Public Health Infection Control Jobs in Seattle, WA

Position Title: Infection Preventionist (IP) / Staff Development Coordinator (SDC)

Department: Nursing

Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Infection Preventionist/Staff Development Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program while coordinating staff education, orientation, competency validation, and ongoing professional development. This position ensures compliance with CMS, Washington State Department of Health, OSHA, CDC, and facility policies to provide a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Infection Prevention:

- Direct and oversee the facility Infection Prevention and Control Program.

- Conduct daily surveillance for infections and communicable diseases.

- Investigate healthcare-associated infections and identify trends.

- Maintain infection surveillance logs and required reporting.

- Report communicable diseases to local and state public health agencies as required.

- Monitor antibiotic usage and collaborate with the Medical Director and Pharmacy Consultant on Antibiotic Stewardship.

- Perform infection control rounds throughout the facility.

- Audit hand hygiene, PPE usage, isolation precautions, and environmental cleaning.

- Ensure isolation precautions are initiated and discontinued appropriately.

- Monitor outbreaks and coordinate outbreak response activities.

- Lead infection control investigations and implement corrective actions.

- Participate in QAPI meetings and present infection control data monthly.

- Develop action plans to reduce infections and improve resident outcomes.

- Maintain compliance with CDC, CMS, OSHA, and Washington State regulations.

Staff Development:

- Coordinate orientation for all newly hired employees.

- Develop and maintain annual education calendars.

- Conduct mandatory in-service training.

- Coordinate CPR certification and required competencies.

- Complete annual competency evaluations for nursing staff.

- Maintain education files and competency documentation.

- Provide ongoing coaching and education to nursing staff.

- Educate staff regarding infection prevention, wound care, falls, abuse prevention, emergency preparedness, and resident rights.

- Ensure completion of required annual education before deadlines.

- Assist department managers with education needs.

Clinical Support:

- Assist with admissions and readmissions as needed.

- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.

- Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI).

- Review incident reports related to infection prevention.

- Assist with emergency preparedness drills.

- Participate in resident care conferences when appropriate.

- Assist with policy and procedure development and updates.

Regulatory Compliance:

- Prepare documentation for state surveys and regulatory inspections.

- Monitor compliance with infection prevention standards.

- Educate staff regarding new regulations and best practices.

- Assist DON with Plans of Correction (POCs) related to infection control citations.

- Maintain all required infection prevention documentation.

Leadership Responsibilities:

- Serve as the facility infection prevention resource.

- Collaborate with DON, ADON, Medical Director, Therapy, Dietary, Environmental Services, and other departments.

- Mentor nursing staff regarding infection prevention practices.

- Promote a culture of resident safety and quality improvement.

Qualifications:

- Current Washington State Registered Nurse (RN) license preferred (LPN may be considered based on facility needs).

- Experience in skilled nursing or long-term care preferred.

- Infection Prevention certification (or willingness to obtain within required timeframe).

- Knowledge of CMS, CDC, and OSHA Sate laws.

- Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and computer skills.

- Experience with PointClickCare (PCC) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

- Ability to walk throughout the facility daily.

- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

- Ability to respond promptly to emergencies.

- Ability to perform audits and observations throughout the facility.

Performance Expectations:

- Maintain compliance with all infection prevention regulations.

- Complete required surveillance and reporting accurately and timely.

- Ensure staff education and competencies remain current.

- Reduce healthcare-associated infections through evidence-based interventions.

- Maintain survey readiness at all times.

- Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and leadership consistent with Edmonds Post Acute Care's mission and values.This version is tailored for a skilled nursing facility and aligns with CMS and Washington State long-term care expectations