IPAC Lead

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Ottawa, ON

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Infection Prevention and Control Lead ensures that the infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures are in place for the health and safety of residents, staff and families. The IPAC Lead conducts surveillance, audits IPAC practices in the home, and maintains compliance and accountability by follow-up supervision and teaching. This role ensures that the mandated Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care processes and standards are implemented, monitored, analyzed and evaluated on an ongoing basis. The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda for over 130 years, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter, and supporting those experiencing unemployment, addiction, and family challenges. As a faith- and values-based organization, it hires and serves people of all backgrounds, committed to its mission of sharing the love of Jesus Christ, meeting human needs, and being a transforming influence.

Requirements

Appropriate current certificate of competence from the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse or equivalent degree.
A clear VSC, with results acceptable to TSA, completed in the last 3 months
A negative TB test, 2 step or chest x-ray, completed in the last 3 months
3-5 years of IPAC experience
Previous similar experience in Long-Term Care with comprehensive knowledge of duties
Knowledge in best practices of Infection Prevention and Control
Experience chairing various committees
Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills
Excellent communication (verbal and written) and comprehension skills
Able to provide coaching and mentoring to staff
Strong sense of integrity, fairness, flexibility and confidentiality with professional ethics
A serving heart and a passion for caring for seniors

Nice To Haves

Current certification in infection control from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (preferable) or enrollment in an appropriate course on track for completion within 2 years

Responsibilities

Implements any surveillance protocols directed for a particular communicable disease or disease of public health significance, and any standard or protocol issued by the Director (Ministry) with respect to Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)
Ensures an interdisciplinary team approach to the co-ordination and implementation of the program
Managing and overseeing the IPAC Program including the delivery of IPAC education to all staff, caregivers, volunteers, visitors and residents.
Convenes the interdisciplinary team (IPAC Lead, Medical Director, Director of Care (or designate, and Medical Officer of Health at least quarterly and more frequently during outbreaks.
Convenes an ad hoc outbreak team at the outset of an Outbreak, and regularly throughout the Outbreak, and reviews the information gathered.
Reviews daily and monthly screening results to determine whether any action is required.
Implement any required actions or improvements
Implements and maintains the Hand Hygiene (HH) Program, ensuring all staff participation
Ensures that on every shift, symptoms indicating possible infection are monitored, recorded and immediate action taken to reduce transmission, such as isolating residents (Cohort as required)
Analyze daily information gathered to detect presence of infection, and review at least monthly for the purpose of reducing incidents of infection and outbreaks
Monitors for Health alerts and develops a written plan for responding to infectious outbreaks
Ensures every resident admitted must be screened for TB within 14 days (unless already screened in the previous 90 days).
Ensure immunizations against influenza, Covid-19 are offered throughout year at appropriate times.
Residents are offered immunizations against Pneumococcus, Tetanus/Diphtheria pertussis.
Manages the staff immunization program.
Monitors staff compliance with policies, public health directives, best practices and guidelines,
Coordinates the Home’s vaccine program, including ordering, storage, administration of vaccine and reporting of data to Ottawa Public Health
Coordinates mask fit testing for all staff and essential visitors as per regulations
Ensures the Homes cleaning and disinfecting protocols are in place and followed
Maintains the Homes pandemic plan
Reviewing daily and monthly screening results to determine whether action is required
Evaluates and develops action plans to address any deficiencies in procedures or practices
Upholds established coaching and disciplinary process for any staff resistant to IPAC protocols
Performs testing for Covid, Influenza A& B, RSV on the Abbott ID Now machine
Assesses residents to determine eligibility for Abbott ID Now testing
Available to assist or teach (to who) Nasal Pharyngeal swabbing
Evaluates and updates the program at least annually.
Keeps a written record of evaluations (dates, attendance, summary of changes, date of change implementations)
Maybe be required to fill in registered staff when needed
Ensures proper usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensures appropriate PCR testing, and use of Abbott ID Now Tests in house