Epidemiology Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company :

Allegheny Health Network

Job Description :

This position will primarily support AHN Saint Vincent but may involve local travel between nearby AHN sites

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

The Infection Prevention Manager is a position that under the direction of the Network Director of Infection Prevention and Network Infection Prevention Committee works collaboratively with the hospital Infection Prevention Physician Chairman, the Hospital Infection Prevention Committee and is responsible for designing and implementing hospital-wide infection prevention programs while ensuring compliance with the mandates of required accrediting and regulatory agencies. Promotes quality patient care through a program which includes investigation and problem solving in relation to the surveillance, prevention and control of infections and is responsible for identification of hospital onset infections, analysis of those infections, development of recommendations (including policies and procedures) that reduce all types of hospital acquired infections. Develops relationships with all departments within the hospital acting as both consultant and educator regarding disinfection, sterilization, patient practices, policies and procedures designed to prevent infections.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform management responsibilities to include, but are not limited to: involved in hiring and termination decisions, coaching and development, rewards and recognition, performance management and staff productivity. Plan, organize, staff, direct and control the day-to-day operations of the department; develop and implement policies and programs as necessary; may have budgetary responsibility and authority. (20%)

• Develops and organizes Infection Prevention Program for all areas of the hospital including plans for development, implementation and review of network-wide data collection and policies. Implements the program by formulating, establishing and evaluating policies and procedures relating to patient care infection prevention measures throughout the facility. Performs an annual assessment and develops action plans from the prior year activities to form the hospital specific infection prevention plan. Maintains network, hospital and department infection prevention policies and procedures including an exposure control plan for blood borne pathogens. (20%)

• Maintains self-education regarding infection prevention standards, the Joint Commission and DOH regulations. Provides on-going training programs to AHN staff including Nursing, Medical Surgical Residents and Interns and other network employees to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections. (20%)

• Prepares data for Network and Hospital Infection Prevention Committee meetings. Analyzes, interprets data, plans methodology, guides/directs actions necessary for infection prevention compliance for patients, healthcare workers, visitors, medical staff. Compiles and shares surveillance data with network and hospital leadership and provides information and guidance on infection prevention issues on request such as emerging communicable diseases, post exposure management and isolation precautions. (15%)

• Implements processes and assures compliance with state and federal governmental and other regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA) and accreditation (e.g., The Joint Commission), including involvement with all demolition, construction, re-wiring, alterations in existing hospital environment that require completion an Infection Control Construction Risk Assessments. (10%)

• Involvement in organization activities through participation with committees, task forces, AHN collaborative and quality initiative projects. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility, supports cost containment and opportunities for cost reduction when appropriate. (10%)

• Coordinates timely reporting of communicable diseases through electronic system PA-NEDSS, NHSN and works in partnership with PADOH and local county health departments for appropriate follow-up as needed. (5%)

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field with five years of clinical experience to include 1 year of Infection Prevention experience in a healthcare environment OR a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in Infection Prevention with clinical experience in Nursing, Medical Technology, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field

Preferred

• Master's degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field

• 5 years of Infection Prevention experience

• 1 year of management or leadership experience

Additional Employment Requirements:

• CPR – American Heart Association

• Act 34 Criminal Background Clearance Certificate

• Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance Certificate

• Act 73 FBI Fingerprinting Criminal Background Clearance Certificate

• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control – to be obtained within 18 months of hire date

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Compliance Requirement : This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.

As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.

Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Req ID: J277088