Infection Prevention & Control Program Manager, Fairbanks, AK

The Tanana Chiefs Conference provides world class health services to Alaska Natives and American Indians, as well as many non-beneficiaries, in 42 villages across the river systems of the Interior. This 235,000 square mile region is the home of the Tanana Chiefs Conference and is a paradise for those who love outdoor activities. If you are looking for a challenge and want to have a positive impact on the health and wellness of Alaska Natives and American Indians then this is the position for you. The Tanana Chiefs Conference provides a wide array of services in multiple facilities with our main location being the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center--an award winning cultural super clinic located in Fairbanks--Interior Alaska's urban hub. The Fairbanks based clinic is itself a hub that serves the larger mission of supporting health and wellness to Indian Health Service beneficiaries including an Ambulatory Surgery Center, Ophthalmology, Audiology, Urgent Care, Hematology/Oncology Services, Dental Clinic, Imaging and a host of other services.

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Program Manager assumes system-wide responsibility for and provides guidance to TCC's ambulatory care IPC Program. The IPC Manager will lead IPC compliance and improvement activities for standard and transmission-based precautions according to evidence-based practice guidelines and regulatory standards. Domains of activities include: IPC program annual improvement plan, IPC policies and procedures, IPC education, healthcare-associated infection surveillance, monitoring and auditing of IPC practices, continuous quality improvement, and environment of care. The IPC Manager will work closely with TCC leadership across departments and services including community health aide program (CHAP), primary care, urgent care, specialty care, dental, ambulatory surgery center, sterile processing, and environmental services.

Adhere to the TCC Ch'eghwtsen' model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.

Essential Functions: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbent(s).

Representative Duties: Under general supervision of the Corporate Safety Manager the incumbent will:

1. Evaluate and manage compliance with the Infection Control Program as outlined in the Infection Control and Employee health Program Manual for TCC.
2. Serve as a subject matter expert in infection control requirements for the planning of new clinical facilities and/or the renovation and redesign of existing clinical facilities.
3. In consultation with the TCC Safety Program, create and update policies and procedures as needed to ensure organizational compliance with best practices and accreditation standards (APIC, AORN, AAAHC, OSAP, CARF, CDC) and regulatory requirements (HRSA, OSHA, CMS) for infection control and prevention.
   1. Serves as the primary contact with regulatory agencies and other organizations on issues related to infection control standards and compliance.
   2. Direct and assist in preparing reports and statistical data for TCC and for local or state agencies; including but not limited to reporting, filing and follow-up.
   3. Conduct regular infection control risk assessments and surveillance of TCC facilities in Fairbanks and rural communities.
4. Service as the point of contact with the State of Alaska for reportable diseases.
   1. Receive, log, and report disease diagnoses.
   2. Provide initial orientation and ongoing staff education for disease reporting requirements.
5. Participate as a member of the TCC Health Services Safety & Infection Control Committee.
6. Participate and contribute subject-matter expertise in Infection Control as a member of the Quality Management Council.
7. Work closely with the TCC CHAP (Community Health Aide) Program to provide training, education, and support. Which may include:
   1. Regular travel to villages to monitor and assess village clinics and staff for competency, infection control practice, and regulatory compliance
   2. Assure village facilities remain in readiness for inspections and surveys.
   3. Coordinate training as necessary to ensure village-based staff are fully trained and prepared to respond to infection control needs in their communities.
8. Interact with physicians, nurses, department managers, supervisors and other professional/non-professional staff to provide resource information, resolve infection control problems, and identify new opportunities to improve services.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor degree that included a major field of study in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this position as an Infection Control Program Manager such as Nursing, Public Health or Environmental health is required preferred. Master's in Nursing or Public Health or Institutional Environmental health (MSN, MPH, IEH) with a focus on infection prevention or industrial hygiene degree is preferred.
2. Minimum four years of experience in ambulatory care, inpatient (hospital) care, or public health clinical care setting.
3. Demonstrates interest in the field of infection prevention and control. Experience performing IPC duties in a healthcare setting and performing healthcare-associated infection surveillance is preferred.
4. Current state professional license or certification as applicable
5. Must have current BLS certification or be able to obtain prior to hire.
6. Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) training course or equivalent desired. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is required within 2 year of hire.
7. Must have a current valid Driver's License and clean driving record.
8. Must pass background check pursuant to federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Must have the ability to interpret and implement infection control standards and regulations.
2. Familiarity with Interior Alaskan native traditions and cultures.
3. Strong organizational, verbal, written, analytic and interpersonal skills.
4. Computer skills, research and basic statistical skills is preferred.
5. Computer proficiency required using Microsoft Windows and MS office products.
6. Ability to process complex information while working independently.
7. Ability to interpret, assess, implement and monitor compliance of IPC best-practices (including standard and transmission-based precautions), standards and regulations.
8. Ability to interpret best practice and regulatory standards into clinical application and make recommendations for implementation.

Supervision: This is a supervisory position.

Physical demands: Work requires walking, standing, bending, pushing and occasional lifting to assist patients move equipment and issue supplies. Sedentary activities include sitting at a desk and computer operation. Knowledge and use of proper body mechanics and office ergonomics is required.

Summation: Job incumbent will carry out and develop infection control programs for TCC. Incumbent will obtain working knowledge of OSHA, AAAHC, CDC, accreditation standards, and other relevant regulations and guidelines and utilizes them to develop and manage infection control programs. Incumbent will work closely with the Safety, Employee Health and Quality Programs to develop and manage a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control program.

Apply online at: https://www.tananachiefs.org/careers/

or email your cv to margretta.jones@tananachiefs.org