POSITION DESCRIPTION

Do you have compassion and a passion to help others? Transforming healthcare and millions of lives as a result starts with the values you embrace and the passion you bring to achieve YOUR LIFE'S BEST WORK.(SM)

The INFECTION PREVENTIONIST (IP) is responsible for implementing and maintaining the multiple facets of the Infection Prevention and Control Program. The IP is a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee. This individual maintains a routine surveillance program of patients, personnel, and the environmental problems that present a real or potential threat to the welfare of patients, visitors, or personnel throughout the organization. The IP serves as member of the Infection Control committee and promotes compliance with accreditation, certification and regulatory requirements including TJC, CMS, OSHA, NCQA and CLIA.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, implements and evaluates the organizational Infection Prevention and Control Program
• Leads, facilitates and participates in the Infection Control Committee
• Leads a collaborative team of key stakeholders to develop, implement and evaluate an Infection Control Risk Assessment on an annual and as needed basis to establish organizational infection prevention and control goals
• Reviews and revises the enterprise Infection Prevention and Control Plan in conjunction with the Infection Control Committee on an annual and as needed basis
• Works collaboratively with executives, providers, administrators, market leaders and nursing staff to develop effective strategies that prevent infection and comply with regulatory and mandatory requirements at the local, state and federal levels
• Identifies educational needs and assists in the development and implementation of training and education modules related to infection prevention and control
• Participate in the development and review of occupational health policies and procedures related to infection prevention and control
• Develop, review and reinforce infection prevention and control related policies and procedures
• Monitors and shares relevant information from the state and local health departments
• Participates in selection of products such as medical equipment and supplies, provides input related to infection prevention and assists in development of educational materials related to product implementation related to infection control
• Data mines information and produces statistics and reports in a meaningful way for decision making in support of continued infection prevention
• Provides pre-inspection/assessment preparedness activities for regulatory, UHG/Optum, and corporate related clinic audits
• Builds/maintains good working relationships and collaborates well with functional areas that support Enterprise Clinic Operations
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development in infection prevention
• Performs all other related duties as assigned

The office is located near Network BLVD., 78249 / Office park located at IH 10 East and De Zavala Road / Local and Non-Local travel is required as determined by the business (Texas and Florida markets) You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in one of the following; Nursing with current RN license, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Laboratory Science or Bachelor degree in another related field with previous infection control experience and Certification in Infection Control (CIC)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in an acute care, ambulatory care or public health setting
• Certification in Infection Control within three years of employment in the role
• Competent in Infection Control Practices including Isolation Precautions, infection control surveillance and construction projects
• Maintains current knowledge regarding all laws, regulatory and accreditation standards
• Proficient with computer programs to complete job duties independently
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with others in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Willing to travel as deemed necessary

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in one of the following; Nursing with current RN license, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Laboratory Science
• CIC
• Previous experience in infection control or public health
• Familiar with The Joint Commission standards of Infection Prevention and Control
• Familiar with the Center for Disease Control guidelines for outpatient infection prevention and control

CAREERS WITH WELLMED. Our focus is simple. We're innovators in preventative health care, striving to change the face of health care for seniors. We're impacting 350,000+ lives, primarily Medicare eligible seniors in Texas and Florida, through primary and multi - specialty clinics, and contracted medical management services. We've joined Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of companies, and our mission is to help the sick become well and to help patients understand and control their health in a lifelong effort at wellness. Our providers and staff are selected for their dedication and focus on preventative, proactive care. For you, that means one incredible team and a singular opportunity to do YOUR LIFE'S BEST WORK.(SM)

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

A Fortune 6 company, we're focused on helping people live healthier lives while making the health system work better for everyone. Here, we seek to empower people with the information, guidance and tools to make personal health choices. We work harder and we aim higher. We expect more from ourselves and each other. And, at the end of the day, we’re doing a lot of good for more than 142 million people worldwide.