Associate Director-Infection Prevention-MSW/MSM

The Associate Director, Infection Prevention, reports to the Hospital Epidemiologist and Medical Director, Infection Prevention, and is responsible for the oversight of Infection Prevention in associated inpatient areas as well as data management for infection prevention related matters. This individual will assist the Hospital Epidemiologist in the daily management and operations of the Infection Prevention Department.  This includes simultaneous coverage of some hospital areas, interaction, consultation, collaboration and education of local personnel as well as participate in the infection prevention call rotation.  The Associate Director will also communicate with local and state health departments and other regulatory entities as appropriate.  The responsibilities encompass compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, CMS, OSHA, and city and state regulations.  The Associate Director will lead outbreak investigations, surveillance activities, and overall management of the Infection Prevention program as directed. 

1. Oversees and coordinates infection prevention activities at both MSM and MSW and associated ambulatory sites.
2. Contributes to updating departmental goals, policies and procedures.  Conducts ongoing review of hospital policies, procedures and guidelines to identify discrepancies and implements revisions as necessary. 
3. Provides information to hospital committees and department managers to formulate changes in policies, procedures and/or processes to mitigate the risk of infection in the healthcare setting.
4. Interacts with healthcare personnel, department managers, supervisors, and employee health and other professional/non-professional staff members as a resource for infection prevention concerns and to identify opportunities to improve patient experience, safety and quality.
5. Conducts and analyzes data and maintains and prepares reports for the Infection Prevention Committee, Performance Improvement Committees, Medical Board, and other stakeholders as needed.
6. Supervises and makes recommendations regarding construction, renovation, environment of care, and assures compliance with national and/or professional standards. 
7. Involvement in planning and execution of policies and training as related to emerging pathogens.
8. Manages and conducts surveillance of healthcare-associated infections and epidemiologically significant organisms, including review of laboratory reports and identification of conditions that require transmission-based precautions.
9. Supervises and assist in outbreak investigation and reporting as well as partners with both environmental health and safety and employee health (or student health) as needed.
10. Work with Infection Preventionists to assist with data entry and analysis.  
11. Accountable for maintaining and advancing knowledge and professional practice including the mentorship and sponsorship of Infection Preventionists, Associate Hospital Epidemiologists, and Infectious Diseases Fellows. 
12. Other related duties, as assigned, including but not limited to, taking on Infection Prevention assignments as needed.

In collaboration with the Hospital Epidemiologist and Medical Director of Infection Prevention, perform all administrative functions of the infection prevention department to include payroll, budgeting, strategic planning and oversight.

Bachelor’s Degree Required.  Master’s Degree in a healthcare-related field preferred (e.g., Physician Assistant Studies, Public Health, Public Administration, Nursing, Education)

Minimum five years’ experience in healthcare with progressive job-related experience specific to area of responsibility

New York State License in Nursing or related field with current registration, if applicable

Active certification endorsed by the Certification Board of Infection Control (CIC) at time of 

hire or within 2 years of hire.