Infection Prevention & Control Practitioner

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population thats expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography which is comprised of about 1800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities is as beautiful interesting and diverse as our government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canadas Best Employers by Forbes we offer a collaborative progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aligned with our vision to create strong caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Programand corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - Were committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential participate freely in society and live with respect dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Director of Care this position is responsible for providing oversight and leadership to the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) programs for the Long-Term Care Homes (Homes) and Seniors Community Programs. The position develops implements monitors and evaluates infection control programs. Acts as a subject matter expert and is responsible for legislative and regulatory compliance. Responsible for promoting developing implementing and assessing best practices; leading assigned programs; and participating in other programs as assigned.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING

Supports the management in the implementation of IPAC required program at the Homes and Seniors Community Programs ensures compliance with applicable Legislation Regulations and Standards.
Responsible for relevant effective and timely infection prevention and control practices policies and procedures are embedded in all areas based on best practice guidelines.
Supports the immunization / vaccination program for Seniors Community Programs staff long-term care residents staff and volunteers.
Acts as the Outbreak Coordinator in the Home and a primary liaison with Public Health and relevant provincial ministries collaborates with stakeholders to manage outbreaks at the Homes.
Proactively examine drivers of and contributors to outbreaks and provide expertise in developing / implementing appropriate process improvement strategies.
Promotes a preventative infection control program as per prevailing best practice guidelines.
Leads audits and makes recommendations in accordance with best practices to mitigate health hazards and liaises with Occupational Health and Safety groups.
Advises on the development of relevant training and education related to pertinent legislation best practices regulations policies practices technologies and skills development consistent with divisional programs.
Researches and analyses information to determine gaps and opportunities and to identify course of action and future requirements to support policy direction programs and initiatives.
Follows divisional guidelines policy and procedures standards and professional requirements for documentation.
Ensures compliance with privacy legislation and maintains client confidentiality according to existing statutes and legislation.
Provide tools for ongoing surveillance to determine the presence of infection and complete monthly reports.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of trends and developments related to continuous quality improvement required programs and best practices
Provides on-site infection prevention and control expertise and support during outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Provides IPAC expertise leadership and guidance to staff public settings and key stakeholders during emergency and pandemic situations.
Supports onsite IPAC education and training during emergency events including outbreaks.
Required to respond to emergency situations occasionally outside of normal business hours as related to the Departmental Emergency Plan.
Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns as appropriate.
Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
Participates on committees work groups task forces and special projects as assigned.
Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

Successful completion of a University Degree in a related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum five (5) years experience in the health sector with a minimum of two (2) years in infection prevention education or infection prevention project work in a clinical setting leading and coordinating all aspects of infection prevention and control management.
Certification with the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) as CIC (Certified in Infection Control) or LTC CIP (Long Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention).
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in analysis measurement and evaluative methods facilitation and presentation skills.
Demonstrated experience with best practices guidelines for infectious disease prevention and control.
Demonstrated experience with the promotion and implementation of clinical best practices.
Demonstrated experience with health promotion and health education/teaching activities.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in analysis measurement and evaluative methods facilitation and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability in the Regions core competencies.
Demonstrated experience with the development implementation and operation of quality assurance and continuous quality improvement programs and practices.
Demonstrated experience with the promotion and implementation of clinical best practices health promotion and health education/teaching activities
Knowledge of the legislation guidelines and regulations as they relate to the position and responsibilities of the Long-Term Care/Seniors Services sector.
Ability to problem-solve and work with constantly changing legislation program delivery requirements and/or organizational structure.
Ability to work outside regular business hours and alternate site locations as required.