Job Summary:
Position responsibilities include the development, coordination, implementation, and maintenance of Infection Control, Emergency Preparedness, Safety/WPV, and DEI in compliance with OSHA, CMSJACHO, Federal and State regulations in accordance with VNA of CNE Activities. Responsibility to assure that these programs are consistent with the organizational philosophy of continuous performance improvement.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Participates in decision-making and provides recommendations to the leadership team on infection control, emergency preparedness, safety/WPV, and DEI initiatives that are aligned with the agency’s strategic plan.
Works closely with VNA managers to establish infection control, emergency preparedness, safety and DEI standards and measures, and to design and implement effective processes and programs to improve quality of care and ensure compliance.
Data Analysis: Gathering and analyzing infection data to identify trends and develop evidence-based strategies for infection prevention.
Surveillance and Reporting: Monitoring infection rates, conducting investigations of infection outbreaks, and reporting finding to relevant authorities.
Training and Education: Educating all VNA staff on proper infection control techniques and protocols, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at orientation and ongoing throughout employment.
Risk Assessment: Conducting regular assessments to identify and mitigate potential infection risks. Coordinates efforts to ensure that all accreditation and regulatory requirements are in compliance (including development and goals).
Assists staff with infection control issues as requested and in consultation with appropriate resources.
Conducts root cause analysis as needed.
Develops and coordinates education-related to infection control practices as part of Safety Committee activity in coordination with Quality Improvement/Education.
Complies with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines.
Coaches and mentors’ staff.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure emergency preparedness plans include infection control measures.
Developing and Implementing Policies: Creating and maintaining infection control policies and procedures tailored to home health setting.
Developing Emergency Plans: Creating and maintaining comprehensive emergency preparedness plans that address various potential emergencies, including natural disasters and man-made events. Ensures programs are aligned with organizational needs.
Policies and Procedures: Establishing and updating policies and procedures to ensure patient safety and continuity of care during emergencies.
Communication Plans: Developing communication strategies to coordinate with local, state, and federal emergency preparedness officials.
Training and Drills: Designs and facilitates and/or conducts employee education on hazard communication and Safety Standards. Organizing regular training sessions and emergency drills for staff to ensure preparedness.
Risk Assessment: Conducting facility-based and risk assessments using an all-hazards approach (including development and goals).
Serves as chair of DEI committee.
Policy Review: Creating and reviewing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring they align with CNE values.
Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about DEI through training sessions, workshops, and events scheduled CNE
Data Collection and Analysis: Analyzing data to assess current diversity levels and identify areas for improvement.
Advising Leadership: Providing recommendations to leadership on DEI strategies and initiatives
Employee Support and Advocacy: Supporting employees from diverse backgrounds and advocating for their needs within the organization.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and current automobile liability insurance.
Minimum of three (3) years progressive management experience in a hospital/health care environment required. Previous clinical background and acquired health care quality indicator development background, preferably within a home health care environment.
Basic knowledge of group process and adult learning/teaching skills required.
Knowledge of home health and hospice accreditation and regulatory compliance standards required. Previous experience in or knowledge of implementation of a quality improvement initiative in a health care environment required.
Must be able to work independently and complete assignments with minimum supervision.
Must possess problem-solving and independent leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
Must be able to manage, prioritize and complete several tasks simultaneously in a timely manner.
Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions—Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, and our Wellness Center—are trusted organizations fueling the latest advances in medical research, attracting the nation’s top specialty-trained doctors, and honing renowned services and innovative programs to engage in the important discussions people need to have about their health.
Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status
Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.