Infection Control Practitioner (40 Hour)

Introduction Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH), under the umbrella of the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is seeking a qualified Infection Control Practitioner (PCN 24831) to join our team in Middletown. Position Highlights Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week Work Shift: First shift, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Location: 1000 Silver Street, Middletown, CT What We Can Offer You Professional growth and development opportunities Healthy work/life balance for all employees What You’ll Be Doing Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals Provide support that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve Assist our clients so they can achieve success Make a difference in the public sector Work together in a collaborative team environment Agency Overview The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency in those we serve. Connecticut Valley Hospital boasts a rich history, first opening its doors over 150 years ago in 1868. As the State’s public hospital we provide treatment of mental illness and currently comprise 18 inpatient units over two campuses (Middletown and Hartford). Job Purpose In a state facility this class is accountable for coordinating the Infection Control Program and for serving as a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee. In the Department of Public Health this class is accountable for coordinating hospital‑acquired infection control activities and serving as a liaison to health care facilities regarding infection control. Examples of Duties Conduct surveillance of infections in patients/clients and employees Prepare monthly reports, statistical summaries and analyses of infections for the Infection Control Committee Write policies and procedures for infection prevention and control Develop and conduct in‑service education programs for all facility personnel to improve knowledge and practices of infection control and the epidemiology of infectious diseases Maintain records of all patients/clients with infections Consult with epidemiologists when clusters of infection occur and/or unusual pathogens are isolated Report and provide information required by the Department of Public Health or other official bodies Consult on infection control aspects of employee health program including immunization and related activities Develop and update isolation techniques according to current standards of practice to provide optimum care for patients/clients with infections Monitor patient/client care activities to identify methods, techniques, equipment, and supplies that may pose a risk of transmitting infections Review sterilization and disinfection methods practiced in all areas of the facility and make recommendations for changes Attend educational conferences related to specialty Perform related duties as required Department of Public Health Responsibilities Train infection control practitioners in acute care hospitals to conduct surveillance of hospital‑associated infections per accepted standards Conduct on‑site inspection of surveillance methods and findings Analyze surveillance results to determine rates of hospital‑associated infections Coordinate and conduct meetings with hospital infection control practitioners to review collective surveillance results and establish best practices for surveillance and prevention of hospital‑associated infections Develop and implement educational programs for health care staff and the general public Assist in the investigation of reported outbreaks of infections in hospitals and long‑term care facilities Provide consultation to infection control practitioners as needed Assist in conducting pilot surveillance efforts for hospital infections not currently under statewide surveillance Perform related duties as required Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of infection control with special reference to infections and preventable diseases Knowledge of microbiology, epidemiology, nursing, statistics, and public health Interpersonal skills Oral and written communication skills Ability to conduct independent research and evaluate results in the field of epidemiology and infection control Minimum Qualifications – General Experience A Bachelor’s degree in nursing and three (3) years of professional experience in direct patient/client care services. Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed A Master’s degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) year of the general experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience in Infection Prevention Experience generating reports specific to Infection Prevention information Experience educating staff/patients and presenting information clearly and concisely Experience organizing vaccine clinics Experience with accrediting bodies such as CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), TJC (The Joint Commission), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and Connecticut Department of Public Health Special Requirements Must possess and retain licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health or hold a Multistate or Compact Registered Nurse license May be required to travel May be required to undergo immunization for infectious diseases Working Conditions Incumbents may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances. Medical Examination Requirement A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required for all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug‑Free Workplace. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Connecticut - DMHAS Connecticut Valley Hospital