INFECTION PREVENTIONIST (40 HRS/WK DAYS)

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Infection Preventionist to join our team in Kankakee, Illinois. The Infection Preventionist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring infection prevention and control programs to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. This role requires expertise in infection control practices, regulatory compliance, and data analysis. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of infection prevention in a healthcare setting. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure 

Essential Duties

• Develop, implement, and oversee infection prevention and control policies and procedures in accordance with current guidelines and regulations.
• Conduct regular surveillance and epidemiologic investigation of healthcare-associated infections, including data collection, analysis, and reporting to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to ensure adherence to infection control practices and address any identified issues.
• Provide education and training to healthcare staff on infection prevention practices, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and standard precautions.
• Perform infection risk assessments and recommend strategies to mitigate potential risks and enhance patient and staff safety.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards related to infection control and prevention.
• Lead and participate in infection control investigations and outbreak management, including implementing containment measures and communicating with relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of infection control activities, including audits, inspections, and incidents.
• These are duties that MUST be performed in this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The prevention in controlling environment of care related to cleaning, sterilization and asepsiss
• Participate in research activities related to infection prevention and control

Non-essential Duties

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of best practices in infection prevention.
• Assist with the development and review of departmental policies and procedures.
• Support other healthcare departments with cross-functional projects and special assignments as needed.\"

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes: 

Compensation

• Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:

• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

Required Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in infection prevention and control, preferably within a healthcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of infection control practices, epidemiology, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver effective training and education programs.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Required Licensure/Education

• Bachelors degree is required
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is required or must be obtained within 4 years after employment.

Preferred Education

• Masters degree is preferred.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Alcohol wipes
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Some potential for exposure during injection and blood draws and during employee assessment of injuries. However, appropriate usage of needle disposal, standard precautions, and protective equipment should minimize risk.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Possible exposure to employees during daily interactions. However, use of protective wear and standard precautions reduces risk.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required for employee interaction.
• Vision: Needed for patient assessment, data entry and reviewing patient results.
• Smell: Helpful to note presence of electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Needed for telephone communication and patient interaction.
• Touch: Needed to write, drawing blood and patient assessment.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 44%
• Twist: 0%
• Stand: 30%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 10%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 3%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 1%
• Reach above shoulders: 0%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Lifting employee charts, approximately 5-10'. Lifting cases of chart forms, approximately 5-10'.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 30
• Twist: 0
• Stand: 15
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 5
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 1
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 2
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 0
• Reach above shoulders: 0

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: 1# often
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: occasionally
• Fine Manipulation: Injections, blood draws.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal 
• Range Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal range
• Atmosphere:
• Special Hazards: None
• Protective Clothing Required: Gloves