Government Jobs
Job Opportunity: Healthcare Associated Infections/Antimicrobial Resistance Infection Preventionist
This is a grant funded position subject to available grant funds. Click here for a video. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the state of Georgia for responding to disasters. As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can: Make a professional impact Enjoy workplace flexibility Work with a dynamic and diverse team Achieve career longevity Take part in a hands-on working culture Feel pride in where you work As a Healthcare Associated Infections/Antimicrobial Resistance Infection Preventionist within the Division of Health Protection, Epidemiology Section, HAI AR Section at the Georgia Department of Public Health, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals that help support the overall mission and vision of protecting lives of Georgian residents in a variety of ways. Job Responsibilities
The Acute Disease Epidemiology Section (ADES) of the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) is seeking an HAI/AR Infection Preventionist to conduct outbreak response for the Healthcare Associated Infections/Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) team. The ADES carries out a number of activities to identify, prevent, and mitigate certain communicable and/or notifiable infectious diseases. ADES staff work closely with Georgia healthcare providers and associations, the Georgia Public Health Laboratory, and epidemiologists in our 18 health districts. ADES houses several infectious disease specific surveillance teams. The HAI/AR team works with infections reported from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and from select antimicrobial resistant organisms. The HAI/AR Team conducts surveillance for outbreaks in healthcare settings and investigates reports of disease clusters. The HAI/AR IP will be responsible for leading HAI/AR outbreak response (including responding to reports of serious infection control breaches). In coordination with the HAI/AR Program, the HAI/AR IP will provide oversight and subject matter expertise to coordinate prevention and response activities in various healthcare settings in their region (North, Metro, Central or South Georgia). These positions are responsible for strengthening infection prevention and control capacity in their assigned jurisdictions. Leads district wide program of HAI/AR and infection control by assigned districts. Applies reports from the HAI/AR Analytics Team to develop prioritized prevention responses in their region. Develops and communicates response targets and goals to regional district staff and other stakeholders. Schedules and provides efficient infection prevention and control consultation. Document and compile findings from assessments and summarize them in a report and/or tracking system, with key findings and recommendations provided to the participating healthcare facility and other key stakeholders, including the HAI/AR Program and District Health Department. Conduct follow-up assessments to ensure that the healthcare facility has implemented mitigation recommendations based on report findings. Conducts specialized training in infection control and prevention activities to mitigate identified gaps, both at individual facilities and collectively. Recommend or develop new infection control tools to improve practices. Responds to reported infection control breaches, outbreaks, and multi-drug-resistant screening results for Georgia healthcare facilities. Conduct onsite and/or virtual response-based visits to investigate suspected outbreaks or infection control breaches, including: an initial consultation with healthcare facilities to identify sources and mitigate transmission. Utilizes a standardized tool (e.g., Infection Control Assessment and Response tool or ICAR). Serve as a liaison within their region to address infection control needs in a variety of settings. Participate in state NHSN validation studies to improve facility reporting. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in health care services or related field from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of professional managerial or supervisory experience in health care services; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Mgr 3, Hlth Care (HCM012) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require certification and/or licensure. Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years of experience with investigation of healthcare-associated infection outbreaks with the knowledge and understanding of current standards of practice and understanding infection prevention and control guidelines. Experience working within or with local/state public health departments. Excellent interpersonal skills Current Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or willingness to obtain CIC within 1 year of hire. 2-5 years' experience using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) HAI surveillance criterion. Additional Information
The Georgia Department of Public Health commissioner and leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break. Employment Information: Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary. DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE). DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc. The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check. Relocation assistance is not provided. As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email your request to DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov by the closing date of this announcement. DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer ADA Statement: The Georgia Department of Public Health is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees: In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance. Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees: Part-time employees receive the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and paid parental leave. The answers you provide to the supplemental questions will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Your responses pertaining to specific work experience and education must be clearly shown in the areas for work history and education on your application. Your application must be completed in full before it is submitted. We do not accept additional information after your application has been received by the Personnel Department. Are you a current employee of the Georgia Department of Public Health? No Full Time Employee Part Time Employee Temp or Contractor Intern Volunteer What is your highest level of education completed? Doctorate's Degree Master's Degree Bachelor's Degree Associate's Degree High School Diploma GED
This is a grant funded position subject to available grant funds. Click here for a video. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the state of Georgia for responding to disasters. As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can: Make a professional impact Enjoy workplace flexibility Work with a dynamic and diverse team Achieve career longevity Take part in a hands-on working culture Feel pride in where you work As a Healthcare Associated Infections/Antimicrobial Resistance Infection Preventionist within the Division of Health Protection, Epidemiology Section, HAI AR Section at the Georgia Department of Public Health, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals that help support the overall mission and vision of protecting lives of Georgian residents in a variety of ways. Job Responsibilities
The Acute Disease Epidemiology Section (ADES) of the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) is seeking an HAI/AR Infection Preventionist to conduct outbreak response for the Healthcare Associated Infections/Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) team. The ADES carries out a number of activities to identify, prevent, and mitigate certain communicable and/or notifiable infectious diseases. ADES staff work closely with Georgia healthcare providers and associations, the Georgia Public Health Laboratory, and epidemiologists in our 18 health districts. ADES houses several infectious disease specific surveillance teams. The HAI/AR team works with infections reported from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and from select antimicrobial resistant organisms. The HAI/AR Team conducts surveillance for outbreaks in healthcare settings and investigates reports of disease clusters. The HAI/AR IP will be responsible for leading HAI/AR outbreak response (including responding to reports of serious infection control breaches). In coordination with the HAI/AR Program, the HAI/AR IP will provide oversight and subject matter expertise to coordinate prevention and response activities in various healthcare settings in their region (North, Metro, Central or South Georgia). These positions are responsible for strengthening infection prevention and control capacity in their assigned jurisdictions. Leads district wide program of HAI/AR and infection control by assigned districts. Applies reports from the HAI/AR Analytics Team to develop prioritized prevention responses in their region. Develops and communicates response targets and goals to regional district staff and other stakeholders. Schedules and provides efficient infection prevention and control consultation. Document and compile findings from assessments and summarize them in a report and/or tracking system, with key findings and recommendations provided to the participating healthcare facility and other key stakeholders, including the HAI/AR Program and District Health Department. Conduct follow-up assessments to ensure that the healthcare facility has implemented mitigation recommendations based on report findings. Conducts specialized training in infection control and prevention activities to mitigate identified gaps, both at individual facilities and collectively. Recommend or develop new infection control tools to improve practices. Responds to reported infection control breaches, outbreaks, and multi-drug-resistant screening results for Georgia healthcare facilities. Conduct onsite and/or virtual response-based visits to investigate suspected outbreaks or infection control breaches, including: an initial consultation with healthcare facilities to identify sources and mitigate transmission. Utilizes a standardized tool (e.g., Infection Control Assessment and Response tool or ICAR). Serve as a liaison within their region to address infection control needs in a variety of settings. Participate in state NHSN validation studies to improve facility reporting. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in health care services or related field from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of professional managerial or supervisory experience in health care services; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Mgr 3, Hlth Care (HCM012) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require certification and/or licensure. Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years of experience with investigation of healthcare-associated infection outbreaks with the knowledge and understanding of current standards of practice and understanding infection prevention and control guidelines. Experience working within or with local/state public health departments. Excellent interpersonal skills Current Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or willingness to obtain CIC within 1 year of hire. 2-5 years' experience using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) HAI surveillance criterion. Additional Information
The Georgia Department of Public Health commissioner and leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break. Employment Information: Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary. DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE). DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc. The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check. Relocation assistance is not provided. As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email your request to DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov by the closing date of this announcement. DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer ADA Statement: The Georgia Department of Public Health is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees: In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance. Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees: Part-time employees receive the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and paid parental leave. The answers you provide to the supplemental questions will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Your responses pertaining to specific work experience and education must be clearly shown in the areas for work history and education on your application. Your application must be completed in full before it is submitted. We do not accept additional information after your application has been received by the Personnel Department. Are you a current employee of the Georgia Department of Public Health? No Full Time Employee Part Time Employee Temp or Contractor Intern Volunteer What is your highest level of education completed? Doctorate's Degree Master's Degree Bachelor's Degree Associate's Degree High School Diploma GED