Assistant Manager - Infection Control

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Assistant Manager - Infection Control to join our healthcare team. In this critical role, you will play a pivotal part in safeguarding patients, staff, and visitors by developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive infection prevention and control programs. Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, mitigating infection risks, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement within our healthcare facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Monitoring, Surveillance, and Outbreak Investigation

• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure strict compliance with infection control standards, regulations, and guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other accrediting bodies. Conduct regular audits and inspections to assess adherence to protocols and identify areas for improvement.
• Surveillance and Data Analysis: Monitor infection rates and trends within the facility, analyzing data to detect potential outbreaks and high-risk areas. Lead thorough investigations during outbreaks, including comprehensive data collection, analysis, and reporting of findings to stakeholders.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct routine infection control rounds to evaluate practices, provide real-time education, and implement corrective actions to maintain safe environments for patients and staff.
• Reporting and Action Planning: Prepare detailed reports of findings, including actionable recommendations to mitigate risks and enhance infection control measures across the facility.

Collaboration and Communication

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Work collaboratively with clinical staff, department heads, and multidisciplinary teams to implement and reinforce infection control measures. Facilitate regular meetings and updates to ensure alignment and address emerging challenges.
• Committee Leadership: Lead the infection control committee, fostering open dialogue on potential risks and developing robust mitigation strategies in partnership with quality assurance, risk management, and public health departments.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a liaison between healthcare teams, regulatory bodies, and external partners to ensure seamless communication and adherence to infection control best practices.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• MOH and Accreditation Standards: Ensure all processes and policies are fully aligned with MOH regulations and accreditation requirements. Report communicable diseases to MOH platforms in a timely and accurate manner.
• Staff Health and Immunization: Oversee compliance with staff immunization records and health policies, including the management of N95 fit testing and its renewal for all healthcare workers (HCW).
• Supply Approval: Approve infection prevention and control (IPC) related medical supplies, cleaning materials, and detergents in accordance with CDC, OSHA, and other recognized guidelines to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Education and Professional Development

• Staff Training and Development: Design, deliver, and monitor training programs to educate healthcare staff on infection prevention best practices. Maintain accurate records of staff training to ensure full compliance with IPC protocols.
• Continuous Learning: Pursue ongoing education through conferences, symposiums, workshops, and in-services to stay current with advancements in infection control practices and healthcare technology. Maintain licensure and certifications required for the role.
• Mentorship: Act as a preceptor for new employees, providing guidance and support to foster their professional growth within the field of infection control.

Quality Improvement Initiatives

• Policy Development: Develop, update, and implement infection control policies and procedures in alignment with MOH and accreditation standards to enhance patient care and safety.
• Evidence-Based Practices: Lead the implementation of evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, and overall quality of care. Monitor departmental indicators and intervene with targeted prevention strategies as needed.
• Operational Excellence: Demonstrate a deep understanding of departmental metrics and quality indicators, ensuring timely interventions and continuous improvement in infection control measures.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Graduation from an accredited nursing program or a related healthcare field.
• Certification: Certified Infection Control Practitioner (CIC) or completion of an accredited infection control practitioner program.
• Licensure: Current and valid Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS) license.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in infection control, preferably within commissioning and operating hospitals.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of regulatory standards, quality assurance processes, and infection control best practices.
• Core Competencies:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify risks and implement effective solutions.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Adaptability and resilience to navigate evolving patient needs and dynamic healthcare environments.
  • Service-oriented mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional patient and staff safety outcomes.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on patient safety and healthcare quality. If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for infection control and a commitment to excellence, we invite you to apply and contribute to our mission of delivering world-class healthcare services.