Ipac Coordinator

**IPAC Coordinator**

**Position Summary**:
Reporting to the Manager, Professional Practice, is responsible for providing oversight and leadership to the infection, prevention and control (IPAC) program for the LTC Homes and Seniors community programs; implementing and conducting staff/resident surveillance activities according to the established criteria and evidence based research managing outbreak investigations/ implementing interventions to control the outbreak and performing final epidemiological outbreak analysis; by providing consultation to all clinical and non-clinical areas on matters of IPAC; developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating infection control programs; ensuring infection control measures are in place, including policies/procedures, surveillance education and infection control practices to be compliant with legislation and policy. The IPAC coordinator will advise on educational content to be provided to staff at orientation and through ongoing training with a primary focus on clinical practice.

**Accountabilities**:

- Lead the IPAC Team in planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating the Infection Prevention and Control Program through the development of policies and procedures, and designing/conducting education programs to control, reduce and/or prevent the spread of infection for patients, staff, volunteers, residents, families and visitors
- Responsible for implementing the recommendations arising out of the Infection Control Committee including providing reports related to their data needs
- Prepare resident safety and quality reports by gathering, trending and analyzing data
- Collaborates with all departments and services to ensure compliance with applicable government agency guidelines and professional standards
- Works collaboratively with the IPAC Team in developing, delivering and evaluating educational programs related to infection control for staff, residents, physicians, volunteers, students and visitors as appropriate
- Ensures compliance with accreditation standards of practice
- Assists the IPAC Team to develop and implement the department plan
- Assists the IPAC Team to conduct surveillance and audits to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies and provides suggestions for improvements. i.e. hand hygiene, etc.
- Participates and presents pertinent information to committees as deemed necessary e.g. Professional Advisory Committee, Quality Committee
- Consult with healthcare providers, physicians, managers and directors throughout the home assisting them to identify and reduce infection risks
- Collaborate with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety in ensuring compliance with applicable infection control legislation, guidelines and protocols
- Provides consultation in health care design and construction

**Qualifications**:

- Minimum three to five (3-5) years’ experience in the health sector with at least two years involved in infection prevention education or project work
- Current experience performing activities that are client centered, while incorporating infection prevention principles
- Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. Degree in, microbiology, epidemiology or public health is an asset
- Completion of IPAC Canada endorsed course and Certification in Infection Prevention and Control through IPAC Canada required within two (2) years of hire
- Current registration with the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) required or a commitment to complete the certification within the first 2 years
- Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in analysis, measurement and evaluative methods, facilitation and presentation skills
- Demonstrated experience with best practice guidelines for infectious disease prevention and control
- Demonstrated experience with the promotion and implementation of clinical best practices
- Demonstrated experience with health promotion and health education/teaching activities
- Knowledge of the legislation, guidelines and regulations as they relate to the position and responsibilities of the Long Term Care/Seniors Services sector.
- Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self-management, accountability, flexibility and adaptability.
- Ability to deal cooperatively and effectively with all levels of staff, unions/employee/client groups and ability to foster cooperative/collaborative working relationships.
- Ability to work outside regular business hours, including evenings, nights and weekends, as required.
- Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening that is less than six (6) months old at time of hire.
- Proof of annual CPR recertification.
- Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination
- *The Wexford recognizes the importance of immunization to protect our residents, and visitors from COVID-19. As a condition of employment with The Wexford, new hires are to have received all require