job Summary

The Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist possesses knowledge of clinical epidemiology principles and is responsible for facilitating compliance of the Tribe's Infection Control & Employee Health Program which includes surveillance, analysis, and reporting of healthcare acquired infections for the Dena'ina Wellness Center; educating employees about infection control; and developing policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection control standards meet accreditation, OSHA, Public Health Department, and Center for Disease Control requirements. In collaboration with the Medical Director, the Infection Control & Employee Health Specialist supports and acts as a resource to staff and services.

Essential Functions

• Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures surrounding infection control and employee health within the Kenaitze Indian Tribe to ensure compliance with accreditation entities, OSHA, CDC, CMS and other county, state, and federal regulatory agencies. Consult with department directors/administrators for policy and procedure development surrounding clinical care
• Conducts regular review and research of best practices and translate, develops or updates policies and procedures and staff training as needed. Directs and assists in preparing, filing, and following up on reports and statistical data for local or state agencies
• Ensures a safe and effective system for the maintenance of a sanitary environment for patients and staff
• Direct, consult, manage and evaluate the Infection Control Program as outlined by the Infection Control and Employee Health Program Manual for all departments of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe
• Maintains records to include but not limited to the employee health records, confidential medical records, Sharps Injury Log, and Infectious Diseases. Shall facilitate communication and report reportable diseases between DWC administration, State of Alaska, and public health officials regarding infectious disease as required by the State of Alaska. May consult with additional KIT facilities regarding infection control and employee health topics. Monitor, evaluate and report compliance within facility with established infection control and patient safety best practices. Develop improvements to infection control and patient safety practices based on new information, technology in light of clinic services capacity and equipment in use. Complete an annual review and update of related policies and procedures in accordance with best practice guidelines. Update staff on changes
• Direct, manage and evaluate the Employee Health Program as outlined by the Infection Control and Employee Health Policies and Procedures for all Kenaitze Indian Tribe employees and departments. This program includes but is not limited to OSHA bloodborne pathogens, respiratory fit testing and additional training
• Establish and maintain an Employee Health database with employee health records for all Kenaitze Indian Tribe employees as outlined in the Infection Control Employee Health Manual. In partnership with Human Resources, manage new employee TB screenings and onboarding as appropriate. Initiate lab orders as needed to assure that all employees' records are complete per the Infection Control Employee Health Manual and the Exposure Control Plan. Provide direct assistance to the primary care staff for any employees and patients exposed to or ill with communicable disease
• Functions independently as an advanced specialist with responsibilities for performing a variety of complex professional tasks and through advising others
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Taste/Smell (Detect, Distinguish, Determine)
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Noise
• Other: Biohazard

OSHA Categories

• Category II Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but exposure or potential for exposure may occur

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job: Multiple databases, computer-based systems to develop reports, lists. Telephone, fax, and various clinical equipment as needed

List Tools:

Drives KIT or Personal Vehicle:

Other:

Travel

• Local
• In-State

Comments: Travel may be required for meetings and training.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school or education and experience may be substituted for a degree

Experience

• Three (3) years clinical experience in a clinic or hospital setting or disease surveillance experience in public health setting.
• Experience with infection control and employee health practice preferred.

License/Certification

• State of Alaska RN license
• BLS certification
• Infection Control or Occupational Health training with certificate preferred
• Valid Alaska Driver License and must remain insurable under the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's policy

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

Special Skills

• Strong organizational, analytic and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of infection control and employee health practices
• Computer, research and statistical skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, or obtain training within 90 days of hire
• Proactively and consistently applies regulatory and accreditation standards to assure that activities are reviewed and performance improvement processes are implemented within guidelines
• Ability to process complex information while working independently including the interpretation of best practice and regulatory standards into clinical applications with recommendations for implementation
• Ability to report audit or clinical findings to appropriate staff to ensure appropriate outcome and/or follow-up for improvement as indicated
• Ability to maintain knowledge and adherence of infectious diseases and the State of Alaska regulations for management of reportable diseases. Ability to maintain knowledge of current principles and practices for infection control standards for various ambulatory care departments
• Knowledge of current regulations and standards for quality assurance in an ambulatory care setting

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.