Sr. Infection Preventionist

UPMC Altoona is seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Sr. Infection Preventionist to join our team!

Step into a position where your work has a direct and meaningful impact on the safety and well‑being of every person who enters our facility. As an Infection Preventionist, you'll help shape a safer, higher‑quality care environment by monitoring infection trends, applying evidence‑based prevention strategies, and partnering with teams across the hospital. This role blends scientific curiosity with meaningful collaboration-contributing to outbreak investigations, staff education, and continuous improvement efforts that reduce risk and elevate outcomes.

For someone passionate about protecting patients, supporting healthcare workers, and driving system‑wide improvement, this is an opportunity to make a measurable difference every day.

Individuals who do not qualify for the Sr. Infection Preventionist level may be considered for the Infection Preventionist title. Job title and salary offered will be based on experience and education. Please note that the salary range listed for this position is for the Sr. level only. The starting rate for each level is as follows:

• Infection Preventionist - $32.93
• Sr. Infection Preventionist - $34.14

Responsibilities:

Infection Surveillance & Data Analysis

• Conduct ongoing surveillance of hospital units to detect healthcare‑associated infections (HAIs.
• Review electronic health records, microbiology, radiology, and lab data to identify potential infections.
• Analyze infection trends and produce reports for leadership and committees.
• Document infection data in the electronic surveillance system per state regulations.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure policies and practices align with CDC, OSHA, TJC, and Department of Health guidelines.
• Conduct environmental rounds and construction/renovation inspections for DOH, Life Safety, and TJC compliance.
• Facilitate state‑required infection reporting, including NHSN submissions and communication with physicians and patients.
• Serve as liaison to local and state health departments for notifiable disease reporting and communicable disease investigations.

Outbreak Investigation & Prevention

• Investigate infection clusters and outbreaks to determine sources and contributing factors.
• Recommend and evaluate short‑ and long‑term control measures.
• Collaborate with hospital management to identify opportunities to reduce HAIs and enhance safety.

Education & Training

• Develop and deliver infection prevention education for hospital staff, patients, and families.
• Provide consultation and support for departments implementing infection prevention practices.
• Maintain ongoing professional development through education, publications, and professional organizations.

Committee & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Serve on the Infection Prevention & Control Committee.
• Participate in hospital committees requiring infection‑prevention expertise.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams on quality‑improvement initiatives and disease‑specific prevention efforts.

Program Support

• Assist in implementing systemwide infection‑prevention initiatives related to quality, safety, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Support operational planning, policy development, and process improvement in all aspects of the Infection Prevention & Control Program.

Sr. Level Expectations

• Practice independently in surveillance, utilizing NHSN and PA-PSRS definitions across care settings with minimal oversight.
• Maintain advanced expertise in NHSN and PA-PSRS surveillance systems, reporting requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Apply advanced epidemiologic principles and study design to lead complex outbreak and cluster investigations.
• Lead and influence interdisciplinary teams, administrators, and external agencies through strong communication and collaboration.
• Represent Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology on committees and in interactions with regulatory and external partners.
• Provide advanced-level education and consultation, serving as a subject matter expert for complex infection prevention issues.
• Provide infection prevention leadership during construction/renovation planning and execution, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Oversee specialized programs, such as Legionella surveillance, and coordinate mitigation and remediation efforts.
• Evaluate effectiveness of infection prevention interventions and drive continuous improvement initiatives at the organizational level.

Sr. Infection Preventionist Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in Nursing, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology or related field preferred.
• Two years of infection control/related relevant experience required OR completion of Infection Prevention Fellowship in lieu of the two years of experience.
• Basic computer skills required and data management/analysis experience preferred.

Infection Preventionist Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in Nursing, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology or related field preferred.
• Two years of infection control/related relevant experience required OR completion of Infection Prevention Fellowship in lieu of the two years of experience.
• Basic computer skills required and data management/analysis experience preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Current Certified in Infection Control (CIC certification required for Sr. Infection Preventionist.

• CIC certification preferred for Infection Preventionist.

• Registered Nurses are required to maintain current RN licensure.

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran