Job Description

Position: Regional Infection Control Specialist

Location: Southbridge London / Southwestern Ontario District


The regional infection prevention and control (IPAC) specialist will be a resident safety expert who leads the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of improvements in infection prevention and control and serve as a role model to promote the goals of the IPAC program. He or she will be responsible for carrying out a broad and complex range of investigative epidemiologic activities related to IPAC audits and the surveillance, prevention, and control of infections. He or she will also conduct relevant analyses to identify disease trends, risk factors, clusters or outbreaks and develop interventions for the prevention and control of the disease. Facilitate change through interpretation and application of standards and provide best practice recommendations with the ultimate goal of improving resident outcome and preventing disease outbreaks.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the VP for IPAC, the regional IPAC Specialist is responsible for the coordination, implementation and oversight of the IPAC program of homes in his or her region;
• Participate in the planning of an infection surveillance program for residents and staff and manage outbreaks in consultation with the health unit; design and conduct in-depth investigations of clusters/outbreaks of infections and collate appropriate data to assist clinical team in determining cause;
• Support homes in infection surveillance and develop monthly surveillance reports;
• Contribute in the development of IPAC policies and procedures;
• Chair IPAC committee meetings and strengthen relationship with the local public health units;
• Analyze trends, risk factors, and evaluate prevention and control strategies;
• Monitor local, provincial, national and international trends in epidemiologic activity and advise in a timely manner;
• Educate staff on the principles and practices of infection prevention and act as a resource regarding infection prevention and control;
• Maintain current vaccines for all residents; ensure the home is in compliance with the infection control guidelines mandated by the Long-Term Care Homes Act;
• Coordinate and lead the roll-out of all vaccination campaign activities;
• Actively participate in regional IPAC hubs and other community of practice;
• Participate in all public health and Ministry of LTC inspection tours in the home and lead the development of corrective action plans.
• Plan, develop, deliver and implement all training/orientation for current and new employees in accordance with legislation and health care standards;
• Liaise with related facilities, educational institutions and professional associations to develop effective networks;
• Identify and report safety hazards, conduct regular safety inspections and follow safe working practices and behaviours;
• Coordinate IPAC audits; lead the investigations of IPAC breaches, conduct IPAC risk assessments, and lead the development of corrective plan of action;
• Lead the implementation of changes mandated by regulatory, accrediting, and licensing agencies (includes reporting communicable diseases to the local public health)
• Monitor staff compliance with infection prevention guidelines regarding the disposal of sharps and biomedical waste, use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene practices and provides reports to the Infection Prevention Committees;
• Tract infection rates, vaccination rates, education, IPAC audit compliance and present this findings to the IPAC committee and to the corporate IPAC lead.
• Support occupational health and safety programs for staff;
• Provide expert guidance on facility design, maintenance and construction projects to promote resident safety;
• Provide general IPAC consultation to the homes.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

• Demonstrate knowledge of infection control principles and employee health and wellness programs;
• Solid understanding of relevant LTC and ministry of health legislations;
• Knowledge of clinical issues for geriatric residents, infection control, principles of adult education and quality improvement;
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills;
• Proficient computer skills including the use of health care information systems and database creation;
• Demonstrate compassion in a courteous, caring and respectful manner towards residents, staff and visitors while maintaining resident confidentiality;

Qualifications

• RN/RPN degree or diploma and current certificate of competence from the College of Nurses of Ontario as an RN or RPN. OR, bachelor's degree in other healthcare related field, e.g., Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Medicine;
• Completion of an IPAC Canada approved infection control program/course.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or willingness/ability to be certified within one year of appointment;
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years' experience in infection control is required;
• Knowledge of, and skills in disease surveillance, designing and managing surveillance systems;
• Knowledge of epidemiological trend, public health, and population health assessment;
• Knowledge and understanding of PHO's mandate, relevant legislation such as the HPPA and the Ontario Public Health Standards;
• Previous experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable directives;

Note: This role involves providing onsite IPAC support to 7 homes within SW Ontario. Therefore, an idea candidate must have a valid driver's license and comfortable driving to other locations. Millage is paid by Southbridge.

Interested applicants should send their resume here. We would like to thank all applicants for your interest in working as part of our team! Only those applicants selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.

In Ontario, Extendicare, ParaMed Home Health Care and affiliated organizations including our partner homes in Extendicare Assist, accommodate the needs of job applicants throughout its recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodation needs must be provided in advance. To discuss your needs, please contact the individual noted in the posting.

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