Infection Preventionist (212505)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Infection Preventionist opening. The Kansas Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Section is seeking an Infection Preventionist to join our team. The HAI/AR Section works to bring education, tools, and assistance to Kansas healthcare facilities with the goal of assisting them to provide the safest and most effective care possible. We focus on infection prevention and control, prevention of HAIs, and appropriate antibiotic use, among other things.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Provide on-site (travel required) and virtual assessments and consultation to varying healthcare facilities throughout Kansas. This is based on CDC’s ICAR tools with a large emphasis on performing observations of infection prevention and control measures in action at the facilities. A findings report will be generated and provided to the facility following the assessment. Perform follow-up assessments as needed.

Assist with creation and implementation of a mentorship program for new (less than 5 years of experience) Infection Preventionists (IP) to provide one-on-one education and guidance on what it is to be an IP in their specific healthcare setting.

Collaborate with partner organizations on increasing education, communication, and networking between facilities with emphasis on infection prevention and control and other quality improvement efforts.

Provide infection prevention and control assistance and participate in field epidemiologic investigations of HAI/AR outbreaks. Collaborate with the IDER Epi Team, with local health departments, and health care providers.

Help create and present Infection Prevention and Control education, training, tools, and resources for varying healthcare settings.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in healthcare in some capacity. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Education:

• High School, GED

Licensing & Certification:

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Appropriate Kansas licensure if candidate is trained in a health-related field (e.g. Nursing or Dental Hygiene). Candidate will also need to maintain said licensure.
• Bachelor’s degree in a science or healthcare related field.
• Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, or healthcare.
• Current CBIC certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC).
• At least two years working in infection prevention and control in healthcare.
• Experience in healthcare-associated infections prevention program.
• Strong resource management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication abilities.
• Public health experience.
• Experience in quality improvement efforts in healthcare facilities.
• Knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases.
• Ability to train/pass on knowledge to others.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:

• CBIC certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) – if not current can recertify within 2 years of starting the position or certify for the first time within 5 years of starting the position.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

Job Application Process:  Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and submit when it is complete.

–  Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

–  Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page.

–  Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions.”

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ 25.68 to 33.58