REGIONAL IPAC SPECIALIST

Regional Infection Prevention & Control SpecialistLocations: Newmarket, Orillia, Elmvale, Oshawa and PictonDuration: Full-time, temporaryJob DescriptionThe 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.ResponsibilitiesReporting 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 regionParticipate 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 causeSupport homes in infection surveillance and develop monthly surveillance reportsContribute in the development of IPAC policies and proceduresMay support the home level IPAC Lead to chair IPAC committee meetings and strengthen relationship with the local public health unitsAnalyze trends, risk factors, evaluate prevention and control strategies and develop quarterly quality reportsMonitor local, provincial, national and international trends in epidemiologic activity and advise in a timely mannerEducate staff on the principles and practices of infection prevention and act as a resource regarding infection prevention and controlMaintain current vaccines for all residents; ensure the home is in compliance with the infection control guidelines mandated by the Long-Term Care Homes ActCoordinate and lead the roll-out of all vaccination campaign activitiesActively participate in regional IPAC hubs and other community of practicePlan, develop, deliver and implement all training/orientation for current and new employees in accordance with legislation and health care standardsLiaise with related facilities, educational institutions and professional associations to develop effective networksIdentify and report safety hazards, conduct regular safety inspections and follow safe working practices and behavioursReview IPAC audits; lead the investigations of IPAC breaches, conduct IPAC risk assessments, and lead the development of corrective plan of actionLead 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 CommitteesSupport occupational health and safety programs for staffProvide expert guidance on facility design, maintenance and construction projects to promote resident safetyProvide general IPAC consultation to the homes and be accountable for the success of the IPAC program in the assigned homes.Skills, Abilities, Work DemandsDemonstrated knowledge of infection control principles and employee health and wellness programsSolid understanding of relevant LTC and ministry of health legislationsKnowledge of clinical issues for geriatric residents, infection control, principles of adult education and quality improvementExcellent verbal and written communication and presentation skillsProficient computer skills including the use of health care information systems and database creationDemonstrate compassion in a courteous, caring and respectful manner towards residents, staff and visitors while maintaining resident confidentialityQualificationsRN/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, Epidemiology/Public Health, MedicineCompletion of an approved IPAC Canada infection control courseMUST be certified in Infection Control (CIC) or LTC-CIPKnowledge of, and skills in disease surveillance, designing and managing surveillance systemsKnowledge of epidemiological trend, public health, and population health assessmentKnowledge and understanding of PHO's mandate, relevant legislation such as the HPPA and the Ontario Public Health StandardsPrevious experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable directivesSouthbridge Care Homes welcomes those applicants with disability-related needs and those who need for accommodation in the recruitment process. Please provide notice of your need for accommodation to the hiring manager upon scheduling of an interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr