HAI/AR Epidemiologist II

HAI/AR Epidemiologist IILocation: Augusta, Maine (Hybrid) Schedule: Full-Time Work Environment: Hybrid with limited in-state travel and occasional overnight travel as needed Pay Rate: $74,006.40Position SummaryThe Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking an experienced HAI/AR Epidemiologist II to support the Healthcare Epidemiology Program's mission of reducing and preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) across the state of Maine.This senior-level epidemiology and infection prevention position serves as a subject matter expert in infection prevention and control, outbreak response, healthcare quality improvement, surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship. The successful candidate will collaborate with healthcare facilities, public health partners, and federal stakeholders to strengthen infection prevention practices, investigate outbreaks, analyze surveillance data, and implement performance improvement initiatives that improve patient safety and healthcare outcomes.The ideal candidate will possess extensive infection prevention experience, strong analytical and leadership skills, and the ability to independently manage complex public health projects while serving as a trusted advisor to healthcare organizations and program staff.Key ResponsibilitiesInfection Prevention & EpidemiologyServe as a subject matter expert in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance (AR), infection prevention and control (IPC), quality assurance, and performance improvement.Assess healthcare facility infection prevention and control practices to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.Support statewide efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance.Promote evidence-based infection prevention practices across the healthcare continuum.Outbreak Investigation & ResponseLead outbreak investigations in healthcare settings in accordance with department protocols.Respond to emerging public health threats, healthcare-associated outbreaks, and multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) events.Conduct facility assessments and recommend corrective actions to mitigate infection risks.Collaborate with healthcare facilities and public health partners during outbreak response activities.Surveillance, Data Analysis & ReportingAnalyze HAI and AR surveillance data to identify trends, risks, and quality improvement opportunities.Utilize National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other surveillance systems to support program goals.Maintain investigation, consultation, and surveillance databases and tracking systems.Prepare and submit weekly activity reports and monthly progress reports.Quality Improvement & Program DevelopmentLead healthcare quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives.Conduct gap analyses and develop corrective action plans to improve infection prevention outcomes.Support healthcare facilities in implementing infection prevention best practices.Assist with program quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.Leadership, Training & CollaborationTrain, mentor, and support program staff on infection prevention and control practices.Provide technical assistance to healthcare providers, healthcare systems, and public health partners.Collaborate with and provide backup support to the Department Program Manager.Chair HAI/AR workgroups, committees, and stakeholder meetings.Represent the program at state, regional, and national meetings and conferences.Conduct outreach and relationship-building activities with healthcare leaders and stakeholders.Antimicrobial StewardshipSupport statewide antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.Provide expertise related to antimicrobial utilization, resistance trends, and emerging multidrug-resistant organisms (eMDROs).Promote best practices in antibiotic stewardship across healthcare settings.Required QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in a clinical or healthcare-related field required. Examples include: Registered Nurse (RN), Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Professional, Related healthcare discipline.ExperienceMinimum of five (5) years of experience in Infection Prevention and Control.Experience leading healthcare-associated infection (HAI) outbreak investigations.Experience leading quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives.Experience conducting gap analyses and developing corrective action plans.Experience working independently on complex projects and public health initiatives.CertificationsCertification in Infection Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) required.Must be eligible to obtain a federal Level 1 Security Clearance through Secure Access Management Services (SAMS).Knowledge & SkillsThorough knowledge of infection prevention and control principles and practices.Familiarity with CDC infection prevention and control guidance.Familiarity with CMS infection prevention and compliance requirements.Strong analytical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.Strong project management and leadership capabilities.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.Additional RequirementsMust be a U.S. Citizen.Must be able to provide proof of residency.Ability to travel throughout Maine as needed.Preferred QualificationsCandidates with one or more of the following qualifications are strongly preferred:Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related discipline.Experience supporting: Acute Care Hospitals, Dialysis Centers, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Wound Care Clinics, Long-Term Care Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities.Knowledge of: Antimicrobial Resistance (AR), Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS), Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (eMDROs).Experience with the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).Familiarity with Health Alert Network (HAN) systems.Experience in public health epidemiology programs.Travel RequirementsIn-State TravelLimited travel throughout Maine.May include: Healthcare facility site visits, Outbreak investigations, Regional and statewide meetings, Training activities.Occasional overnight travel may be required.Out-of-State TravelAttend one to three conferences or professional meetings annually as approved.Additional training and professional development opportunities may be available.Benefits (Through SSO)SSO offers a competitive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and long-term growth, including:Quarterly performance bonusesMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with discretionary employer matchPaid time off and holidaysFlexible spending accountsAdditional employee perksCompensation for roles at Staffing Solutions Organization LLC (SSO) varies depending on a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by applicable law, SSO provides a reasonable range of compensation for this role. In addition, SSO provides a range of benefits for this role.Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) by SSO and under the federal laws relating to the F-1 STEM EAD program, this position is not eligible to support a STEM EAD extension application.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. Staffing Solutions Organization LLC is an E-Verify participant.