Infection Preventionist

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care. It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do - in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community. Benefits Eligible Full-Time Benefit Eligible Work Shift Day - 8 Hour or less Shift (United States of America) Department 8753 Infection Prevention Svcs The Infection Preventionist is responsible for the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of the infection prevention and control program in accordance with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and evidence-based practices. The Infection Preventionist plays a critical role in protecting patients, healthcare workers, and visitors by preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and promoting a safe, sanitary, and compliant environment. QUALIFICATIONS License/Certification Required: Eligibility to obtain Board Certified in Infection Control (CIC) from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology within three years of hire/transfer. Education Required: Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Microbiology, Medical Technology or other related field. Preferred: Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or other related field. Experience Required: Minimum of three years of experience in infection prevention, clinical epidemiology, or clinical experience in a healthcare setting Experience with electronic healthcare record systems, the National Healthcare, Safety Network (NHSN), data management. Previous experience in acute care or long-term care setting. Participation in infection prevention networks or professional organization (e.g. APIC, SHEA) Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Ability to use PC-based information management systems and databases (proficiency with Microsoft Office). Positive customer service skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to educate and influence staff at all levels of the organization. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Essential Conducts surveillance for healthcare-associated infections using standardized definitions and methodologies (e.g., NHSN). Manages the National Healthcare Safety Network system for the organization. Analyzes infection data, identifies trends, and recommends mitigation strategies. Performs risk assessments and guides facility response to outbreaks and exposure incidents. Ensures compliance with CDC, CMS, OSHA, The Joint Commission, and state/local public health regulations. Participates in performance improvement projects related to infection control outcomes. Leads support staff education and training programs related to infection prevention practices. Collaborates with departments (e.g., Environmental Services, Nursing, Laboratory, Facilities) to ensure alignment with IPC goals. Reviews construction and renovation projects for infection control risk assessments (ICRA). Serves as a subject matter expert on infection prevention and emergency preparedness and response planning. Monitors the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene compliance, high-level disinfection, sterilization practices, and environmental cleaning. Prepares and presents infection prevention control reports to leadership committees, and external agencies as required. Maintains documentation for internal audits, regulatory inspections and accreditations. Participates in policy development and reviews to align with current guidelines (CDC, SHEA, APIC). Monitors and supports the hospital's Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in partnership with pharmacy and infectious disease, and microbiology. Serves as a liaison with public health agencies during communicable disease reporting, inspections, or emergency preparedness activities. Investigates potential outbreaks and exposure events and participates in mitigation planning, documentation, and follow-up activities. Performs infection prevention risk assessments and audits to evaluate environmental, operational, and procedural compliance with established standards. Maintains infection prevention records, reports, and documentation systems to support organizational reporting requirements and quality initiatives. Supports organizational quality improvement efforts through data-driven recommendations, commit #J-18808-Ljbffr