PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

City of Toronto•Toronto, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reports to Manager, Control of Infectious Diseases/Infection Control and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA), and related protocols and regulations through the investigation of communicable disease cases and outbreaks and the audit of specific premises to ensure infection control standards implemented.

Requirements

Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing, and licenced as a Registered Nurse in the Province of Ontario.
Considerable experience in outbreak management of several infectious diseases.
Considerable experience in infection prevention and control in a clinical or community setting.
Considerable experience in health education and basic communicable disease epidemiology.
Considerable experience with implementation of workshops/training.
Experience with iPHIS or comparable database.
Ability to travel to and between multiple locations across Toronto within reasonable timeframes, including the secure transport of work-related materials (e.g., vaccines, medical supplies).
Ability in community development/mobilization and health promotion strategies.
Ability to provide services appropriate to clients and communities with diverse cultures, health beliefs and practices.
Ability to work flexible hours - overtime, shift work including evenings and weekends may be required.
Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams/groups and in community partnerships/networks.
Excellent facilitation skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain good public relations.

Nice To Haves

Access to a vehicle and G-class license are an asset.

Responsibilities

Provides public health nursing service for individuals, families, groups and the community according to the program specific policies and procedures and program and operational plans of Toronto Public Health (TPH),the Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice and the standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario
Carries out work in various settings, such as in health care, schools/daycares, workplaces, and TPH as required
Makes initial service response assessment; provides health information, education and counselling to the facility
Maintains individual/family/group/client/l/facility records and necessary documentation according to the policies and procedures of TPH as well as the Standards of Practice set out by the College of Nurses
Collaborates and consults with community groups, coalitions and agencies, health professionals and in partnership with the community groups to identify health needs, plan/deliver and assist in the implementation of TPH program and services
Represents TPH on assigned community networks and committees and facilitates community partnerships, and liaises with community agencies, groups or organizations to address community health issues and access to TPH program and services
Provides consultation on policy development and implementation based on appropriate legislation and best practices
Mentors, and provides orientation and training to new staff, community professionals, students and peers
Prepares, submits and presents activity reports, data and other reports, e.g., such as documentation, time and activity data collection, funding applications, professional reports (journal articles, conference abstracts),requests for proposal for managerial approval
Participates in the generation of Ministry of Health reports, requests for proposals, contracts, sole source letters, and quotes for managerial approval. Contributes to reports needed for external funding sources for managerial approval Participates in tracking and processing budget, honoraria, cash advances and petty cash
Collaborates and liaises with other professionals, community agency staff and City of Toronto staff to identify health needs and participates in the development of community partnerships and action plans to meet those needs
Appears and gives evidence in court and inquests when subpoenaed in consultation with management and legal services
Presents and participates in professional conferences and workshops. Makes presentations to other health professionals/colleagues
Participates in the development of policy, procedures and protocols and updates resources for managerial approval
Participates in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation/research of public health programs and initiatives. This includes advocacy for healthy public policy, social marketing campaigns, community mobilization, health education and skill building
Participates in the divisional planning process including the development of work plans based on operational program plans and the co-ordination of projects as determined by program specific operational plans
Provides direct care to clients in clinical settings. Provides clinical services under medical directives in certain situations and provides immediate care/action in emergency situations. Performs venipuncture, orders laboratory tests, provides prescription for and/or dispenses medications as per clinic policies and procedures. Reviews laboratory results and follows up as per clinic policies and procedures
Reviews incoming lab slips reporting communicable diseases, provides assessment, counselling, education and referral to people diagnosed with a communicable disease/completes partner notification
Collects appropriate clinical specimens for cases and contacts, and forwards them to laboratory for analysis. Reviews results and initiates further action as necessary. Investigates complaints related to infection prevention and control (IPAC) concerns and communicable disease cases and outbreaks in hospitals, long term care facilities, shelters, day nurseries, health care professional settings, and other community settings as appropriate. Inspects licensed premises, other facilities and premises for compliance with relevant Municipal, Provincial and Federal legislation. Identifies hazards, interprets the legislative requirements and develops a course of action with the client. In consultation with clients, establishes priorities, monitors progress and provides additional assistance as necessary to ensure compliance
Participates in surveillance to determine possible causes of outbreaks at the area level and liaises with institution to ensure proper outbreak management practices
Supports TPH response to emergencies requiring public health assistance