Medical Officer

This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and, adhere to departmental policies and procedures. All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department’s mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California. Competencies The competencies required for this position are found on the classification specification for the classification noted above. Classification specifications are located on the California Department of Human Resource’s Job Descriptions webpage. Job Summary This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by serving in a specialist capacity as expert medical consultant for the prevention of healthcare associated infections for the HAI Program, other programs in the Department of Public Health, and other state and local agencies and organizations. The incumbent works under the administrative direction of the Assistant Chief of the Healthcare Associated Infections Program (HAI Program), Center for Healthcare Quality. Special Requirements Confidential - Low CDPH 2388 (7/22) Page 1 of 3 State of California – Health and Human Services Agency California Department of Public Health Conflict of Interest (COI) Background Check and/or Fingerprinting Clearance Medical Clearance Travel: 10% Bilingual: Pass a State written and/or verbal proficiency exam in License/Certification: M.D. Other: Essential Functions (including percentage of time) 35% Provides consultation and oversight in the planning, organization, and conduct of epidemiologic investigations of healthcare-associated infections. Provides direct assistance in the epidemiologic investigation of outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections and recommends control and prevention measures to local health departments when requested. Coordinates epidemiologic investigations with local, state, federal and other responding agencies. Serves as a medical lead for healthcare-associated infection prevention and control activities for emergency preparedness and response, including pandemic influenza, bioterrorism, and emerging infectious diseases. 30% Develops State guidance to prevent and control healthcare-associated infections. Provides education and training to healthcare providers on prevention and control of healthcare associated infections. Provides education and consultation on healthcare-associated infections to partners and stakeholders, including other programs in the Center for Health Care Quality such as Licensing and Certification, the Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Committee, the Division of Communicable Disease Control and other programs in the Center for Infectious Diseases, other programs in the Department of Public Health, other state agencies including the Department of Health Care Services, local health departments, and other governmental and non-governmental agencies concerned with healthcare-associated infections. Maintains expertise in the diagnosis and prevention of healthcare-associated infections, including recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), professional organizations and the standards of practice in the medical community. 25% Serves as clinical consultant to HAI Program team leads, local health departments, and other CDPH programs on healthcare-associated infections. Assists in planning, organizing, and directing HAI Program activities, such as related to healthcare epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship. Initiates, plans, and directs comprehensive studies and projects aimed to reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance occurring in California healthcare facilities. Leads statewide activities for the prevention and surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant and other emerging healthcare-associated infections. Oversees high level program initiatives and special projects. Analyzes and interprets surveillance data and identifies areas with the greatest opportunity for prevention to direct efforts and plan resource allocation. 5% Conceives and develops grant proposals for outside funding to supplement and extend research and program activities related to the prevention of healthcare-associated infections and transmission and emergence of antimicrobial-resistant infections. Presents findings at scientific medical conferences and publishes findings in peer-reviewed journals. Confidential - Low CDPH 2388 (7/22) Page 2 of 3 State of California – Health and Human Services Agency California Department of Public Health Marginal Functions (including percentage of time) 5% Performs other work-related duties as necessary.