Infection Prevention & Control Lead / Nursing Unit Clerk

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Southbridge Care Homes owns and operates 26 Long-Term Care Homes and 8 Retirement Homes throughout many urban and rural areas across southwestern Ontario. Our long-term care home in Owen Sound Ontario, is currently seeking a full-time, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lead to join their team on a temporary basis to cover a Maternity Leave.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the IPAC Lead will be a resident safety expert who leads the planning, development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of system-wide improvements in infection prevention. They will serve as a role model to promote the goals of the IPAC program within the context of the vision and mission of Southbridge Health Care LP. The successful incumbent will have the responsibility of facilitating change through interpretation and application of standards and provide best practice recommendations with the ultimate goal of improving resident outcomes and preventing disease outbreaks.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and implement the infection prevention and control practices for the home.
• Participate in the planning of an infection surveillance program and lead the management of outbreaks in consultation with the local public health unit.
• Perform daily infection surveillance and develop the monthly surveillance report.
• 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 and ensure the home is in compliance with the infection control guidelines mandated by the Long-Term Care Homes Act.
• Consult with the Leadership Committee in the planning, developing, delivering and implementation of all training/orientation for current and new employees in accordance with legislation and health care standards.
• Regularly evaluate training programs to ensure the needs of the home are being met.
• Identify and report safety hazards, conduct regular safety inspections and follow safe working practices and behavior.
• Provide expert guidance on facility design, maintenance, and construction projects.
• 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.
• Analyze infection trends, risk factors, and evaluate prevention and control strategies.
• Perform program assessments and make recommendations for correction and improvement.
• Lead the annual influenza vaccination campaign.
• Lead outbreak response efforts in coordination with the local public health unit.
• Conduct research and interpret evidence-based literature in developing IPAC best practices, guidelines, tools, and resources.

The ideal candidate will have one (1) of the following qualifications and skills:

• RN/RPN degree or diploma.
• Bachelor’s degree in other healthcare related field, e.g., Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Science, Medicine or Occupational Health.

The ideal candidate must fulfill at least one (1) of the criteria listed below:

• Certified in infection control CIC or a-IPC.
• Willingness to be enrolled in the certification program within 6 months of accepting the role and commitment to be certified within one year.
• A minimum 1 to 2 years of experience in infection control is required.
• Previous experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable legislation is an asset.

Required IPAC specific education (before or after in role):

• IPAC leads must have completed any of the IPAC Canada endorsed infection prevention and control courses.
• IPAC Canada's Online Essentials in Infection Prevention and Control Course
• Centennial College, Toronto Basic Infection Prevention and Control Program (online)
• Centennial College Preventing and Controlling Infections in Non-Acute Care Settings
• Queen's University, Kingston Basic Infection Prevention and Control Program
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver Basic Infection Control Course
• Bay River College, Infection Prevention and Control Program

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.

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