Infection Preventionist Quality Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary : The Infection Preventionist / Quality Specialist is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating infection prevention and control (IPC) activities and supporting the Brattleboro Retreat’s comprehensive quality and patient safety program. This role serves as a subject matter expert on infection prevention practices, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to reduce healthcare-associated infections, ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, and supports performance improvement initiatives to advance clinical outcomes, patient safety, and organizational excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Current Vermont RN license, associate’s degree in nursing and three (3) years’ experience in infection prevention, quality improvement, or patient safety in a healthcare setting required. Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or related discipline and psychiatric or mental health experience preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred or obtained within 2 years of hire.

Certification in healthcare quality (e.g., CPHQ) preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Infection Prevention and Control

Develops, implements, and monitors the Infection Prevention & Control Plan in accordance with CDC, CMS, OSHA, Vermont Department of Health, and Joint Commission standards.

Conducts ongoing surveillance for healthcare-associated infections, outbreaks, and infection risks across inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and mental health settings.

Analyzes and interprets infection prevention data; reports findings to clinical leadership, quality committees, and regulatory agencies as required.

Leads outbreak investigations and develops mitigation strategies in collaboration with clinical, environmental services, and facilities management teams.

Provides expert guidance on evidence-based practices, including hand hygiene, isolation precautions, environmental cleaning, and disinfection processes.

Coordinates staff education, competency validation, and training related to infection prevention and control.

Quality and Patient Safety

Collaborates with the Quality Department to design, implement, and evaluate quality improvement projects and patient safety initiatives.

Assists in the development, monitoring, and reporting of key performance indicators, core measures, and patient safety goals.

Conducts audits and tracer activities to assess compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Ensures compliance with regulations and standards.

Supports root cause analyses (RCAs), failure mode and effects analyses (FMEAs), and other event investigations to identify system vulnerabilities and develop corrective actions.

Facilitates interdisciplinary quality improvement teams to address clinical and operational priorities.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

Prepares for and participates in regulatory and accreditation surveys (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, state inspections).

Ensures timely submission of infection prevention and quality reports to internal stakeholders and external agencies.

Maintains accurate and organized documentation to demonstrate compliance with all applicable standards.

Core Competencies

Clinical Excellence : Applies evidence-based practices and maintains up-to-date infection prevention knowledge.

Regulatory Acumen : Understands and ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.

Collaboration : Works effectively with all stakeholders to promote a culture of safety and quality.

Change Leadership : Guides teams through process improvement and practice changes to enhance patient outcomes.

Organizational Competencies

Work reflects integration of the Brattleboro Retreat’s core mission and values. Maintains good attendance and punctuality.

Assumes responsibility for continuing education and professional development in designated field and attends annual mandatory training.

Customer Service / Courtesy : Demonstrates concern and courtesy to patients, families, vendors, and the general public by giving appropriate information, advice, and assistance.

Interpersonal Relations : Demonstrates behaviors that encourage cooperation, support and teamwork with other employees.

Emergency Preparedness : Demonstrates or verbalizes proper procedures in responding to fire drill and disasters (RACE).

Safety : Demonstrates safe work practices appropriate for the position, i.e., how to report a safety hazard, proper body mechanics, and use of personal protective gear. Reports incidents according to procedures.

Infection Control : Demonstrates or states an understanding of standard precautions appropriate for the assigned position and the environment in which it is located.

Confidentiality : Maintains confidentiality of all personnel and patient information as documented by signed confidentiality statements and as described in Confidentiality & Privacy Policy and HIPAA policy and regulations.

Patient’s Rights : Demonstrates behaviors that recognize the rights of patient as defined in Patient Rights Policy and procedures.

Demonstrates knowledge of Performance Improvement process and participates in developing and implementing annual objectives.

Day Shift

40 Hours Per Week