Healthcare Associated Infections Coordinator (Senior Consultant)-61053182

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Under the general supervision of the Healthcare Associated Infections Unit (HAI) Manager in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES), supports the organization's mission of protecting the the public's health through providing consultative, scientific and technical expertise in the analysis and interpretation of epidemiologic data to prevent and control healthcare-associated infections as part of the HAI Unit. Plans, organizes, coordinates, and evaluates activities of the HAI program for the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant.

Management/Leadership: Provide supervision to a team which may include nurses, antibiotic stewardship (AS) pharmacist, and program coordinators. Serves as the primary point of contact for HAI communications with and reporting to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including annual workplan development for the HAI/AR section of the ELC Cooperative Agreement and reporting performance measures. Serves on the ELC work group to monitor HAI/AR program performance measures and spending. Coordination of activities with the AR Lab Network regional lab. Coordinates prevention activities with partners (e.g., healthcare facilities, SC Hospital Association (SCHA), South Carolina Health Care Association (SCHCA), quality improvement programs such as Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organizations (QIN-QIOs), etc.). Actively participates in convening the HIDA Advisory Committee, including maintaining and fostering relationships and coordinating implementation plans across partners to achieve HAI/AR priorities.

Consultation/Staff Development/Quality Assurance: Serves as a subject matter expert for HAI surveillance for the prevention and control of HAIs and emerging pathogens. Provide expert consultation and education to healthcare facilities and select non-healthcare settings regarding facility infection prevention and control programs and advise on procedures to prevent, identify, report, investigate, control communicable diseases, and emerging pathogen preparedness. Provide healthcare facilities written recommendations and guidance for mitigation of identified gaps. Maintain knowledge of Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship (AS) and support staff in the development of AS initiatives. Assist in identifying, developing and providing infection prevention and control training for public health staff, healthcare facilities and select non-healthcare settings. Assist the HAI epidemiologist in reviewing and validating NHSN data as needed.

Response: Support outbreak investigation and response activities for novel or targeted multidrug-resistant organisms and other HAIs. Support rapid response to control newly identified HAI and AR risks. Conduct response-driven on-site infection control assessments at healthcare facilities where an outbreak has been identified. Assist as needed with facilitating coordinated response between interconnected facilities. Assist as needed with facilitating colonization screenings. Provide continued follow-up and assistance with facilities until infection control gaps have been addressed.

Other duties: Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if requested. State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree and professional experience related to the position. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Agency Additional Requirements: Graduation from an accredited school with a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology, microbiology, or a Registered Nurse. At a minimum, four (4) years of experience as a medical laboratory technologist, microbiologist or as a Registered Nurse. One (1) year of work experience in a supervisory, managerial, teaching or consulting capacity. Must have a minimum of one (1) of year experience in infection prevention and control. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) and experience in healthcare associated infections (HAI) prevention practices, surveillance methods and definitions, and data analysis. Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate. Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Experience using Microsoft Office software. Experience using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) infection tracking system. EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Full Time Employees (FTE) positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Full Time Employees (FTE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay. HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.