Northwest Health System Springdale

Job Summary

The Director, Infection Control oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the health system's infection prevention and control program. This role ensures compliance with state, federal, and The Joint Commission standards while advising on and implementing strategies to prevent the spread of infections. The Director collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, educates staff, and serves as a consultant for infection control practices, promoting patient and staff safety across the organization.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive infection prevention and control program, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Educates staff, leadership, and medical personnel on infection control policies, procedures, and emerging concerns, promoting adherence to evidence-based practices.
• Administers system-wide infection control initiatives, including surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and employee health exposures.
• Conducts regular audits to monitor and evaluate aseptic techniques, isolation protocols, and overall infection prevention practices.
• Collaborates with department leaders and medical staff to develop and update area-specific infection control policies and procedures.
• Acts as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, preparing for and participating in surveys, audits, and inspections to maintain compliance.
• Analyzes infection data and trends using surveillance software, preparing and presenting reports to leadership and quality committees.
• Advises on the selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, and sterilization practices to optimize infection prevention.
• Leads process improvement initiatives to reduce infection risks and improve compliance with infection control standards.
• Participates in the development and implementation of emergency preparedness plans related to infectious disease outbreaks and bioterrorism.
• Oversees employee education on infection prevention, including new hire orientation, ongoing in-service training, and updates on regulatory changes.
• Provides leadership and consultation on the management of infection outbreaks, including containment strategies and post-exposure follow-up.
• Stays current with emerging infectious diseases, best practices, and regulatory changes, integrating new knowledge into the organization's infection control program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
  • Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
  • Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.
  • Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
  • Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
  • Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
  • Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
  • Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
  • May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Seven (7) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in closely related field with Bachelor's degree required
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.

Licenses and Certifications

• CIC - Certified in Infection Control required
• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure preferred