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Overview

The Cummings School Veterinary Group (CSVG) is comprised of 7 teaching hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. The CVSG supports the education and research missions of the school, as well as providing excellent patient care. The Foster Hospital for Small Animals (FHSA) in North Grafton, MA provides state-of-the-art, 24-hour, 7-day a week emergency and multi-specialty care for small animals (FHSA). The annual caseload is approximately 35,000 cases per year, with over 60 faculty, 50 residents, 25 interns, and approximately 300 staff.

What You'll Do

The Infection Control Technician is responsible for oversight of infection control and prevention activities, working in collaboration with the Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Team. This includes: 1) establishing and monitoring appropriate specialized disinfection and cleaning protocols in the FHSA to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases within the facility; 2) educating hospital employees, as appropriate, in the necessary steps to limit spread of bacterial and other infections; 3) conducting regular monitoring and evaluation of efficacy of procedures and prevalence of MDR bacteria in the facility and in cases; and 4) participating in specific infection control cleaning as required. This is an on-site, 5-day (Monday to Friday) position. Regular hours are 8am to 4pm but there is the opportunity and need for flexibility. Occasional weekend or evening work may be needed to support all staff involved in infection control.

Essential functions as the Infection Control Technician will be:

• Support the development and implementation of infection control policies and procedures, demonstrating a service orientation approach to fellow employees, patients, visitors and hospital staff. This includes collaboration with ICAST (Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Team). Assist in the editing, adjusting, and distribution of these procedures, with the support of ICAST and the Clinical Assets Manager.
  
• Participate in collecting of samples for surveillance of MDR bacteria in the facility and from patients.
• Responsible for submitting samples, analyzing data, and presenting results to ICAST and senior leadership.
• Responsible for education staff and students in appropriate infection control procedures, and monitoring compliance with these procedures.
• Conduct specialized gowning and cleaning procedures specific to infectious elements in isolation rooms and other specialized clinical areas.
• Assist with daily disinfection cleaning tasks for in-patient, exam room, and treatment care spaces, as needed. This includes but is not limited to assisting with cleaning and sanitizing runs, cages, sinks, outflows, floors, equipment, and furniture according to infection-control procedures.
  
• Ensure that nursing stations and other areas are maintained in accordance with standard procedures of the department and in accordance with facility standards and objectives.
  
• Ensure that supplies and consumables in the in-patient wards, ICU, and emergency are maintained in a clean and organized state. Additionally:
  
  • Maintain the knowledge and competence required to meet this need.
    
  • Assist with inventory and ordering of materials as needed.
• Supervises and provides guidance, training, delegation, and assistance to the Infection Control Assistant (ICA)
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and experience as typically acquired by a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area. A veterinary technology degree, degree in Public Health, or related field strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years working in a clinical environment that included infection control standards.
• Must have or be willing to obtain Certification in Infection Control.
• Must have basic microbiology knowledge, ability to work with standard word processing, presentation (including graph generation), and spreadsheet programs.
• Understanding of and experience with EMR.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing to provide instructions and information to others.
• Must be able to interpret and respond appropriately to verbal and written instructions.
• Must be able to accomplish assigned work despite frequent interruptions and changing priorities and have the ability to multi-task in coordinating several projects simultaneously.
• Must be able to serve as a role model to others in customer service skills, safe work practices, and infection control including hand hygiene.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in roles or facilities where infection control procedures were implemented.
• Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and graphical presentation of data.

Pay Range

Minimum $24.30, Midpoint $28.90, Maximum $33.50

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.