Infection Prevention Specialist I

Compensation Grade:

Compensation Details:

Positions with a designated work location in New York City, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester Counties will receive a $4,000 annual downstate adjustment (pro-rated for part-time positions).

Department

Job Description:

Responsibilities

The Infection Prevention Specialist I will be assigned to the Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Control (HEIC) to perform a broad range of epidemiological and surveillance activities necessary to identify and control healthcare-associated infections in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. The incumbent will provide epidemiology and infection control guidance in the reporting, investigation, diagnosis, prevention, and control of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) to healthcare professionals, including infection control staff, physicians, nurses, and other state and local health department representatives. The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring overall infection control capability in, and providing enhanced guidance to Article-28 healthcare facilities; providing technical guidance related to developing and implementing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) quality improvement and performance management activities; developing internal and external guidance, and serving as a key liaison and point of contact with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate efforts to investigate, control, and evaluate outbreaks and other reportable HAIs. The incumbent may be required to supervise other staff members.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Nursing, Biostatistics, Biology, Epidemiology or a related field and four years of experience in healthcare epidemiology and/or infection control, and/or healthcare associated infection surveillance and/or communicable disease epidemiology, OR a Master's degree in a related field and three years of such experience, OR a Doctoral degree in a related field and one year of such experience.

Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree in public health or nursing. At least three years of work experience in healthcare-associated infection surveillance and/or as a healthcare facility infection preventionist. Experience with infection control in nursing homes, conducting research or quality improvement projects to reduce healthcare-associated infections, providing technical assistance and training to healthcare providers, and presenting to professional/scientific audiences; current certification in infection control (CIC), strong organizational and analytic skills; and demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills delivering presentations to various audiences. Experience interpreting data and/or conducting data analysis using epidemiological principles and methodologies. Experience in utilizing health-related data sets or disease registries and working with confidential data. Experience using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Experience with information technology and systems used for electronic public health reporting. Supervisory experience.

Conditions of Employment

Grant funded position. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required.

Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Travel up to 25% of the time will be required.

The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with a combination of onsite and remote work.

HRI participates in the E-Verify Program.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans

www.healthresearch.org

About Health Research, Inc.

Join us in our mission to make a difference in public health and advance scientific research! At Health Research, Inc. (HRI), your work will contribute to meaningful change and innovation in the communities we serve! At HRI, we are on a mission to transform the health and well-being of the people of New York State through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge public health initiatives. As a dynamic non-profit organization, HRIplays a crucial role in advancing the strategic goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC), and other health-related entities.

HRI offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health, dental and vision insurance -Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from;

• Flexible benefit accounts -Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit;

• Generous paid time off -Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave;

• Tuition support -Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities;

• Retirement Benefits -HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses;

• Employee Assistance Program -Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally;

• And so much more!

Work Location Expectations

At HRI, the nature of hybrid and onsite work varies by position. Some roles require full onsite presence, while others allow a hybrid schedule. Managers determine the specific telecommuting expectations for each role based on operational needs and job responsibilities. If designated as hybrid, you will divide your time between working remotely and reporting onsite. Regardless of telecommuting status, all HRI employees must live within a reasonable commuting distance of their official work location and must reside in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Vermont.