Regional IPAC Manager

　　Job Description

　　The Regional IPAC Manager will be a resident safety expert who leads the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of the infection prevention and control program and serves 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 infection surveillance through conducting 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 of Infection Prevention and Control, the Regional IPAC Manager is responsible for the coordination, implementation and evaluation of the IPAC program of homes within the region;

　　· Participate in the planning of an infection surveillance program and manage outbreaks in consultation with the public 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;

　　· Chair IPAC committee meetings in the absence of the home-level IPAC leads and strengthen relationship with the local public health units;

　　· Analyze trends, risk factors, and evaluate prevention and control strategies;

　　· 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;

　　· Ensure residents are provided with the recommended vaccines;

　　· Ensure homes are in compliance with the infection control guidelines mandated by the Fixing Long Term Care Act;

　　· Coordinate and lead the roll-out of all vaccination campaign activities and provide updates as required on vaccination uptake;

　　· 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;

　　· Coordinate 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 and recommendations to the Infection Prevention Committee or home-level IPAC lead;

　　· Ensure a functional occupational health and safety program is occurring in all homes;

　　· Provide expert guidance on facility design, maintenance and construction projects to promote resident safety;

　　· Provide general IPAC consultation to the homes.

　　Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

　　· Demonstrate 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 degree in other healthcare related field, e.g., Microbiology, Epidemiology, Medicine;

　　· Completion of an approve IPAC Canada infection control course, e.g. that from the Centennial college;

　　· Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or LTC-CIP or willingness/ability to be certified within 6 months of appointment;

　　· Minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience in infection control is required;

　　· 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;

　　Number of Vacancies: 1

　　Location: Owen Sound with travels to other homes in the Grey Bruce Region and Shelburne.

　　Interested applicants should send their cover letter and resume by the deadline below.

　　APPLICATION DEADLINE: 19 January 2024

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