Healthcare Associated infections (HAI) Coordinator (Senior Consultant) - 61053182-178428 - State of South Carolina : Job Details

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Management/Leadership

Provide supervision to a team which may include nurse consultants, antibiotic stewardship (AS) pharmacists, and program coordinators. Serve as the primary contact for Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) communications with and reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Develop annual work plans for the Healthcare Associated Infections / Antibiotic Resistance (HAI/AR) section of the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Cooperative Agreement and report performance measures. Participate in the ELC work group to monitor HAI/AR program performance and spending. Coordinate activities with the AR Lab Network regional lab. Collaborate with partners such as healthcare facilities, the SC Hospital Association (SCHA), the South Carolina Healthcare Association (SCHCA), and quality improvement programs like QIN-QIOs. Lead the convening of the Hospital Infections Disclosure Act (HIDA) Advisory Committee, maintaining relationships and coordinating implementation plans to meet HAI/AR priorities.

Consultation/Staff Development/Quality Assurance

Act as a subject matter expert for HAI surveillance, prevention, and control of HAIs and emerging pathogens. Provide expert consultation and education to healthcare facilities and non-healthcare settings regarding infection prevention programs. Advise on procedures for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling communicable diseases. Offer recommendations and guidance for gap mitigation. Support staff in developing antibiotic stewardship initiatives and assist in training public health staff and healthcare facilities. Review and validate data in collaboration with the HAI epidemiologist.

Response

Support outbreak investigations and response activities for multidrug-resistant organisms and other HAIs. Conduct on-site infection control assessments during outbreaks. Assist with Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS) operations and emergency response, including CPR, First Aid, and AED training. Be available to assist during public health emergencies and outbreaks.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree and relevant professional experience. Graduation from an accredited institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Additional Requirements

Degree in medical laboratory technology, microbiology, or registered nurse. At least four years of experience as a medical laboratory technologist, microbiologist, or nurse, with at least one year in infectious disease. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or experience in HAI prevention, surveillance, and data analysis. Experience with Microsoft Office and NHSN infection tracking system. Valid driver's license may be required for some roles.

Additional Notes

Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts; official transcripts are required prior to hiring. The agency is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunity. Reasonable accommodations are available for medical or religious reasons.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance (eligibility requires at least 30 hours/week)
• 15 days vacation and sick leave annually
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
• Remote work option may be available after six months

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