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Job Title: Infection Control Officer

Department: Infection Prevention and Control

Position Summary:

The Infection Control Officer at Athena Medtech is a critical leadership role responsible for the comprehensive implementation, continuous monitoring, and rigorous evaluation of all infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This position is vital in safeguarding our patients, staff, and visitors from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and ensuring unwavering compliance with local, national, and international infection control guidelines and standards. The Infection Control Officer will serve as a subject matter expert, driving best practices and fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development & Management:

• Develop, implement, and continuously update the facility’s comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control Program, aligned with current scientific evidence and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the strategic planning and execution of IPC initiatives across all departments.

Surveillance & Risk Assessment:

• Conduct systematic and routine infection surveillance activities, audits, and rigorous risk assessments throughout the facility to identify potential infection hazards and trends.
• Initiate and lead thorough investigations of suspected infection outbreaks, implementing prompt and effective corrective and preventive actions to contain spread.

Education & Training:

• Design, deliver, and evaluate comprehensive training and education programs for all levels of staff on critical infection control policies, procedures, and best practices, fostering a highly compliant workforce.
• Promote awareness and adherence to hand hygiene compliance and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure stringent compliance with all relevant regulatory agencies and guidelines, including but not limited to the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and all applicable local and national health authorities.

Collaboration & Consultation:

• Collaborate extensively with multidisciplinary teams, including clinical staff, administrative leadership, facilities, and environmental services, to integrate and support infection prevention strategies in all areas of the organization.
• Provide expert consultation and guidance on complex infection control issues, including sterilization, disinfection, and medical waste management practices.

Reporting & Communication:

• Prepare and submit comprehensive and insightful reports to the Infection Control Committee, senior management, and relevant regulatory bodies, outlining surveillance data, trends, and program effectiveness.
• Stay rigorously current with the latest developments in infection control practices, emerging infectious diseases, and relevant scientific literature.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Public Health, or a closely related scientific field is required.

Certification:

• Certification in Infection Control (e.g., CIC® – Certified in Infection Control) is required.
• Licensed or registered with relevant health authorities (if applicable to the educational background, e.g., RN license).

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) to three (3) years of dedicated experience in infection control or hospital epidemiology is required.
• Demonstrated experience in diverse healthcare settings (e.g., acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities).

Skills:

• Profound and practical knowledge of infection control principles, epidemiology, and best practices.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and training skills, with the ability to influence and educate diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and complex problem-solving abilities, particularly in outbreak management.
• Highly detail-oriented with outstanding documentation, record-keeping, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure, particularly during outbreak investigations or emergency situations.

Working Conditions:

• May involve exposure to infectious agents and environmental hazards, requiring adherence to universal precautions and safety protocols.
• Work will span both clinical patient care areas and office settings.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during emergencies, outbreak investigations, or critical audits.