Infection Prevention Coordinator - 139279

The Infection Prevention Coordinator is an integral member of the UC San Diego Health team and reports to the Administrative Director and Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Clinical Epidemiology. This role involves the implementation of healthcare-associated infection reduction strategies for patients and staff through assessment and risk identification, researching current literature and practice, study development and presentation/publication, development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting prevention strategies, routine and focused surveillance, policy and procedure development, training and education program development, and collaboration with staff in departments across the institution.

The Infection Prevention Coordinator involves the implementation of healthcare-associated infection reduction strategies for patients and staff through assessment and risk identification, researching current literature and practice, study development and presentation/publication, development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting prevention strategies, routine and focused surveillance, policy and procedure development, training and education program development and collaboration with staff in departments across the institution. The coordinator brings extensive infection control experience to medium-sized projects at all levels of complexity, as well as to portions of large projects.

Additionally, the Infection Prevention Coordinator will orient and train newly hired Infection Prevention Coordinators and provide lead direction and work review for other less experienced coordinators. Practitioners at this level assume other duties at the discretion of the Administrative Director, including chairing committees, assisting with the development of new infection prevention services/training, and participating with all levels of the Department of Public Health and Medical Center on emerging issues.

• Seven (7) years of related experience in hospital settings, as a Registered Nurse (RN), public health, and/or infection prevention, OR a Bachelor's degree in a related field, plus a minimum of three (3) years of related experience or training.

• Thorough knowledge of the clinical and operational issues in infection control, including policies, regulatory requirements, surveillance and investigation methodologies, data collection, epidemiology, microbiology, patient care, and related nursing issues.

• Thorough knowledge of data management, analysis, research, reporting, and documentation methods used in infection control, with the ability to contribute to studies, investigations, reports, presentations, and the development of new infection control protocols and policies.

• Detail-oriented, with proven organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and see projects through to completion on schedule.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide education, training, and resources, and to develop positive working relationships with patients, families, employees, and outside personnel.

• Strong ability to effectively convey complex clinical, technical, and educational information both verbally and in writing, and to collaborate productively in a team environment with all levels of internal and external personnel.

• Proven ability to work with management and staff across departments and to serve as an information resource, providing advice and recommendations on complex issues of functionality, clinical quality, efficiency, and program development.

To be eligible for an Infection Preventionist IV, the selected candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in a health-related field, and demonstrated five (5+) or more years of advanced knowledge, extensive experience, and proven success in an infection prevention position or related position. The level IV is a technical leader with a high level of knowledge across the field and applies extensive knowledge of infection control and prevention practices, as well as advanced professional concepts, to substantial projects of large scope and high complexity.

• Master's degree.

• Clinical experience as an RN.

• Operating Room and Sterile Processing experience.

• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
• Depending on the demonstrated experience and qualifications, the selected candidate may be hired at the III or IV levels.