Infection Control Support Associate

**Description**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Certification in Infection Control from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Incorporated preferred.

**EXPERIENCE**:

- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a clinical health care setting, OR experience and training in microbiology and infectious diseases, epidemiology, or diagnostics.
- Previous work experience in the field of IP&C preferred.

**OTHER**:

- Knowledge of the key roles and responsibilities of IP&C.
- Knowledge of the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)
- Knowledge of microbiology, infectious disease, applied epidemiology and biostatistics
- Demonstrated knowledge of IP&C competencies.
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team to achieve identified objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a self-directed, independent manner with limited supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize, interpret and respond appropriately to multiple concurrent activities.

**PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS**:

- Fast paced environment.
- Contact with the public, patients/residents/clients and other members of the healthcare team.
- May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Depending on site/organization, may be required to provide IP&C services at multiple sites, provide cross-coverage for IP&C colleagues.
- May encounter individuals with aggressive behaviour.

**LICENCES, REGISTRATIONS**:

- Current registration in good standing with professional licensing body required.
- Certification in Infection Control from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Incorporated preferred.
- Obtaining and maintaining membership with IPAC Canada required as a condition of employment.

**MAIN FUNCTION**

Under the direction of site leadership and receiving IP&C clinical leadership and direction from the Regional IP&C LTC Leads and working within the Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Direction of the hiring organization, the ICP performs key responsibilities including:

- Implements, monitors, and evaluates site’s adherence to provincial and regional IP&C policies, procedures, and operational directives and implements actions to ensure consistency of practice and compliance.
- Directs staff and oversees timely implementation of recommended IP&C measures.
- Communicates and collaborates regarding IP&C issues with site management and regional IP&C leadership.
- Ensures compliance with established provincial and regional infection control surveillance in LTC.
- Provides IP& guidance including: routine practices and additional precautions, sterilization, disinfection and cleaning processes, outbreak management, construction, renovation and maintenance activities including preventative measures for resident safety,, and consultation with workplace health safety personnel on staff issues associated with prevention and control of communicable disease transmission.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Clinical/Infection Prevention and Control**
- Performs ongoing risk assessment of site programs and practices as they relate to IP&C. Escalates issues to Regional IP&C LTC Lead(s) and site leadership as appropriate.
- Provides expert IP&C knowledge and direction to facility staff and leadership.
- Ensures implementation, compliance and monitoring of all IP&C policies, procedures and operational directives as directed by the Regional IP&C LTC Lead(s).
- Assists staff in decision making and problem solving as it relates to IP&C.
- Communicates IP&C concerns or issues as they relate to individual residents and families.
- Promotes the practice of IP&C through ongoing communication and visibility in resident, staff, and public areas.

Responds appropriately to diagnostic/lab results of epidemiologic or public health significance.
- Assesses clinical status and infectious disease diagnoses to determine appropriate IP&C measures.
- Identifies possible outbreaks, initiates appropriate investigation, and directs IP&C measures in collaboration with stakeholders in a timely manner
- Advices on and monitors IP&C assessment of residents on Additional Precautions.
- Ensures timely outbreak management and control measures and related communication and site support. Adheres to established regional and provincial processes.
- Collaborates with site/facility leadership and staff to conduct IP&C audits and risk assessments and establish risk reduction strategies as appropriate.
- Provides information and direction on IP&C to site staff as required/requested.
- Reviews content of other program’s educational material to ensure IP&C content is accurate.
- Identifies Occupational Health & Safety IP&C safety matters, as it relates to staff and notifies Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health/site leadership.

**Technology**
- Utilizes available software to develop and maintain