Epidemiologist

Cheyenne, WY - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Infection Preventionist will conduct onsite Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) throughout the state of Wyoming ensuring compliance with local state and federal regulations and working collaboratively with healthcare staff to minimize the risk of HAIs. The Infection Preventionist will work with the Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention Coordinator to assist with epidemiologic investigations and surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. The Infection Preventionist supports the HAI workgroup and state plan processing all information using sound epidemiologic methods. The role involves surveillance data analysis education and collaboration with healthcare professionals to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Support the Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) program with data analysis of data reported to the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN).

Human Resource Contact:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

ICAR Report Development:
- Conduct Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) surveys in various healthcare settings
- Analyze data from ICAR assessments to identify gaps in infection control practices.
- Prepare detailed ICAR reports including findings recommendations and action plans for improvement.
Infection Prevention and Control:
- Serve as a resource for Infection Preventionists and other healthcare workers in affiliated healthcare settings.
- Stay current with the latest evidence-based practices and advancements in infection prevention.
Surveillance and Data Analysis:
- Assist with ongoing surveillance of HAIs and other infectious diseases throughout healthcare facilities and the state of Wyoming
- Analyze infection data to identify trends outbreaks and areas for improvement.
Staff Education and Training:
- Develop educational materials and conduct infection control training sessions for healthcare workers on topics including hand hygiene use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and environmental cleaning.
Outbreak Management:
- Assist with the investigation and management of infection outbreaks within healthcare facilities
- Collaborate with public health authorities during outbreak investigations and reportable disease events.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with healthcare teams including physicians nurses and environmental services to promote infection prevention and control practices.
NHSN Lead
- External data validation for reportable HAI pathogens
- Preparing reports
- Providing consultation to NHSN users
- Leads NHSN office hours during WIP meeting
- Supports the publication and distribution of the HAI Annual Report.
Participate in the Wyoming Infection Prevention Committee

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to candidates with a Masters degree and a Certification in Infection Control (CIC).

KNOWLEDGE:

Education: Bachelors degree in Nursing Public Health Microbiology or a related field. Masters degree preferred.
Certification: Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is preferred but not required.
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in infection control within a healthcare setting. Experience with ICAR assessments and report writing is highly desirable.
Knowledge: Strong understanding of infection control practices regulations and guidelines including those from the CDC OSHA and The Joint Commission.
Skills: Excellent analytical problem-solving and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write detailed reports and present findings.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicate with healthcare professionals at all levels.
Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in using infection surveillance software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel PowerPoint).
Work Environment: The Infection Preventionist will work remotely and on-site in healthcare facilities throughout the state of Wyoming. The role requires travel to different healthcare facilities for assessments and inspections.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Epidemiology)

Experience:

1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Epidemiology) with acquired knowledge at the level of an Epidemiologist I

Education & ExperienceSubstitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Epidemiology) with acquired knowledge at the level of an Epidemiologist I

Certificates Licenses Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however there may be some walking standing bending carrying light items driving an automobile etc.

NOTES:

FLSA: Non-Exempt
The Wyoming Department of Health is anE-Verify employer.

Supplemental Information

Clickhereto view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Description and FunctionsOpen Until FilledGENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Infection Preventionist will conduct onsite Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) throughout the state of Wyoming ensuring compliance with local state and federal regulations and working collaboratively with healthcare sta...