Clarification from the agency

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

• Responsible for development and implementation of programs and activities that support the organization's patient and/or staff infection program.
• Surveillance, investigation and reduction of hospital associated infection in the facility.
• Develop forms and record keeping systems for surveillance activities, analyzes data and prepares appropriate statistical reports.
• Provide preventive care guidance to patients and hospital staff.
• Provide patient education regarding disease transmission and infection prevention methods.
• Contribute to The Joint Commission accreditation of the program by assisting with the formulation, revision and review of hospital infection control policies and procedures.

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• In accordance with AR 690-11, this position has been designated as "Key" and shall not be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization as doing so would seriously impair the capability of the organization to function effectively.
• This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights.
• Employees assigned to a medical treatment facility are required to be screened for applicable immunizations or pre-existing immunity based on occupational risk, regardless of job series.
• This position has a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirement and is subject to annual vaccination.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
• Must take pager/phone call involving availability outside regular duty hours to address questions or concerns from hospital staff or leadership.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for Infection Control Specialist: Degree: Bachelor's or graduate (or higher level) degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

In addition to meeting the Basic Qualification requirement above, applicants must also meet the Minimum Qualifications defined below for the GS-0601, General Health Science series.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Implementing infection control plans, policies, and procedures throughout a hospital or clinical setting; 2) monitor records and report data to ensure compliance with infection control regulations; and 3) advising on infection prevention strategies.

OR

Education: Three (3) years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to a Ph.D. degree or a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences. (NOTE: You must attach a copy of your transcripts)

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: Specialized experience as described above, but less than one year; and more than two years but less than 3 years of graduate education as described above. I have computed the percentage of the requirements that I meet, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education above the second year by 36. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (NOTE: you must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.