Infection Prevention Specialist

General Statement of Responsibilities:

The infection preventionist (IP) is responsible for the infection prevention program at Boynton Health.

The IP collects, analyzes and reports infection prevention surveillance data and disseminates infection prevention information to Boynton leadership and staff. The IP develops, consults, reviews and implements policies which are evidence-based and are consistent with guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) . The IP consults with county and state departments of health and with the University's Environmental Health Services department, and other University departments when requested on an ad hoc basis. The IP serves as a resource to leadership and staff and conducts educational and training activities for healthcare workers and other staff through instruction, presentations and dissemination of information on prevention of healthcare-associated infections.

Detailed Job Responsibilities:

Infection Prevention- 100%

• Chairs the Infection Prevention Committee's monthly meeting and reports annually to the executive leadership team on its goals, activities, and quality improvement project(s).
• Attends the Clinical Issues and Employee Health and Safety committees
• Rounds, discusses, monitors and identifies infection prevention issues and makes recommendations for corrective actions in interdisciplinary safe rounds including Building Services..
• Monitors infection prevention practices and employee compliance
• Ensures the completion and review of departmental audits regarding compliance with infection prevention policies
• Assists with review, revision and development of infection prevention policies and procedures.
• Provides education during onboarding of new staff and ongoing educational updates and in-services
• Assists with outbreak investigation and initiation of control measures.
• Participates in quality improvement activities
• Assists in the short and long term planning for the infection prevention program
• Promotes a safe, equitable and respectful environment in which concerns can be addressed effectively
• Liaises with the Employee Health Nurse regarding relevant staff member health/infection issues and developing and updating the Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
• Ensures compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare (AAAHC) and other regulatory bodies.
• Incorporate principles of fiscal responsibility into practice.
• Ensures that the infection prevention program goals are compatible with and enhance the University's and Boynton's mission, vision, values and strategic plan
• Uses available epidemiologic data for surveillance, risk assessment, planning, quality improvement and research as needed
• Emphasizes a culture of safety, both patient and employee safety, through ongoing education.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum BA/BS plus six years of related experience, and advanced degree plus at least four years of experience, or a terminal degree plus one year of experience.
• Infection prevention experience and training
• CIC Certification required after two years of employment
• Membership in APIC (association of Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology)
• Health care professional (nursing,medicine, epidemiology, microbiology, or public health) or background. Leadership reserves the right to specify technical background as a team is built.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a culture that respects and advances diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and experience presenting to and training staff
• Proficiency in computer and software skills including Excel for data gathering and display
• Experience in data entry and retrieval and data analysis and evaluation

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior ambulatory care experience
• Experience working with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Energetic with a desire to develop and implement the infection prevention program at Boynton through team building and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Able to develop and maintain working relationships with county, state and University collaborators.

About Boynton Health, Mental Health

Boynton.umn.edu

Boynton Health serves the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, providing comprehensive health care with a public health approach to campus well-being.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care for you in a culture that supports equity, inclusion and respect. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of University of Minnesota students and the campus community. Our vision is to be the healthiest campus in the nation.

Pay Range (depending on education/qualifications/experience):

$69,000 - $75,000 annually for .60 FTE appointment,

Time Appointment: 50% time Annually Renewable Appointment.

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Example language: This position requires that you attach LIST ATTACHMENT TYPES SUCH AS: a sample of scholarly work, a diversity statement, and a list of references.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).