The Director of Infection Prevention at Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is responsible for the

strategic direction, development and implementation of Infection Prevention programs and processes

across the full continuum of care throughout the ARH system. The System Director provides leadership

and direction for all projects targeting the reduction of healthcare-acquired and occupational infections

with the goal of improving clinical outcomes, providing a safe workplace environment, reducing cost, and

maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Strategic Leadership & People Management

· Develop, implement, and direct a comprehensive, evidence-based, system-wide Infection Prevention

Program.

· Lead and facilitate the strategic setting of system-level and local community infection prevention goals

and objectives.

· Provide direction, operational oversight, and mentorship for local Infection Prevention staff across the

system.

· Use effective interpersonal skills to champion a culture of high reliability, performing duties consistent

with the care philosophy of ARH.

Clinical Quality & Performance Improvement

· Lead interdisciplinary, collaborative teams to develop and execute action plans aimed at reducing

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and sustaining "zero harm" initiatives.

· Serve as administrative chair of the System Infection Prevention Committee and facilitate related sub-

committees.

· Assure active Infection Prevention representation on key clinical and operational committees,

including Patient Safety, Environment of Care, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Value Analysis/Product

Evaluation, and Critical Care (e.g., CLABSI, CAUTI, VAE, and SSI reduction teams).

· Act as the primary subject matter expert and consultant to all clinical areas regarding infection

prevention protocols and complex case reviews.

· Lead Employee/Occupational Health to support preventative health, wellness, and exposure

management services for employees.

Data Analytics, Surveillance & Reporting

· Design and coordinate advanced surveillance methodologies to monitor HAI rates and trends across

the system.

· Provide oversight for the accurate collection, validation, and reliability of infection data, leveraging

electronic surveillance systems and databases.

· Ensure the timely reporting of infection data to meet all internal metrics and external reporting requirements mandated by law and regulatory bodies (e.g., NHSN).

Regulatory Compliance & Education

· Interpret and operationalize the infection control standards recommended by governmental and accrediting agencies (e.g., CMS, CDC, APIC, SHEA, IDSA, DNV).

· Facilitate the establishment, continuous improvement, and annual review of system-wide Infection Prevention policies, procedures, and manuals.

· Coordinate comprehensive Infection Prevention education in partnership with Nursing Education, Human Resources, and department directors.

· Maintain advanced professional knowledge through continuous learning, literature review, and active participation in organizations such as the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Education

Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred, in a health related field. Registered Nurse: Valid Nursing License or Medical Technologist: valid certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Related Backgrounds: Certification evaluated as needed. Current CIC (CBIC) Certification in Infection Prevention Required

Minimum Work Experience

5 years of experience in hospital infection control and epidemiology preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Effective written and oral communication to all levels of employees Ability to analyze, interpret and present complex epidemiologic and statistical data Demonstrate effective leadership