Signature Healthcare is Southeastern Massachusetts’ premier local provider of quality, personalized medical services. We are comprised of the award-winning not-for-profit Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Signature Medical Group (SMG), a multi-specialty physician group of more than 150 physicians practicing in 18 ambulatory locations. We believe our distinctive Signature Healthcare team approach is the way healthcare should be: medical professionals across many locations communicating and collaborating, taking advantage of technologies and resources to make a difference in the lives and health of our patients.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the VP Quality/CQO, the Director of Infection Prevention has responsibility and accountability for planning, coordinating and evaluating infection control surveillance and risk reduction activities to support the quality of Nursing Practice and Patient Care provided, as well as the budget and operations of the Infection Control Department.

The Director of Infection Prevention evaluates quality of patient care and patient outcomes as they relate to healthcare–associated infections; collects, prepares and analyzes healthcare-associated infection data; presents infection control data and makes recommendations for actions; monitors employee compliance in use of barriers and infection prevention measures; prepares and presents educational offerings for the staff; serves as a resource to all departments and personnel; implements programs to protect the healthcare worker, visitors, and others in the healthcare environment; sets and recommends policies and procedures to prevent adverse events; provides internal and external reporting of information and data; promotes compliance with regulations, guidelines and accreditation requirements.

The Director of Infection Prevention is responsible for communicating within established processes, clinical practices necessary to meet regulatory program requirements and is responsible for coordinating data collection, data analysis, trending and reporting to enhance clinical improvements.

INDEPENDENT ACTION

Within the scope of established position description practices independently, however reports inconsistencies and variances to the VP Quality/CQO.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Direct supervision of Infection Preventionist

Location: 158 Quincy Ave, Brockton, MA

Department: Quality

This is a full-time 40 hour/ week position

Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the VP Quality/CQO, the Director of Infection Prevention has responsibility and accountability for planning, coordinating and evaluating infection control surveillance and risk reduction activities to support the quality of Nursing Practice and Patient Care provided, as well as the budget and operations of the Infection Control Department.

The Director of Infection Prevention evaluates quality of patient care and patient outcomes as they relate to healthcare–associated infections; collects, prepares and analyzes healthcare-associated infection data; presents infection control data and makes recommendations for actions; monitors employee compliance in use of barriers and infection prevention measures; prepares and presents educational offerings for the staff; serves as a resource to all departments and personnel; implements programs to protect the healthcare worker, visitors, and others in the healthcare environment; sets and recommends policies and procedures to prevent adverse events; provides internal and external reporting of information and data; promotes compliance with regulations, guidelines and accreditation requirements.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION:

Develops an annual Infectious Disease (ID) program plan with measurable objectives.

Periodically evaluates the effectiveness of the ID program.

Assesses customer needs and satisfaction, integrates findings into ID and prevention programs; for performance improvement.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:

Effectively manages resources by considering both clinical and financial implications when making recommendations for changes in practice. Incorporates principles of fiscal responsibility into practice.

LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT:

Attends ongoing infectious disease education programs to enhance practice and seeks experiences and learning opportunities that will advance his/her knowledge and skills.

Performs regular self-evaluations to identify strengths and needs for professional development.

Supports or participates in professional organizations.

Supports the Signature Healthcare Vision, Mission,Values and WeCare initiatives.

Promotes positive relationships and attitudes among associates; acts as a role model by displaying enthusiasm and motivation for the development of team spirit.

Conducts interdisciplinary relationships in a professional manner. Serves as a leader and role model for the profession. Maintains compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) and other regulatory requirements

Acts as a liaison between Infection Control Committee Chairperson and other departments in issues related to infectious disease.

Performs other duties as required or assigned.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/APTITUDE/EXPERIENCE:

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, prioritization, critical thinking, problem resolution and program management skills.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Knowledgeable in the utilization of the NHSN system and NHSN requirements

• Knowledge of regulations and standards relating to the organization’s infection prevention program and CMS Conditions of participation.

• Knowledge of basic research and investigation techniques with an ability to interpret data, prepare reports, and propose solutions to improve performance.

• Demonstrated ability in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, data base software and office products.

• Ability to independently prioritize work projects and to comply with established/required deadlines.

  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet expectations relative to the purpose of the position and perform each primary responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

  Education/Experience/Licenses/Technical/Other:

• Education: Registered Nurse licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s Degree Preferred.

• Experience: Requires two years of Infection Prevention experience and three to five years of nursing experience in an acute care facility.

• Certification/Licensure: Certification in Infection Control and Prevention (CIC) required.

• Software/Hardware: Working Knowledge of Meditech system perferred

• Other: Expected to maintain professional membership in APIC.