Infection Control Support Associate

Extendicare • Winnipeg, MB

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of site leadership and receiving IP&C clinical leadership and direction from the Regional IP&C LTC Leads and working within the Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Direction of the hiring organization, the ICP performs key responsibilities. This role involves contact with the public, patients/residents/clients and other members of the healthcare team. The environment is fast-paced and may require sitting or standing for extended periods. Depending on the site/organization, the associate may be required to provide IP&C services at multiple sites and provide cross-coverage for IP&C colleagues. The role may also involve encountering individuals with aggressive behavior.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in a health-related field with focus in direct clinical care, microbiology, epidemiology, or public health.
• Completion of an IPAC Canada endorsed Infection Prevention and Control Course. Successful candidate will be expected to complete course within 1 year of hire if not already completed.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a clinical health care setting, OR experience and training in microbiology and infectious diseases, epidemiology, or diagnostics.
• Current registration in good standing with professional licensing body required.
• Obtaining and maintaining membership with IPAC Canada required as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of the key roles and responsibilities of IP&C.
• Knowledge of the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).
• Knowledge of microbiology, infectious disease, applied epidemiology and biostatistic.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IP&C competencies.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team to achieve identified objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a self-directed, independent manner with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, interpret and respond appropriately to multiple concurrent activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in the use of relevant computer software applications, including Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Infection Control from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Incorporated preferred.
• Previous work experience in the field of IP&C preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implements, monitors, and evaluates site’s adherence to provincial and regional IP&C policies, procedures, and operational directives and implements actions to ensure consistency of practice and compliance.
• Directs staff and oversees timely implementation of recommended IP&C measures.
• Communicates and collaborates regarding IP&C issues with site management and regional IP&C leadership.
• Ensures compliance with established provincial and regional infection control surveillance in LTC.
• Provides IP& guidance including: routine practices and additional precautions, sterilization, disinfection and cleaning processes, outbreak management, construction, renovation and maintenance activities including preventative measures for resident safety and consultation with workplace health safety personnel on staff issues associated with prevention and control of communicable disease transmission.
• Performs ongoing risk assessment of site programs and practices as they relate to IP&C.
• Escalates issues to Regional IP&C LTC Lead(s) and site leadership as appropriate.
• Provides expert IP&C knowledge and direction to facility staff and leadership.
• Ensures implementation, compliance and monitoring of all IP&C policies, procedures and operational directives as directed by the Regional IP&C LTC Lead(s).
• Assists staff in decision making and problem solving as it relates to IP&C.
• Communicates IP&C concerns or issues as they relate to individual residents and families.
• Promotes the practice of IP&C through ongoing communication and visibility in resident, staff, and public areas.
• Responds appropriately to diagnostic/lab results of epidemiologic or public health significance.
• Assesses clinical status and infectious disease diagnoses to determine appropriate IP&C measures.
• Identifies possible outbreaks, initiates appropriate investigation, and directs IP&C measures in collaboration with stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Advises on and monitors IP&C assessment of residents on Additional Precautions.
• Ensures timely outbreak management and control measures and related communication and site support.
• Adheres to established regional and provincial processes.
• Collaborates with site/facility leadership and staff to conduct IP&C audits and risk assessments and establish risk reduction strategies as appropriate.
• Provides information and direction on IP&C to site staff as required/requested.
• Reviews content of other program’s educational material to ensure IP&C content is accurate.
• Identifies Occupational Health & Safety IP&C safety matters, as it relates to staff and notifies Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health/site leadership.
• Utilizes available software to develop and maintain electronic records of all surveillance activities.
• Utilizes available electronic resources appropriately to gather, validate, and document IP&C data; develop, generate, and distribute IP&C reports, documents and files; and communicate, maintain calendars, and prioritize tasks.
• Implements IP&C improvement opportunities as directed by the Regional IP&C LTC Lead(s).
• Participates as a team member to plan, evaluate, implement and measure the success of quality improvement objectives at the site(s).
• Evaluates own professional needs, establish personal goals, and is responsible for on-going continuing education and professional development.
• Attends and participates in relevant education programs, conferences, and workshops to increase professional competency.
• Participates in IPAC Canada.
• Strives for IP&C certification following 1 year of practice (and re-certification every five years) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
• Maintains competencies.
• Adheres to all safety and health regulations and safe work practices as per Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health.
• Identifies safety concerns to stakeholders as appropriate.
• Collaborates to rectify safety concerns with stakeholders as appropriate.
• Maintains competency with safety practices.
• Complies with all relevant facility, regional, and provincial policies, procedures, standards, operational directives/procedures and other guidance documents.
• Provides cross coverage for IP&C positions within the hiring organization as required.
• Performs other duties and functions related to this job description not exceeding stated skills and capabilities as requested.

Benefits

• Continuous mentorship, support for life-long learning and growth opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement and career growth within the organization
• A rewarding and meaningful work experience where you can enrich your life and the lives of others through your work.
• Employee Family Assistance Program.
• Robust benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level