Infection Control Practitioner

• WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital, KW Campus)

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Infection Prevention and Control KW4 IPAC Hub Lead (GRH Director of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), the Infection Control Specialist will act as a representative of the IPAC Program, supporting the implementation and evaluation of the IPAC program in congregate settings (Long Term Care Facilities, Retirement Homes, and other congregate settings ie. shelters, group homes) throughout the KW4 region, as an extension of the Waterloo Wellington IPAC Hub.

The IPAC Hub Infection Prevention and Control Specialist will be responsible for:

• Building capacity in infection prevention and control with congregate living organizations
• Providing support in the implementation of IPAC tools, best practices and to respond to infection control related inquiries.
• Bringing forward and escalating issues of concern that are outside of the scope of the IPAC Hub through the IPAC Hub Core Lead.
• Working in coordination with Hub partners to deliver IPAC Hub Services.

Position Requirements

• Current registration as a regulated health professional in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, or another regulated healthcare professional preferred
• Bachelor's degree in a Health related field; Master's in a Health related field preferred
• Experience as an ICP in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Experience in infection prevention and control in long term care and other congregate settings is an asset
• A valid driver’s license required for travel between Grand River Hospital campuses and Kitchener Waterloo Region congregate settings
• Current knowledge of relevant regulations and trends in epidemiology, public health, long-term care and surveillance (e.g. privacy legislation).
• Presentation skills to facilitate groups, and deliver formal learning/training sessions and presentations to groups of stakeholders. Including knowledge of adult learning techniques
• Excellent report writing, skill and proficiency with various computer systems and software programs including: database management, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications, (MS Office).
• Team building and relationship building skills that maintain cooperative working relationships with stakeholders
• Oral communication and consultative skills to provide capacity building and response to a range of IPAC inquiries.
• Current knowledge of framework of infection prevention and control policies, protocols and standards and professional IPAC standards and practice.
• Ability to assesses, analyze and to provide support on implementation methods, protocols and practices to assure compliance with provincial and federal infection control directives and guidelines
• Ability to determine and implement methods to improve the coordination and access to infection prevention and control resources.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, time-management and critical thinking abilities
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, leadership, verbal & written communication skills
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and is self-directed while possessing the ability to work in a collaborative manner
• Excellent work performance and attendance record

Application Instructions

EMPLOYEES OF LEGACY ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR.

As per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.

Waterloo Regional Health Centre is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

International Applicants

If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.

We would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.

As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our patients, staff and community from COVID-19, subject to any accommodation required by applicable human rights legislation, Grand River Hospital requires that all staff have received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL THE POSTING IS CLOSED. Please include a resume with your application in order to ensure that your qualifications are appropriately considered in the hiring process.

Grand River Hospital is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to: racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment. Grand River Hospital is a proud member of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).

Upon individual request, the hospital will endeavour to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate candidates, including those with disabilities. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application, interview or selection processes, please contact Human Resources in advance for assistance.