Assistant Director, Infection Prevention & Public Health Support

Assistant Director, Infection Prevention & Public Health Support

Under the leadership of the Director, Nursing, the Assistant Director will provide leadership for Columbia Health Infection Prevention activities. The incumbent will work closely with senior leadership in setting and implementing an agenda that advances Columbia Health goals, objectives, and practices for health-related infection prevention and related public health issues. The Assistant Director will ensure infection prevention compliance and adherence to state, federal, accrediting, and regulatory requirements.

Within the RN scope of practice, this position will assess (including physical assessment) and provide nursing treatment, including identifying, documenting, planning, reporting, and administering nursing treatment for actual or potential health problems related to emerging infections, epidemics, sporadic outbreaks, and infectious occurrences such as sexually transmitted infections; air- or body-fluid-transmitted illnesses such as influenza, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, meningococcal disease, and hepatitis.

The incumbent will perform annual immunization or TB requirements for clinical students in select Graduate Schools and will manage new and active Columbia Health employee Fit Testing, TB, vaccinations, new employee health clearances, and annual flu immunization programs. The incumbent will also serve as a resource for leaders and staff in infection prevention practices.

This is an essential onsite role that requires occasional Saturday coverage during the academic terms. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Responsibilities

• In consultation with senior clinical leadership, implement prevention measures and conduct high-level and detailed process analyses to assess infection prevention issues.
• Work closely with the Director of Nursing and the Director of Clinical Services and Training to ensure that current standards of practice related to infection prevention and control are incorporated in patient care and employee practices.
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President, Medical Services, and Director of Nursing in establishing a written program for identifying and preventing infections, maintaining a sanitary environment, and reporting results to appropriate authorities.
• Follow all health, sanitary, and infection control policies and maintain established standards of practice set forth by Medical Services and nursing policies and procedures. Identify and review Infection Prevention policies as changes in infection prevention practices occur.
• Work with the Columbia University community, Columbia Health Public Health Interventions team, and the Department of Health (DOH) when appropriate to track infectious disease exposures, epidemics, and pandemics occurring in or affecting the Columbia University community.
• In collaboration with senior clinical leadership, ensure that policies, protocols, and procedures are in place regarding infection prevention, control, and safety.
• Perform environmental sanitation monitoring of infection prevention practices. Collaborate with leaders to ensure best practices for infection prevention are followed, utilizing routine visual audits.
• Appropriately respond to accidental spills of chemicals and bodily fluids, including blood-borne pathogens.
• Work with the Manager, Facilities & Operations to ensure continuity of contracts and services for internal and external vendor partners providing terminal cleaning and waste management.
• Oversee Columbia Health Medical Waste manifest reconciliation in compliance with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.
• Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and monitor the use of chemicals and hazardous substances associated with clinical activities.
• Administer and facilitate immunizations in conjunction with community infection outbreaks; work collaboratively with the Clinical Case Manager to update pre-registration health requirements.
• Work with the DOH to obtain testing supplies in conjunction with an outbreak. Work with the DOH to ensure timely delivery of specimens for testing by the DOH when required.
• Work with the Purchasing Manager and Associate Director, Practice Operations to maintain necessary immunization supplies in the event of an outbreak.
• Provide updated data regarding current or imminent infectious/pandemic issues to senior leadership.
• Conduct infection prevention orientation for newly hired Medical Services staff; provide ongoing infection prevention in-service training.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nursing and a current New York State Registered Nurse license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and infection control certification.
• Minimum of four (4) years of directly related experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA, infection prevention regulatory requirements and standards, and public health mandates related to immunization compliance.
• Proven clinical judgment and skills in the full range of functions of a Registered Professional Nurse.
• Ability to relate appropriately to, communicate effectively with, and develop trusting relationships with a diverse patient population and staff.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary health care team.
• Strong computer skills and experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Ability to observe proper safety and sanitary techniques.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and highly adaptable with a strong work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in nursing or public health.
• Experience in a college health setting.
• Certified in Infection Control through the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC).
• Experience working with Departments of Health on infectious disease reporting and case management.
• Experience with contact tracing and related functions.

Other Requirements

• N/A

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.