Regional Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Specialist

Regional Infection Control Specialist

Greater Toronto Area

Job Description

The regional infection prevention and control (IPAC) specialist will be a resident safety expert who leads the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of improvements in infection prevention and control and serve as a role model to promote the goals of the IPAC program. He or she will be responsible for carrying out a broad and complex range of investigative epidemiologic activities related to IPAC audits and the surveillance, prevention, and control of infections. He or she will also conduct relevant analyses to identify disease trends, risk factors, clusters or outbreaks and develop interventions for the prevention and control of the disease. Facilitate change through interpretation and application of standards and provide best practice recommendations with the ultimate goal of improving resident outcome and preventing disease outbreaks.

Responsibilities: 

• Reporting to the VP for IPAC, the regional IPAC Specialist is responsible for the coordination, implementation and oversight of the IPAC program of homes in his or her region
• Participate in the planning of an infection surveillance program for residents and staff and manage outbreaks in consultation with the health unit; design and conduct in-depth investigations of clusters/outbreaks of infections and collate appropriate data to assist clinical team in determining cause

• Support homes in infection surveillance and develop monthly surveillance reports
• Contribute in the development of IPAC policies and procedures

• May support the home level IPAC Lead to chair IPAC committee meetings and strengthen relationship with the local public health units
• Analyze trends, risk factors, evaluate prevention and control strategies and develop quarterly quality reports

• Monitor local, provincial, national and international trends in epidemiologic activity and advise in a timely manner

• Educate staff on the principles and practices of infection prevention and act as a resource regarding infection prevention and control
• Maintain current vaccines for all residents; ensure the home is in compliance with the infection control guidelines mandated by the Long-Term Care Homes Act

• Coordinate and lead the roll-out of all vaccination campaign activities
• Actively participate in regional IPAC hubs and other community of practice

• Plan, develop, deliver and implement all training/orientation for current and new employees in accordance with legislation and health care standards
• Liaise with related facilities, educational institutions and professional associations to develop effective networks
• Identify and report safety hazards, conduct regular safety inspections and follow safe working practices and behaviours

• Review IPAC audits; lead the investigations of IPAC breaches, conduct IPAC risk assessments, and lead the development of corrective plan of action
• Lead the implementation of changes mandated by regulatory, accrediting, and licensing agencies (includes reporting communicable diseases to the local public health)
• Monitor staff compliance with infection prevention guidelines regarding the disposal of sharps and biomedical waste, use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene practices and provides reports to the Infection Prevention Committees
• Support occupational health and safety programs for staff
• Provide expert guidance on facility design, maintenance and construction projects to promote resident safety
• Provide general IPAC consultation to the homes and be accountable for the success of the IPAC program in the assigned homes.

 Skills, Abilities, Work Demands: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of infection control principles and employee health and wellness programs
• Solid understanding of relevant LTC and ministry of health legislations
• Knowledge of clinical issues for geriatric residents, infection control, principles of adult education and quality improvement
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Proficient computer skills including the use of health care information systems and database creation
• Demonstrate compassion in a courteous, caring and respectful manner towards residents, staff and visitors while maintaining resident confidentiality

Qualifications: 

• RN/RPN degree or diploma and current certificate of competence from the College of Nurses of Ontario as an RN or RPN. OR, bachelor’s degree in other healthcare related field, e.g., Microbiology, Epidemiology/Public Health, Medicine
• Completion of an approve IPAC Canada infection control course

• MUST be certified in Infection Control (CIC) or LTC-CIP
• Knowledge of, and skills in disease surveillance, designing and managing surveillance systems
• Knowledge of epidemiological trend, public health, and population health assessment
• Knowledge and understanding of PHO's mandate, relevant legislation such as the HPPA and the Ontario Public Health Standards
• Previous experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable directives

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in working as part of our team! However, please note that only those applicants who meet the minimum and required qualifications, will be selected to move forward in the recruitment process.

Southbridge Care Homes welcomes those applicants with disability-related needs and those who need for accommodation in the recruitment process. Please provide notice of your need for accommodation to the hiring manager upon scheduling of an interview.