Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Specialist

at  ChathamKent

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Infection and Prevention and Control (IPAC) Specialist in the Long-Term Care division.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The IPAC Specialist develops, implements and evaluates IPAC best practices. The role includes surveillance activities, supporting outbreak management, providing education and acting as an expert resource on infection prevention and control at Riverview Gardens Long Term Care Home.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Completed post-secondary education in a health-related field (Health Sciences, Social Sciences) is required
• Candidates with degrees in nursing, public health, epidemiology, or microbiology will be considered
• Minimum of 3-5 years working in a health care or public health field, preferably with experience in an infection control program
• Expert Infection Prevention & Control knowledge required
• Has knowledge of quality improvement principles and statistics
• Demonstrated experience with health promotion and education/teaching activities preferred
• Proven ability to create and implement policies and procedures
• In a 24/7 operation, able to work evenings, nights and weekends as required

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office –Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook; Ability to conduct online research)
• knowledge of epidemiological principles, and infectious diseases

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

This position works with vulnerable residents in a position of trust and authority, on a sustained and regular basis, in a largely unsupervised capacity. A Vulnerable Sector Screen is required (Fixing Long-Term Care Act Section 252 O. Reg. 246/22) prior to being accepted for employment. You must be 18 years of age or older to obtain a vulnerable police check.
As per the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, all staff members shall promptly provide the employer with a signed declaration disclosing new charges, convictions, orders and restraining orders, consistent with Ontario Regulation Section 253 O. Reg 246/22, with respect to the period since the date the person’s last criminal reference check under subsection (2) was conducted.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND/OR SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Annual Flu Immunization is required
• 2 step TB skin test to be completed within two weeks of starting position
• Walking: frequent walking on level surface
• Sitting: frequent sitting in a chair
• Hand: frequent fine finger dexterity and gripping

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
• Responsible for providing oversight and leadership to the infection prevention and control (IPAC) program
• Create, launch and educate on policy and procedures related to IPAC
• Creates tools and resources to support IPAC procedures.
• Oversee the IPAC audit program to ensure compliance with IPAC requirements
• Conduct audits and provide support to others in the audit process
• Compile and analyze audit and other IPAC data, providing recommendations for ongoing improvement
• Monitor and evaluate infection control programs
• Monitor provincial and public health IPAC requirements and ensure the home is adhering to the most current requirements
• Participate on a team in a fast-paced and constantly changing unionized and non-unionized environment
• Act as an expert resource on the IPAC committee and other committees as relevant to the position
• Act as a resource to others on infection control when home is in outbreak
• Provide educational content for employee orientation and ongoing annual training and support in education
• Liaise with community partners on best practices and outbreak management
• Provide oversight and compliance with IPAC policies and procedures including discipline