Infection Prevention Specialist

Position Title: Infection Prevention Specialist Department: Infection Prevention Job Description: The Infection Preventionist I develops foundational skills in surveillance, data collection, and infection prevention practices. This role supports routine monitoring for healthcare‑associated infections, assists with outbreak investigations, and contributes to regulatory readiness. The position provides frontline guidance on isolation and personal protective equipment, conducts environmental rounding, and participates in education, risk assessments, and policy review to help maintain a safe and compliant care environment. Essential Responsibilities: Conducts weekly unit rounding in inpatient and ancillary areas to assess infection prevention practices. Performs ongoing infection control surveillance to identify early or suspected outbreaks. Collects and analyzes infection prevention data and prepares routine surveillance reports. Reviews microbiology and virology reports to identify potential healthcare‑associated infections. Reviews patient charts and applies NHSN definitions to accurately report HAIs in electronic systems. Reports communicable diseases to public health authorities in accordance with regulatory requirements. Conducts weekly environmental rounding to identify risks and ensure compliance with standards. Assists with construction plan reviews and completes Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs). Provides basic infection prevention guidance to staff, patients, and families on safe practices. Advises clinical teams on isolation requirements and appropriate use of personal protective equipment. Delivers mandatory education, new employee orientation, and in‑service training on infection prevention topics. Assists with reviewing and updating infection prevention policies, procedures, and risk assessments. Maintains compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements for infection prevention activities. Supports readiness efforts for accreditation and regulatory surveys, including Joint Commission and Department of Health. Participates as a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. General Responsibilities: Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in clinical healthcare or health sciences related field required. Experience: No experience required. License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) required upon hire. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Basic knowledge of infection prevention principles, epidemiology, microbiology, and modes of transmission. Introductory understanding of CDC, CMS, OSHA, and Joint Commission requirements. Basic knowledge of standard and transmission‑based precautions and PPE use. Basic understanding of sterilization, disinfection, and environmental hygiene practices. Basic knowledge of common computer systems and EMR navigation. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and digital forms. Skill in collecting, analyzing, and accurately documenting infection prevention data. Skill in delivering basic infection prevention education to staff and learners. Foundational communication skills for interacting with staff, patients, and families. Ability to learn and integrate new software, digital workflows, and infection prevention technologies. Ability to follow established procedures and apply infection prevention standards consistently. Ability to work collaboratively with clinical and non‑clinical staff. Ability to maintain accuracy, attention to detail, and thorough documentation. OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family. #J-18808-Ljbffr