Infection Prevention Specialists, Registered Nurse

Purpose

The Infection Prevention Specialist (IPS) is a licensed clinician responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Neighborcare Health’s Infection Prevention and Control Program. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and promotes a safe environment for patients and staff across all Neighborcare Health sites, including medical, dental, and behavioral health settings. The IPS collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and supports a culture of safety and quality improvement. 

Health, Wellness & Retirement benefits:  

• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Paid time off & paid holidays
• Retirement with contribution match
• Life & AD&D, pet insurance
• Employee assistance program, & more!

Compensation:   

• The target wage range for this position is $71,052.80 salary to $83,803.20 salary.  
• Final offers are individually based on various factors, including skill set, years of experience, location, qualifications, work schedule and other job-related reasons

Primary Responsibilities: 

Policy & Program Development  

• Develop, review, and update infection prevention and control policies and procedures. 
• Ensure alignment with CDC, WA DOH, CMS, OSHA, WAC, APIC, and ADS guidelines. 
• Maintain current permits, licenses, and regulatory documentation. 

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting  

• Ensure the Infection Prevention Program meets federal and state standards. 
• Assure NCH is meeting the Center for Disease Control (CDC), WA State Department of Health (DOH), Association for Dental Safety (ADS), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Washington Administrative codes (WAC), Occupational Safety and Health administration (OSHA) and Association for Professionals in infection control and epidemiology (APIC Guidelines and recommendations for a healthcare setting including dental services.  
• Collaborate with public health agencies (e.g., Seattle King County Public Health (SKCPH), WA DOH) during infection outbreaks or public health threats (e.g., Ebola, MERS, anthrax). Support documentation and reporting for accreditation and inspections.

Surveillance & Risk Assessment  

• Perform annual infection prevention risk assessments and develop annual plans. 
• Conduct bi-annual site audits and monitor compliance. 
• Collect, analyze, and interpret infection-related data to support performance improvement. 

Education & Training  

• Design and deliver infection prevention training for clinical and non-clinical staff. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written format.
• Maintain up-to-date training materials and regulatory guidance. 
• Conduct N95 fit testing for staff as needed. 

Clinical & Operational Collaboration  

• Partner with clinical and operational leaders to implement effective infection control practices. 
• Co-chair medical and dental infection prevention committees. 
• Collaborate with Facilities on infection control during construction and renovation projects. 
• Develop and review Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs) with Facilities. 
• Review sterilization and disinfection methods and recommend improvements. 

Other Duties  

• Perform other duties as assigned by management. 

Required Skills: 

• Knowledge of Center for Disease Control (CDC), WA State Department of Health (DOH), Association for Dental Safety (ADS), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Washington Administrative Codes (WAC). Occupational Safety and Health administration (OSHA) and Association for Professionals in infection control and epidemiology (APIC Guidelines and recommendations for a healthcare setting including dental services.  
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and complex health care environment. 
• Ability to meet and comply with HIPAA/Confidentiality policies and procedures and to handle confidential and sensitive patient and staff information.
• Ability to work with individuals of varying ethnicities, socio-economic levels, cultures and sexual orientations.
• Proficient with computers and the use of email and electronic medical and dental records. 
• Proficiency in the use of Windows and MS Office Suite applications.  
• Effective project management.
• Ability to organize issues and conduct problem solvin