Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

Reporting to the Quality Improvement Director, the incumbent supervises, directs and coordinates all infection control activities for the Kane system to prevent or control infections for the residents and staff. Work is performed in accordance with Federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern long-term care facilities and infection control reporting requirements.

• Supervises the work of the Infection Control Specialist, through the assignment of work, establishment of priorities, approval of leave requests, and the completion of performance appraisals.
• Reviews and analyzes infectious disease laboratory reports; consults with nursing supervisors on follow-up activities.
• Reviews resident infections, as appropriate, to determine whether an infection is nosocomial and to determine the potential for prevention or intervention to reduce the risk of future occurrence.
• Arranges periodic culturing of equipment such as whirlpools, tubs, faucets, and showerheads, etc. for pathogens.
• Conducts surveys for unusual epidemics, clusters of infections, infections due to unusual pathogens, and any nosocomial infection that exceeds the usual baseline levels.
• Prepares summaries and reports of special investigations on the occurrence of nosocomial and community acquired infections.  
• Collects and reviews nosocomial infection data rates stratified by infection risk or focused infection studies to monitor the effects of intervention strategies on the infection rates, and to provide feedback to physicians, nurses, and support staff about the nosocomial infection risks of the residents.
• Develops policies and procedures for infection control surveillance, prevention, and control for all resident care and support departments.
• Identifies and reports all reportable diseases to the County and State Health Departments as required.
• Assesses residents in isolation/infection control precautions and consults with nursing staff regarding identified problems/needs of the resident, indicates the care to be given, and goals to be accomplished.
• Participates in resident care conferences, including discharge conferences as requested, when a specific infection control problem needs to be addressed.
• Monitors and observes infection control practices and procedures by staff to ensure that they are following standard operating procedures involving exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Participates in meetings with surveyors and inspectors to respond to their inquiries.
• Assists the Regional Center Administrator in developing plans to address deficiencies identified during surveys.
• Oversees the maintenance and updating of TB Mantoux testing and record keeping for employees.
• Presents information at orientation sessions for new staff on infection control and prevention, standard precautions, PPE and hepatitis vaccinations.
• Chairs the infection control committee meetings.
• Participates as a member of the Quality Improvement Committee.
• Performs related tasks and duties as assigned or directed by the Quality Improvement Manager.  

• Principles and practices of supervision
• HIPAA, CDC, and OSHA guidelines, and other Federal and State regulations governing long-term care facilities and infection control issues
• Standard precautions regarding blood/body fluids and clean-up procedures
• Infectious diseases, particularly those common to nursing facilities
• CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). 

• Microsoft Office Suite

• Effectively interpret and explain statistical data and information regarding infection issues
• Utilize CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and McGeer criteria.  
• Communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, nursing and medical staff, residents, family members, public officials, and the public
• Understand written and oral instructions
• Work with ill, disabled, and elderly people within a long-term care facility