We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Infection Control Specialist to lead and support infection prevention efforts in our behavioral health hospital. This role is responsible for ensuring a safe and sanitary environment for patients, staff, and visitors while addressing the unique challenges of psychiatric and residential care settings.
Develop, implement, and maintain infection prevention and control policies in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and The Joint Commission standards
Conduct ongoing infection surveillance, including tracking and trending of communicable diseases and potential outbreaks
Lead outbreak investigation and response efforts, implementing containment and mitigation strategies
Educate staff on infection prevention practices such as hand hygiene, PPE use, and environmental safety
Collaborate with environmental services to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection protocols
Support employee health initiatives, including immunization programs and exposure management
Perform audits and compliance rounds; identify gaps and implement corrective actions
Maintain accurate documentation and prepare reports for leadership and regulatory agencies
Adapt infection control practices to support a therapeutic, patient-centered environment
Address infection risks in group therapy, shared spaces, and communal living settings
Balance safety requirements with behavioral health considerations, including patient compliance and ligature risk
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Microbiology, or related field
Minimum of 2 years of experience in infection prevention, healthcare, or public health
Strong knowledge of infection control principles and regulatory standards
Preferred:
Registered Nurse (RN) license
Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology
Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric, or residential care settings
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and training abilities
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a specialized healthcare setting
Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
Competitive compensation and benefits package
This position is based in an inpatient behavioral health setting and involves regular interaction with patients and multidisciplinary teams. Flexibility may be required to respond to infection control concerns or outbreaks.