Infection Prevention and Control Specialist

If you take pride in being compassionate, honest, professional and safe, consider an exciting and rewarding career at Shannex. Our communities offer more than a place to work - they welcome and celebrate _Great People_ who inspire meaningful connections while _Leading the Way to Better Living_.

We are searching for an **Infection Prevention and Control Specialist **to join our Clinical Services Team based in **Halifax, Nova Scotia**.

**Meaningful Benefits**

You will be surrounded by supportive and talented team members who make our communities great places to live, work and visit. As an established and respected organization in the healthcare sector, Shannex offers opportunities for growth, development and advancement. And at the end of every day, you will know you’ve made a measured difference in the lives of our residents. Additional benefits include:

- Comprehensive health and dental benefits plan including an Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Access to virtual healthcare 24/7 for FREE through the group health benefit plan
- RRSP program (with employer matching)
- Vacation accrual (begins immediately) and travel insurance
- Free onsite parking
- Access to thousands of vendors offering perks and discounts through our WorkPerks program
- Access to continuing education and training through Shannex’s Centre of Excellence
- Opportunities to be part of sector innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Recognition and Rewards for service excellence and safety

**About the Opportunity**
- Leads the planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the IPAC program consistent with legislative requirements, Accreditation standards, and evidence-based practices
- Responsible for the development, evaluation and revision of IPAC policies and procedures, including outbreak management protocols and pandemic plans
- Researches and makes recommendations in leading evidence-based IPAC practices and innovations
- Participates in provincial and national IPAC committees/working groups and shares and disseminates knowledge with the Shannex Leadership Team
- Provides clinical support, advice and education on all aspects of IPAC to employees, students, and volunteers to protect and enhance resident/patient/client and employee safety
- Monitors and analyzes findings and trends related to legislative requirements, quality indicators, and outcomes, and identifies and actions opportunities for improvement
- Conducts surveillance to identify risk factors, monitor trends, and prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases and outbreaks
- Provides guidance on surveillance, testing, and contact tracing associated with infectious disease outbreaks at Communities, in partnership with local public health units
- Makes recommendations for appropriate selection and usage of products and equipment related to cleaning, antisepsis, disinfection and sterilization, building design and construction
- Oversees the emergency stockpile inventory for the organization, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies required in an outbreak (i.e., testing supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.)
- Leads planning, work, and commissioning for construction and renovation projects from an IPAC perspective

**About You**

In addition to placing high value on continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability, you bring:

- Baccalaureate degree in a health-related field or Regulated Health Professional in good standing with appropriate regulatory body
- Minimum 3-5 years experience working in healthcare in an IPAC lead capacity
- Completion of an IPAC Canada sponsored or endorsed course
- Current Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), or commitment to obtain certification within two (2) years of date of hire and to maintain certification
- Completion of Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Fundamentals, Implementation, and Practical Applications of Infection Prevention and Control During Construction course, considered an asset
- Strong IPAC knowledge and experience in related areas of infectious diseases, microbiology, antimicrobial stewardship, epidemiology, data collection and trend analysis, asepsis, disinfection/sterilization, reporting protocols, and outbreak management
- Experience in construction, renovation, maintenance, and design, considered an asset
- A passion for the healthcare sector and/or ensuring seniors have access to quality accommodations, services and care.

**About Us**

It all began in 1988 when our Founder, Joseph Shannon, purchased a single nursing home in his hometown of Sydney, Cape Breton. For 35 years, Shannex has grown as a trusted provider of senior accommodations, services and care in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Our industry-leading services are inspired by residents and delivered by Parkland Retirement Living and Lifestyle Residences,