University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Profile Title

Manager C

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, the School is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health. http://www.vet.upenn.edu/

The Infection Preventionist (IP) position will improve and advance the implementation of infection control policies, procedures and practices in the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Ryan Hospital). The IP will participate in the investigation, surveillance, control, and prevention of healthcare associated infections in Ryan Hospital’s patients and employees. They will have the responsibility to educate all levels of clinical personnel and other health care workers at Ryan Hospital regarding best infection control practices.

Job Description

Administrative Duties:

The IP will serve as a member of the Ryan Hospital Infectious Disease Committee. Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and be responsible for evidence-based/informed infection prevention and control policies and procedures
• Regularly review the Ryan Hospital Infection Control Manual and policies – update standard operating procedures as needed
• Coordinate routine hospital inspections and audits – share results with hospital leadership and other appropriate parties
• Assist the Chairman of the Infectious Disease Committee (IDC) during IDC meetings, produce all IDC reports, record the minutes and assist with taking IDC reports to hospital leadership

Infection Control Program Oversight and Education:

The IP will identify and implement infection prevention and control training for hospital staff, students, and volunteers:

• Lead the integration of infection prevention activities within and across departments
• Assist in developing staff competencies related to infection control and prevention
• Create new hire and annual infection prevention training for all staff.  Educate and provide training and in-services for all staff and students, as appropriate to workplace responsibilities, regarding infection control and prevention strategies and guidelines.
• Serve as a resource for hospital clinicians, nurses, and students on matters of infection control, including assistance, advice and supervision regarding logistical management/ isolation requirements of hospitalized patients with contagious infectious diseases
• Collaborate with University of Pennsylvania Occupational Health regarding identification of hospital staff exposed to contagious pathogens and facilitate their medical evaluation or counselling by Occupational Health at Penn Medicine
• Collaborate with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Health as needed for reporting purposes

Surveillance Program Oversight:

The IP will work independently (under general supervision) to:

• Coordinate and supervise infection control surveillance practices
• Perform an annual facility risk assessment
• Collect environmental samples throughout hospital patient care areas based on established protocols – maintain a database of culture results
• Perform routine audits to assess compliance with infectious disease prevention and control practices
• Perform audits of sterilized equipment/disinfected scopes and evaluate any potential need for reprocessing and/or re-education of staff
• Audit facility cleanliness and appropriate disinfection techniques – provide feedback to Penn Vet Facilities and Environmental Services
• Oversee proper handling and disposal of infectious material in the hospital in collaboration with Penn Vet Facilities

Research: 

• The IP will assist with research projects related to infection control and prevention.

Communication:

• The IP will disseminate results of investigations through reports and presentations.
• The IP will routinely communicate with other Penn Vet departments, referring veterinarian offices, and other institutions or agencies regarding matters of infection control, as needed                                                              .
• The incumbent will also initiate outreach/engagement activities to raise infection control awareness within Ryan Hospital and the veterinary community.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Participate in APIC, PDPH, PADOH, CDC, and other public health partner organization meetings, seminars, and continuing education.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Microbiology, or a related healthcare field, or Master’s in Public Health with a focus on healthcare-associated infections and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience in infection prevention and control  required
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is preferred upon hire and required within first 2 years of accepting the position

Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and investigational skills
• Excellent organizational and problem solving skills – must be detail-orientated
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with many levels throughout the hospital
• Ability to function independently with productive time management skills, as well as work cooperatively with a team
• Proficiency in Excel, Word and Outlook is required

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$50,684.00 - $91,232.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.