Infection Control jobs in Canada

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Southbridge Care Homes owns and operates 26 Long-Term Care Homes and 8 Retirement Homes throughout many urban and rural areas of Ontario. We are currently seeking a Regional IPAC Specialist to deliver support and expertise to our portfolio of LTC and Retirement homes in the East Ottawa Region.

The Regional Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Specialist will be a resident safety expert who specializes in 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 outcomes and preventing disease outbreaks.

• 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 the clinical team in determining the cause.
• Support homes in infection surveillance and develop monthly surveillance reports.
• Contribute to the development of IPAC policies and procedures.
• May support the home level IPAC Specialist to chair IPAC committee meetings and strengthen relationships 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 specialize the roll-out of all vaccination campaign activities.
• Actively participate in regional IPAC hubs and other communities of practice.
• 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; specialize in the investigations of IPAC breaches, conduct IPAC risk assessments, and specialize in the development of corrective plans of action.
• Specialize in 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 provide reports to the Infection Prevention Committees.
• 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 and be accountable for the success of the IPAC program in the assigned homes.

• Demonstrated 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.

The ideal candidate will have one (1) of the following qualifications and skills:

• RN/RPN degree or diploma.
• Bachelor’s degree in other healthcare related field, e.g., Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Science, Medicine or Occupational Health.

The ideal candidate must fulfill at least one (1) of the criteria listed below:

• Certified in infection control CIC or LTC-CIP.
• Willingness to be enrolled in the certification program within 6 months of accepting the role and commitment to be certified within one year.
• A minimum 1 to 2 years of experience in infection control is required.
• Previous experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable legislation is an asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of PHO's mandate, relevant legislation such as the HPPA and the Ontario Public Health Standards.

IPAC Specialists must have completed any of the IPAC Canada endorsed infection prevention and control courses.

• IPAC Canada's Online Essentials in Infection Prevention and Control Course
• Centennial College, Toronto Basic Infection Prevention and Control Program (online)
• Centennial College Preventing and Controlling Infections in Non-Acute Care Settings
• Queen's University, Kingston Basic Infection Prevention and Control Program
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver Basic Infection Control Course
• Bay River College, Infection Prevention and Control Program

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in working as part of our team! However, please note that only those applicants who meet the minimum and required qualifications will be selected to move forward in the recruitment process.

Southbridge Care Homes welcomes those applicants with disability-related needs and those who need accommodation in the recruitment process. Please provide notice of your need for accommodation to the hiring manager upon scheduling of an interview.