Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist supports the development, implementation, and sustainment of infection prevention and control practices across the organization. This role applies knowledge of infection prevention and control principles, epidemiology, regulatory requirements, and evidence-based practice to reduce the risk of infection transmission and support a safe environment for patients, staff, clinicians, and visitors. The Infection Preventionist assists with surveillance, reporting, education, quality improvement, environmental rounding, and outbreak response activities, and works collaboratively with leaders, departments, and public health partners to promote adherence with infection prevention standards and best practices. Essential Job Functions • Infection Prevention and Control Operations Assists in implementing and supporting the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) program throughout the organization. Identifies infectious disease processes and supports strategies to prevent and control the transmission of infectious agents. Performs surveillance and investigation activities using epidemiologic principles to identify and classify events, indicators, measures, and outcomes. Reports epidemiologically significant findings to appropriate stakeholders. Assists with outbreak investigations, including use of basic statistics, data tools, and other methods for detection and response. Ensures applicable reporting requirements, regulatory standards, and compliance obligations are met. Evaluates the environment of care to assess compliance with infection prevention and control practices. Applies principles of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization to identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Participates in IPAC assessments and rounding activities and communicates findings and recommendations. Assesses education needs of stakeholders and provides targeted education, training, and resources. Develops tools and resources to support process assessments, surveillance, and infection prevention activities. • Infection Prevention and Control Informatics Uses technology, electronic medical records, and other systems to support data collection and surveillance activities. Utilizes required reporting systems accurately and timely. Uses information technology to analyze, maintain, and disseminate data while ensuring data integrity. Organizes and shares findings from surveillance activities, audits, and quality improvement work. • Quality Improvement Participates in and contributes to IPAC projects, teams, and initiatives using evidence-based infection prevention guidance. Participates in performance improvement activities related to infection prevention, patient safety, and regulatory readiness. Uses data and findings to support recommendations and organizational decision-making. • Professional Stewardship Understands and implements infection prevention practices in accordance with laws, accrediting bodies, regulatory requirements, and best practices. Consults and collaborates with local, state, and federal public health officials as needed. Promotes accountability for safe practices, policy adherence, and infection prevention standards. Influences behavior change and practice improvement through collaboration, education, and consultation. Adheres to the ethical principles outlined in APIC’s Professional Practice Standards. • Research Reviews evidence-based practices, professional guidance, and research findings and incorporates applicable findings into routine practice. Supports and models behaviors consistent with Billings Clinic’s mission, vision, values, code of business conduct and service expectations. Meets all mandatory organizational and departmental requirements. Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency standards as it relates to the environment, employee, patient safety or job performance. Performs all other duties as assigned or as needed to meet the needs of the department/organization. Minimum Qualifications Education • Bachelor's degree in health science, clinical/healthcare delivery, public health, laboratory science, or related field Experience • Three (3) years of experience in healthcare, public health, laboratory, or related field required • Experience in infection prevention and control, preferred Certifications and Licenses • Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC®) within three (3) years of hire • Current Montana Driver’s License and ability to be insured to operate Billings Clinic vehicles Or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to the above tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Employees that require a licensed or certification must be properly licensed/certified and the licensure/certification must be in good standing.