STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Infection Control Practitioner (35 Hour)

Recruitment #210224-4878HC-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve. 

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector?  If so, we want you to join us! 

The DMHAS, Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) seeks a qualified individual for the position of Infection Control Practitioner.  This position is within the Clinical Administration Division located at 401 West Thames Street, Norwich, CT.  Our team is passionate about the work we do for our clients! This is a full-time, 35 hours per week position. The work schedule is 1st shift, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The position number is 126429. 

SMHA is committed to providing recovery oriented, high quality, value driven mental health and addiction services to the community of Southeastern Connecticut. Our vision is to continue to build on its foundation of excellence as a leader in integrated, recovery-oriented, mental health and addiction services. 

Discover the opportunity to: 

  • Develop and assist with implementation of all phases of infection control/prevention and pandemic preparedness including screening processes for staff, clients and visitors, inventory and ordering of personal protective equipment (PPE) and conducting fit testing of PPE; 
  • Investigate, analyze and evaluate infections in staff, clients and visitors; 
  • Review potential infection threats in surrounding cities and states;
  • Participate in the development of policies and procedures involving infection prevention/control; and 
  • Serve as liaison with the facility Safety Committee, DMHAS Infection Control Committees, Department of Public Health and any other official bodies needed to stay current and address potential infectious concerns. 

Our employees participate in a generous and competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off!  We encourage a healthy work-life balance to all employees.

Selection Plan

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications - as listed on the job opening - will be considered for this role, as determined by qualifications stated on the submitted application.   

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.    

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.    

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the “Resume Tab” of your application as you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc.  You do not have to attach these documents to your application. 

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Doreen Clemson at Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or (860) 785-9855.  

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state facility this class is accountable for coordinating the Infection Control Program and for serving as a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee.

In the Department of Public Health this class is accountable for coordinating hospital acquired infection control activities and serving as a liaison to health care facilities regarding infection control.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Conducts surveillance of infections in patients/clients and employees; prepares monthly reports, statistical summaries and analyses of infections for the Infection Control Committee; writes policies and procedures for infection prevention and control; develops and conducts inservice education programs for all facility personnel to improve knowledge and practices of infection control and epidemiology of infectious diseases; maintains records of all patients/clients with infections; consults with Epidemiologists in Department of Public Health when clusters of infection occur and/or unusual pathogens are isolated; reports and provides information required by Department of Public Health or other official bodies; consults in infection control aspects of employee health program including immunization and other similar activities; develops and updates isolation techniques according to current standards of practice which provide optimum care for patients/clients with infections; monitors patient/client care activities to identify methods, techniques, equipment, supplies, new products and/or specific policies or procedures which may constitute a risk of originating or transmitting infections; reviews sterilization and disinfection methods practiced in all areas of facility and makes recommendations for changes; may attend educational conferences related to specialty; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of infection control with special reference to infections and preventable diseases; considerable knowledge of theories and practices of microbiology, epidemiology, nursing, statistics and public health; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to conduct independent research and evaluate results in field of epidemiology and infection control.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and three (3) years of professional experience in direct patient/client care services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

A Master's degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health in accordance with the applicable Connecticut General Statutes.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo immunization for infectious diseases.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.