HAI/AR Epidemiologist II

HAI/AR Epidemiologist II Location: Augusta, Maine (Hybrid)Schedule: Full-TimeWork Environment: Hybrid with limited in-state travel and occasional overnight travel as needed Pay Rate: $74,006.40 Position Summary The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking an experienced HAI/AR Epidemiologist II to support the Healthcare Epidemiology Program's mission of reducing and preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) across the state of Maine. This senior-level epidemiology and infection prevention position serves as a subject matter expert in infection prevention and control, outbreak response, healthcare quality improvement, surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship. The successful candidate will collaborate with healthcare facilities, public health partners, and federal stakeholders to strengthen infection prevention practices, investigate outbreaks, analyze surveillance data, and implement performance improvement initiatives that improve patient safety and healthcare outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive infection prevention experience, strong analytical and leadership skills, and the ability to independently manage complex public health projects while serving as a trusted advisor to healthcare organizations and program staff. Key Responsibilities Infection Prevention & Epidemiology Serve as a subject matter expert in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance (AR), infection prevention and control (IPC), quality assurance, and performance improvement. Assess healthcare facility infection prevention and control practices to identify risks and opportunities for improvement. Support statewide efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. Promote evidence-based infection prevention practices across the healthcare continuum. Outbreak Investigation & Response Lead outbreak investigations in healthcare settings in accordance with department protocols. Respond to emerging public health threats, healthcare-associated outbreaks, and multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) events. Conduct facility assessments and recommend corrective actions to mitigate infection risks. Collaborate with healthcare facilities and public health partners during outbreak response activities. Surveillance, Data Analysis & Reporting Analyze HAI and AR surveillance data to identify trends, risks, and quality improvement opportunities. Utilize National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other surveillance systems to support program goals. Maintain investigation, consultation, and surveillance databases and tracking systems. Prepare and submit weekly activity reports and monthly progress reports. Quality Improvement & Program Development Lead healthcare quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives. Conduct gap analyses and develop corrective action plans to improve infection prevention outcomes. Support healthcare facilities in implementing infection prevention best practices. Assist with program quality assurance and continuous improvement activities. Leadership, Training & Collaboration Train, mentor, and support program staff on infection prevention and control practices. Provide technical assistance to healthcare providers, healthcare systems, and public health partners. Collaborate with and provide backup support to the Department Program Manager. Chair HAI/AR workgroups, committees, and stakeholder meetings. Represent the program at state, regional, and national meetings and conferences. Conduct outreach and relationship-building activities with healthcare leaders and stakeholders. Antimicrobial Stewardship Support statewide antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Provide expertise related to antimicrobial utilization, resistance trends, and emerging multidrug-resistant organisms (eMDROs). Promote best practices in antibiotic stewardship across healthcare settings. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in a clinical or healthcare-related field required. Examples include: Registered Nurse (RN) Medical Technologist Clinical Laboratory Professional Related healthcare discipline Experience Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Experience leading healthcare-associated infection (HAI) outbreak investigations. Experience leading quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives. Experience conducting gap analyses and developing corrective action plans. Experience working independently on complex projects and public health initiatives. Certifications Certification in Infection Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) required. Must be eligible to obtain a federal Level 1 Security Clearance through Secure Access Management Services (SAMS). Knowledge & Skills Thorough knowledge of infection prevention and control principles and practices. Familiarity with CDC infection prevention and control guidance. Familiarity with CMS infection prevention and compliance requirements. Strong analytical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Strong project management and leadership capabilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including: Word Excel Outlook PowerPoint Additional Requirements Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be able to provide proof of residency. Ability to travel throughout Maine as needed. Preferred Qualifications Candidates with one or more of the following qualifications are strongly preferred: Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related discipline. Experience supporting: Acute Care Hospitals Dialysis Centers Ambulatory Surgery Centers Wound Care Clinics Long-Term Care Facilities Skilled Nursing Facilities Knowledge of: Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (eMDROs) Experience with the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Familiarity with Health Alert Network (HAN) systems. Experience in public health epidemiology programs. Travel Requirements In-State Travel Limited travel throughout Maine. May include: Healthcare facility site visits Outbreak investigations Regional and statewide meetings Training activities Occasional overnight travel may be required. Out-of-State Travel Attend one to three conferences or professional meetings annually as approved. Additional training and professional development opportunities may be available. Benefits (Through SSO) SSO offers a competitive benefits package that supports your health, financial well‑being, and long‑term growth, including: Quarterly performance bonuses Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with discretionary employer match Paid time off and holidays Flexible spending accounts Additional employee perks