Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner

Position Summary
The Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner (IPCP) is an integral member of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Hub and provides expertise, direction and support to local congregate living settings including long term care and retirement homes, to identify, prevent and manage infections to improve IPAC related activities across these sectors. In collaboration with IPAC Hub, infectious diseases, other internal APH programs, and external community partners, the Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner supports the effective operation of the Algoma IPAC Hub. Reporting to the Manager of Infectious Diseases, will be familiar with and follow the relevant requirements in the Ontario Public Health Standards, legislation and IPAC Hub accountabilities and deliverables.

As part of your work, you will:

• Participate in the development of goals, operational strategies and deliverables for improving the coordination and access to infection prevention and control resources across the Algoma region as supported by the IPAC Hub.
• Provide knowledge and advice regarding the value and role of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) to organizations, committees and communities of practice.
• Provide IPAC consultative advice and feedback.
• Use fundamental epidemiological principles to identify contributing factors to reduce IPAC risk.
• Communicate and provide resources and other supports needed to ensure appropriate IPAC practices are followed.
• Promote and maintain strong linkages with IPAC Hub community partners to promote consistent, effective infection prevention and control practices.
• Develop and deliver infection prevention and control education and training to community partners and community settings which align with goals and objectives to meet commitment to quality and safety as supported by the IPAC Hub.
• Review, analyze, and apply current scientific literature, regulations, standards, guidelines and directives for IPAC and patient outcomes to IPAC Hub partners.
• Participate in the development, communication and implementation of IPAC policies, procedures, current best practice guidelines and applicable standards.
• Complete regular, offsite facility audits and reviews to support adherence to IPAC best practice guidelines and requirements for IPAC Hub partners.
• Attend education programs to enhance professional development and continually strive to keep current with best practices related to infection prevention and control. Participates in specific projects that fulfill the IPAC Hub mandate.
• Other duties may be assigned based on current needs and as a part of risk mitigation strategy.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills for this position include (but not limited to):

• Master's degree in public health, health policy, health science, epidemiology, microbiology, or related discipline and/or combined relevant experience.
• 3+ years’ experience working in a public health setting, preferably in Ontario.
• Experience in Infection Prevention and Control is essential for this position.
• Certification in Infection Control through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology is required or ability to obtain immediately.
• Demonstrated interest in infection prevention and control, including the commitment to ongoing Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) education.
• Demonstrates knowledge and experience in areas of infectious diseases, microbiology, epidemiology, statistics, and risk assessment.
• Sound understanding of diseases and disease process/transmission.
• Ability to reference and interpret current guidelines, directives, standards and related legislation.
• Proven experience working as a leader, mentor, preceptor, educator and problem solver within a health care team.
• Strong ability to perform well and maintain positive collegial relationships with team members in high-stress and rapidly changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated skill in teaching and strong written communication skills.
• Motivated, self-started, and self-directed.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn relevant software.
• Effective time management and project management skills.
• Must be reliable and have an excellent attendance record.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours, including weekends and evenings, as required.
• Advanced oral and written proficiency in English is essential, proficiency in both official languages considered an asset.
• Requires a valid “G” Ontario Driver’s License and use of a reliable vehicle.
• As a condition of hire, you are required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine series, per our COVID-19 Immunization policy. Should you be the successful candidate, you will be required to comply with our COVID-19 Immunization policy that is in effect.
• A current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) with satisfactory clearance is a condition of employment, at own expense.

Algoma Public Health believes in and is committed to promoting diversity in our workforce and ensuring accessible employment practices, in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. We will work with you to meet your needs.

A cover letter and resume are required to be considered for this position.

We would like to thank all candidates for responding; however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $73,200.40-$80,589.60 per year

Work Location: In person