Epidemiologist 2024-03015

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Epidemiologist 2024-03015

Salary

$35.60 Hourly

Location

Cheyenne, WY

Job Type

Contract Full-time

Job Number

2024-03015

Department

Department Of Health

Division

Cheyenne and County Offices

Opening Date

12/20/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Determined by Position

Job Classification

ATAW99

Description and Functions



Open Until Filled 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 


The Infection Preventionist will conduct onsite Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) throughout the state of Wyoming, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and working collaboratively with healthcare staff to minimize the risk of HAIs. The Infection Preventionist will work with the Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention Coordinator to assist with epidemiologic investigations and surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. The Infection Preventionist supports the HAI workgroup and state plan, processing all information using sound epidemiologic methods.  The role involves surveillance, data analysis, education, and collaboration with healthcare professionals to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Support the Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) program with data analysis of data reported to the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN).

Human Resource Contact: wdhrecruit@wyo.gov


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.
 

ICAR Report Development:
  • Conduct Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) surveys in various healthcare settings
  • Analyze data from ICAR assessments to identify gaps in infection control practices.
  • Prepare detailed ICAR reports, including findings, recommendations, and action plans for improvement.
Infection Prevention and Control:
  • Serve as a resource for Infection Preventionists and other healthcare workers in affiliated healthcare settings.
  • Stay current with the latest evidence-based practices and advancements in infection prevention.
Surveillance and Data Analysis:
  • Assist with ongoing surveillance of HAIs and other infectious diseases throughout healthcare facilities and the state of Wyoming
  • Analyze infection data to identify trends, outbreaks, and areas for improvement.
Staff Education and Training:
  • Develop educational materials and conduct infection control training sessions for healthcare workers on topics including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental cleaning.
Outbreak Management:
  • Assist with the investigation and management of infection outbreaks within healthcare facilities 
  • Collaborate with public health authorities during outbreak investigations and reportable disease events.
Collaboration and Communication:
  • Work closely with healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, and environmental services, to promote infection prevention and control practices.
NHSN Lead
  • external data validation for reportable HAI pathogens
  •  preparing reports
  •  providing consultation to NHSN users
  • Leads NHSN office hours during WIP meeting 
  • Supports the publication and distribution of the HAI Annual Report.
Participate in the Wyoming Infection Prevention Committee

Qualifications



PREFERENCES: 


Preference will be given to candidates with a Master’s degree and a Certification in Infection Control (CIC).


KNOWLEDGE: 


  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Microbiology, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Certification: Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is preferred but not required.
  • Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in infection control within a healthcare setting. Experience with ICAR assessments and report writing is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge: Strong understanding of infection control practices, regulations, and guidelines, including those from the CDC, OSHA, and The Joint Commission.
  • Skills: Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write detailed reports and present findings.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicate with healthcare professionals at all levels.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in using infection surveillance software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Work Environment: The Infection Preventionist will work remotely and on-site in healthcare facilities throughout the state of Wyoming. The role requires travel to different healthcare facilities for assessments and inspections.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


None - See "Preferences"

Necessary Special Requirements


PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:


  • The employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, driving an automobile, etc. 


NOTES: 


  • FLSA: Non-Exempt
  • The Wyoming Department of Health is an E-Verify employer.  

Supplemental Information


048-Wyoming Department of Health - Public Health Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

 

Non Benefit Position

01
(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)
  • High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
  • Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
  • Associate's Degree
  • Associate's Degree and additional coursework
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree and additional coursework
  • Master's Degree
  • Master's Degree and additional coursework
  • Doctorate Degree
  • Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
  • None of the Above
02
(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)
  • 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
  • 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
  • 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
  • 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
  • 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
  • N/A
03
Please describe your experience with the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN).
04
Please describe your experience with outbreak management.
05
Please describe your experience with infection prevention.
06
Please describe your experience with ICARs or environment of care rounding.
07
(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.
08
(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?
  • Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Zip Recruiter
  • Wyoming Workforce Center
  • Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
  • Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
  • Career Fair
  • Human Resources Division
  • Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
  • Current State Employee
  • Other
09
(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employee's first and last name, and include the department they work for if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral bonus.
10
(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.
11
(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans' preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans' preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans' preference disclosure.
  • Yes
  • No
  • I am not a veteran
12
(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veteran's military service, and wish to claim veterans' preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans' preference status. By requesting veterans' preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.
  • Current State Employee
  • Veteran - DD214 Attached
  • Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veteran's Disability Determination Attached
  • Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
  • None of the above
13
(A) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume' is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer
State of Wyoming
Address
See Human Resource Contact Information in the
General Description Section for questions RE Post
Statewide, Wyoming, 82002