Director Of Infectious Disease

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 per year
How to Apply:

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Deputy Health Services Administrator, the Director of Infection Disease supervises, directs, and coordinates all infection control activities in the Allegheny County Jail to prevent or control infections of and to incarcerated individuals and staff. Work is performed in accordance with Federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern correctional facilities and infection control reporting requirements. The Director oversees the Infectious Disease program to include 2 Public Health RN’s and Coordinator positions. Designs and implements all policies and procedures for infectious disease related needs in the facility.

Duties:

• Surveillance of lab reports and communication with the health department.
• Contributes to managing 340B onsite requirements.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary health care professionals, administrators, jail medical unit managers and local, state and federal regulatory agencies as necessary.
• Reviews and analyzes infectious disease laboratory reports and consults with nursing supervisors on additional follow-up activities.
• Collects and reviews nosocomial infection data rates stratified by infection risk or focused infection studies to monitor the effects of intervention strategies on the infection rates and to provide feedback to physicians, nurses and support staff.
• Identifies and reports all reportable diseases to the County and State Health Departments and other governing bodies as required.
• Participates in conferences, including discharge conferences as requested, to address specific infection control problems.
• Oversees, manages, and directs the work of the Infectious Disease Coordinator and 2 Public Health RN’s who are charged with infection prevention duties, through the assignment of work and establishment of priorities.
• Develops policies and procedures for infection control surveillance, prevention, and control for all resident care and support departments.
• Conducts surveys for unusual epidemics, clusters of infections, infections due to unusual pathogens and any nosocomial infection that exceed usual baseline levels.
• Performs other related duties as required or requested.
• Assesses inmates in isolation/infection control precautions and consults with nursing staff regarding identified problems/needs of the resident, indicates the care to be given, and goals to be accomplished.
• Review’s inmate infections to determine whether an infection is nosocomial and to determine the potential for prevention or intervention to reduce the risk of future occurrence.
• Monitors and observes infection control practices and procedures by staff to ensure that they are following standard operating procedures involving exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Program development to include supervision of Infectious Disease Coordinator and Public Health RN’s.
• Process improvement related to public health and infectious disease for the incarcerated population.
• Prepares summaries and reports of special investigations on the occurrence of nosocomial and community acquired infections.
• Participates in meetings with surveyors and inspectors and responds to inquiries.
• Collaborates with physical health providers and or community providers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of:

• Federal and State regulations governing correctional facilities and infection control issues
• Principles and practices of supervision
• Standard precautions regarding blood/body fluids and clean-up procedures
• Infectious diseases, particularly those common to correctional facilities
• HIPAA, CDC, and OSHA guidelines

Ability to:

• Assess, develop, implement, and interpret programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for providing quality care
• Communicate, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, nursing and medical staff, inmates, public officials, and the general public
• Interpret and explain statistical data and information regarding infection issues
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) and other relevant software
• Function independently and make informed decisions regarding sound professional judgement
• Work evenings and weekends as necessary
• Interact with incarcerated individuals with a sensitivity and understanding of a specific population need
• Adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks in a stressful environment

#INDSJ

Skills:
Residency: Not required to live in Allegheny County
Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.