Infection Control Professional Infection Control PHC

The Infection Control Professional (ICP) is a leader and expert who facilitates infection control activities through the interpretation of evidence-based standards and best practice recommendations with the primary goal of reducing the risk of transmission of infectious agents and hospital acquired infections (HAI) within Unity Health.

The IPAC practitioner will report to the IPAC manager with the following responsibilities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as an expert IPAC consultant across the organization, as well as external partners under the direction of the Hub framework, consistent with organizational and provincial standards.
• Develops, coordinates and performs surveillance activities of significant organisms and other healthcare associated infections.
• Assesses and responds to exposures and outbreaks as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Participates in the development, communication and implementation of IPAC policies and procedures, current best practice guidelines and applicable standards.
• Provides consultative advice, feedback and reports to internal and external stakeholders regarding surveillance data, investigations, audits and issues of IPAC significance.
• Develop and facilitate IPAC education for staff, physicians, students, volunteers and patients
• Act as a role model/peer mentor, participating in capacity-building initiatives for Hub-affiliated congregate living settings.
• Translate IPAC knowledge into tools and resources, and share with internal and external partners to support consistent IPAC practices.
• Participates in

evaluation and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Implements infection control recommendations to facilitate practice change..
- Conducts audits and provides education and feedback.
- Develops and maintains relationships with assigned areas and supports all levels of staff, leaders and professional staff with IPAC expertise.
- Conducts exposure and outbreak investigations with stakeholder engagement.
- Participates in the departmental IPAC on-call and weekend coverage rotation.
- Provide infection prevention and control expert consultation as it relates to health care facility renovation, construction and maintenance.
- Perform cross-functional and/or other duties consistent with the job classification, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in health related discipline (e.g. nursing, laboratory, epidemiology, and other allied health) or equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's degree preferred.
• Recent Infection Prevention Control experience in a health care setting; IPAC HUB experience preferred.
• Current certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) preferred or a commitment to completing certification within the first two years of hire.
• Current member of IPAC Canada preferred.
• Demonstrates strong IPAC knowledge and experience in related areas of infectious diseases, microbiology, epidemiology, disinfection/sterilization; outbreak management, HVAC & construction.
• Demonstrated skills in coaching, mentoring, adult education and teaching
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Excellent problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent organizational, time management and project management skills
• Exercise initiative and good judgment with ability to multi-task.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn how to use new software programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required and intermediate to advance MS Excel skills preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others
• Flexible team player capable of working both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Knowledge of applicable legislative, UHT and/or departmental policies.
• Competent in quality improvement and change management techniques/methodology.
• Be able to travel to multiple sites and off-site locations throughout the day.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.