Infection Preventionist (CIC) Healthcare

Opportunities at WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses. We believe all patients are entitled to the highest level of medical care. Here, you will join a team who shares your passion for helping people achieve better health. With opportunities for physicians, clinical staff and non-patient-facing roles, you can make a difference with us as you discover the meaning behind Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for implementing and maintaining the multiple facets of the Infection Prevention and Control Program. The IP is a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee. This individual maintains a routine surveillance program of patients, personnel, and the environmental problems that present a real or potential threat to the welfare of patients, visitors, or personnel throughout the organization. The IP serves as member of the Infection Control committee and promotes compliance with accreditation, certification and regulatory requirements including, CMS, OSHA, NCQA and CLIA.

If you have a certification in Infection Control (CIC) or the ability to obtain within 3 years of employment, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements and evaluates the organizational Infection Prevention and Control Program
• Leads, facilitates and participates in the Infection Control Committee.
• Leads a collaborative team of key stakeholders to develop, implement and evaluate an Infection Control Risk Assessment on an annual and as needed basis to establish organizational infection prevention and control goals
• Reviews and revises the enterprise Infection Prevention and Control Policy in conjunction with the Infection Control Committee on an annual and as needed basis
• Works collaboratively with executives, providers, administrators, market leaders and nursing staff to develop effective strategies that prevent infection and comply with regulatory and mandatory requirements at the local, state and federal levels
• Identifies educational needs and assists in the development and implementation of training and education modules related to infection prevention and control
• Participate in the development and review of occupational health policies and procedures related to infection prevention and control
• Develop, review and reinforce infection prevention and control related policies and procedures
• Monitors and shares relevant information from the state and local health departments
• Participates in selection of products such as medical equipment and supplies, provides input related to infection prevention and assists in development of educational materials related to product 
• implementation related to infection control
• Data mines information and produces statistics and reports in a meaningful way for decision making in support of continued infection prevention
• Provides pre-inspection/assessment preparedness activities for regulatory, UHG/Optum, and corporate related clinic audits
• Builds/maintains good working relationships and collaborates well with functional areas that support Enterprise Clinic Operations
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development in infection prevention
• Supports the enterprise Pharmaceutical Waste Plan
• Developing and maintaining the enterprise Hazard Communication Program
• Assisting clinics in identifying hazardous chemicals present in their work areas and in evaluating hazard chemicals, as requested
• Supports the enterprise Regulated Waste Plan
• Serve as a resource and support for the clinics waste program administrators
• Supports the enterprise Respiratory Protection Program
• Performs all other related duties as assigned

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following; Nursing with current RN license, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor degree in another related field with previous infection control experience and Certification in Infection Control (CIC)
• Certification in Infection Control within three years of employment in the role required for all
• 2+ years of experience in an acute care, ambulatory care or public health setting
• Maintains current knowledge regarding all laws, regulatory and accreditation standards
• Proficient with computer programs to complete job duties independently
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Proven competent in Infection Control Practices including Isolation Precautions, infection control surveillance and construction projects
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Proven ability to effectively communicate with others in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Willing to travel as deemed necessary

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in one of the following; Nursing with current RN license, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Laboratory Science
• CIC
• Experience in infection control or public health
• Familiar with The Joint Commission standards of Infection Prevention and Control
• Familiar with the Center for Disease Control guidelines for outpatient infection prevention and control

Physical & Mental Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to use fine motor skills to operate office equipment and/or machinery
• Ability to receive and comprehend instructions verbally and/or in writing
• Ability to use logical reasoning for simple and complex problem solving

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy 

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $71,200 to $127,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.