Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner

Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner, Infection Control

Infection Prevention & Control

Vancouver, BC

Are you ready to make a difference? The Infection Prevention & Control team a Provincial Health Services Authority program, seeks passionate individuals to work collaboratively with other groups within PHSA as well as health authorities and the Provincial Infection Control Network of BC.

At our core, we aim to cultivate vibrant communities where everyone can achieve optimal health and well-being—right where they live, work, learn, and play.

If you're driven by the desire to create positive change and contribute to healthier communities, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for Apply now to join our innovative team and make a difference that matters.

What you’ll do

Conduct IPAC surveillance, involving data collection, documentation, analysis, and reporting. Identifies problem areas and infection risks; review processes and other contributing factors to evaluate root causes of infections; and recommend both immediate interventions as well as sustainable corrective action. In collaboration with team members and key stakeholders, develop implements and evaluates infection prevention and control initiatives, policies, procedures and guidelines. Provide orientation, education and/or mentorship to other IPAC Practitioners, educators, healthcare providers, support and volunteer services, as well as third party providers on IPAC processes. Conduct investigative audits in conjunction with healthcare professionals; collect relevant data from a variety of sources. Analyze and communicate audit results in relation to infection rates; provide comprehensive reports to IPAC leadership, site/program/service teams, and other stakeholders. Work in collaboration with team members and key stakeholders on recommendations for remediation, and in conjunction with frontline leaders to implement improvements and/or changes in practices. Provide expertise at the sites for alerts, outbreaks and on outbreak management calls following established procedures and protocols. Prepare and present status reports to leadership teams and, site/program committees. Advise on control measures, review practices, communicate events, receive and compile line lists for reports on the nature of the incident, making recommendations for future control/avoidance of same. Provide consultation and acts as a resource to healthcare professionals, third party providers, and patients and families on infection prevention and control issues, policies, best practices and standards. Assist in the analysis and resolution of IPAC issues, and advise on appropriate IPAC methods, processes, techniques and design consideration. Report all communicable or contagious diseases to public health officials as necessary per organizational processes and as required by law by calling and/or providing written reports according to guidelines. Advise and collaborate with facility-planning and maintenance personnel on the integration of pertinent regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards for site-level emergencies, construction projects and renovation initiatives. Identify own learning goals and maintain and update current clinical competence and knowledge within areas of practice. Maintain knowledge of current developments in the IPAC field, through a variety of methods including review of relevant literature, consulting with other professionals and attending relevant education programs as required. In collaboration with stakeholders develops a quality improvement plan for corrective action based on site infection and control risks. Report adverse events utilizing the Patient Safety Learning System. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to participate in designated professional or operational committees. Participate in special projects in conjunction with multi-disciplinary teams. Assists the IPAC team by attending panel interviews, and provide recommendations on the selection of new staff. Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you bring

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant health science discipline such as Med Lab Sciences, Medical/Clinical Microbiology, Epidemiology, Pathology, or related field. Three (3) years' recent related clinical experience recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Completion of, or current enrollment in, an approved IPAC Canada sponsored and endorsed Infection Control course. Current Certification Board for Infection Control (CBIC) Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or expected certification within two (2) years of start of employment. A valid BC Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for business related purposes, as required. Travel outside of existing geographic area and/or overnight travel may be required, and will be compensated in accordance with applicable collective agreement language.

Skills & Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge of epidemiological principles, statistics, medical/clinical microbiology, and infectious diseases, patient care practices and application of continuous quality improvement. Knowledge of the interrelationships between Acute, Residential, Community Health and Public Health resources in the health delivery system. Demonstrated ability to use factual information, prior learning and basic principles and procedures to support infection control decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence/evidence informed practice. Experience communicating effectively with patients, families/support person, the public, medical staff, members of the multi-disciplinary care team, and other stakeholders, using professional verbal, written and electronic communication means. Ability to think conceptually, strategically, and systematically. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the multi-disciplinary care team and all identified stakeholders. Experience assessing site educational needs and develop, implement and evaluate effectiveness of educational programs. Experience in integrating and evaluating data from multiple sources to problem-solve effectively. Ability to organize and prioritize work in a continuously changing environment. Ability to deal with and promote change. Experience in facilitating, consulting, presenting, and teaching. Ability to influence leaders, including physicians and staff at all levels. Experience operating related equipment, including relevant computer software applications. Knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention. Knowledge of population health theories. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. Ability to travel to designated facilities and work sites. Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019). As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees. Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources. Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement. PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position). Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

The Provincial Health Services Authority () plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs:

PHSA is committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at .

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

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