HIGH LEVEL DISINFECTION SPECIALIST (RN)

Positions Location: Lansing, MI

Title: High Level Disinfection Specialist RN
Job Code: 60752
FLSA Designation: Exempt
Dept: 6260
Dept Name: Safety/Accreditation/IPE
Grade: P17
Position Reports To: Director Patient Safety & Infection Prevention

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
The High-Level Disinfection (HLD) and Regulatory Compliance Specialist is responsible for the oversight of disinfection and sterilization standards and practices for reusable instrumentation, flexible and rigid scopes, and other medical devices across the regional health system. Works in collaboration with Infection Prevention and Central Sterile Processing Department (CSPD) leaders to ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs). Serves as a content expert for High Level Disinfection standards and regulations. Provides educational activities for the regional health system including new employee training and ongoing competency programs to ensure standardization and practice adherence across sites. Interfaces with Infection Prevention, Accreditation, Safety Management, Acute Care, Ambulatory Care, Health System Administration, Facilities, and Value Analysis to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, standards, and best practices.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* In collaboration with department leaders, drives performance improvement, quality, and patient safety initiatives associated with high level disinfection, sterilization, and instrumentation transport to minimize risk of environmental cross-contamination.
* Partners with department leaders to develop and maintain policies, procedures, and standard work regarding cleaning, assembly, HLD and/or sterilization in Central Sterile Processing and other units in the regional health system.
* Supports organizational strategies, initiatives, and quality improvement processes which enhance the patient experience, operational effectiveness, and program efficiency.
* Partners with Accreditation and IPE for annual HLD internal certification site visits.
* Provides primary guidance, support, and feedback to customer departments and leadership responsible for HLD processes.
* Coordinates a team of primary contributors for HLD-related policies, protocols, training, and competency content.
* Ensures regional service coverage:
o Collaborates with local customers, Nursing, and Infection Prevention & Epidemiology to redirect reprocessing work to appropriate locations.
o Partners with Facilities, Maintenance and Planning in the development and building design of new/renovated disinfection areas.
o Creates and manages plans for service interruption relative to HLD.
o Supports managers during regulatory surveys and consultations.
Education:
* Bachelor's degree in Nursing or equivalent experience required.
* Master's degree is preferred.
License/Certification:
* State of Michigan RN license
* Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) certification issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) required or obtained within three years of hire/transfer date.
Experience:
* A minimum of 3 years of professional and relevant work experience, including some progressive supervisory/lead positions in the leadership of sterile reprocessing departments.
Skills & Abilities:
* Subject matter expertise of high-level disinfection.
* Extensive knowledge of medical instruments, scopes, and procedural area reprocessing procedures.
* Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships, interact effectively, and negotiate professionally with influential entities.
* Demonstrated ability to motivate and influence others as well as to maintain an environment of collaboration and trust.
* Maintains expert knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines as they relate to HLD.
* Maintains active membership/affiliation with applicable professional organizations.
* Ability to pursue goals, analyze complex issues, facilitate change in response to a dynamic environment, and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
* Experience in developing and implementing process improvement strategies and quality initiatives (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma etc.)
* The flexibility to orient to and oversee multiple locations.
* Demonstrated strong computer skills proficiency with various applications including Access, Excel, and PowerPoint.
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

University of Michigan Health - Sparrow is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.