Infection Prevention and Control

POSITION SUMMARY

Better Living at Thompson House has an opening for the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lead works collaboratively with managers and employees to lead, develop, implement, and evolve our IPAC program within Thompson House. With a focus on continuous improvement, the IPAC Lead will recommend, develop, and implement policies and procedures related to infectious/communicable diseases; develop and lead IPAC education; ensure compliance with legislation; conduct monitoring, surveillance and reporting; and liaise with Public Health and NYGH IPAC Hub to manage outbreaks. Directing and supervising staff in all departments for compliance with IPAC requirements, this position will develop a culture of compliance and adherence to infection prevention and control using a person-centered care philosophy.

This position reports to the Director of Care.

The Successful Candidate For This Position Must Have The Following Qualifications: 

• Post-secondary education in health sciences or occupational health is required.
• Post-secondary education in adult education is an asset.
• A current certification in infection control, from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience leading and developing infection prevention and control practices in a healthcare environment, including but not limited to those related to: infectious diseases; cleaning and disinfection; data collection and trend analysis; reporting protocols; outbreak management; asepsis; microbiology; adult education; epidemiology; and program management
• Previous experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable legislation is an asset.
• Successful completion of Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Proof of vaccination status for COVID-19

The Successful Candidate for this Position Must be able to: 

• Provide leadership in the execution and delivery of services and programs within the following areas of accountability:
• Provide guidance and ongoing consultation, to administration, managers, staff, and committees regarding infection prevention and control practices
• Works with the interdisciplinary team to implement the infection prevention and control program to ensure consistency, effectiveness and standardization of IPAC practices within the Home
• Oversee the delivery of IPAC education to all managers, staff, caregivers, volunteers, visitors and residents
• Directs and supervises all employees in the Home with regard to compliance in infection prevention and control; promotes and supports staff compliance with policies, public health standards, and accreditation standards through regular auditing, meetings, and problem solving; provides input for employee performance appraisals with respect to compliance with IPAC requirements
• Collaborates with staff on integrating regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, guidelines, and current infection control practices into policies and procedures; liaises with Public Health staff, NYGH IPAC Hub and physicians regarding infection prevention and control matters
• Ensures an infection prevention and control surveillance plan is in place, and evaluates the effectiveness and implements improvements of same
• Coordinates the Home's infection prevention and control improvement activities; identifies opportunities for improvement based on indicators, audits, and observations of infection control practices in the Home; maintains access to current infection prevention and control information, evaluates research, disseminates information, and ensures policy and procedures are updated
• Administers the Home's vaccination program, including ordering, storage, and reporting of vaccines; coordinates annual vaccination of staff and residents and tracks immunization status of both
• Receives notification and tracks resident admissions/status with infections; advises staff on protocols; sets up infection prevention and control procedures, including isolation procedures
• Evaluates infection control technology, practices, and protocols for cost-effectiveness and makes recommendations for purchase/implementation; manages and monitors PPE inventory; ensures maintenance of supplies and equipment required for infection control
• Convenes the interdisciplinary IPAC team at least quarterly, and at a more frequent interval during an infectious disease outbreak in the Home. Member of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC). Member of Professional Advisory Committee (PAC). Other committees and meetings as assigned.
• Reviews, analyzes, and tracks surveillance data, including outbreak investigations; provides reports; disseminates information; and modifies the Home's plan for improvement of practice and resident outcomes
• Coordinates the Home's response in the event of an infectious disease outbreak; convenes the Outbreak Management Team at the outset of an outbreak and regularly throughout the outbreak
• Develops, maintains and communicates the Home's pandemic plan; involves key stakeholders in the review and update of the plan, ensuring related education/training occurs, and that personal protective equipment/supplies are maintained

Wage: To be determined based on qualifications and experience

Other Conditions: Able to work varied hours to meet requirements of the position (e.g. to audit and provide education on different shifts); able to respond to legislated or time sensitive demands beyond regularly scheduled work hours; especially during an outbreak.

Better Living is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including persons with disabilities, racialized, Indigenous persons, persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation, and newcomers. We provide accommodation at all stages of the selection process upon request.