In this role you will:- Provide advanced infection prevention and control expertise, advice, and consultation to patient care programs, hospital support departments, and individual staff, patients, and families on complex IPAC issues
- Ensure compliance with legislative and accreditation standards; review literature and guidelines to assess impact and develop action plans; evaluate, revise, and update hospital policies as needed
- Work with patient care and hospital support programs to supervise the development and evaluation of infection prevention and control practice
- Investigate patient complaints related to IPAC and work with departments to implement action plans in response
- Support Occupational Health Wellness and Safety in communicable disease management and provide expert advice regarding vaccination programs
- Evaluate new products and equipment for their infection risks and work with users to develop solutions for implementation
- Develop and supervise the implementation of appropriate preventative measures to protect patients and staff during construction and renovation activities
- Review, select and distribute appropriate new scientific literature to stakeholders
- Conduct risk assessments of existing and emerging infection prevention and control threats using specialized knowledge to guide risk analysis and develop solutions
- Stay current with evolving infectious disease threats and management recommendations, while participating in research to enhance the hospital's ability to protect patients and staff from infections
- Supervise the development, implementation, and evaluation of surveillance and quality improvement programs, conduct patient surveillance activities, and lead quality improvement teams to ensure best practices and proactive strategies in preventing hospital-acquired infection
- Perform epidemiological analysis of outbreak and surveillance data
- Secure cooperation of multiple departments for the development of solutions to infection control problems and for adoption of improved preventive practice
- Develop and implement strategies to prevent and manage outbreaks, lead investigations into exposure incidents, provide risk assessments, chair outbreak management meetings, and coordinate debriefing sessions to reduce outbreak risks in patient care areas
- Liaise with external partners such as Toronto Public Health, Public Health Ontario, and other health care organizations to manage communicable diseases, improve infection prevention practices, and collaborate on regulatory and equipment improvements
- Participate in relevant professional associations
- Develop, implement, and evaluate infection prevention and control education programs for hospital staff, volunteers, and contractors, including orientation, and for patients and families, assessing educational needs and modifying programs as necessary
- Perform other duties consistent with the job classification as required
Job Requirements:Mandatory
- Bachelor's degree in relevant health science discipline required from a recognized educational institution; Master's in epidemiology, quality and patient safety or related area preferred
- 5 years of experience in infection prevention and control in an acute care setting
- Applicants with proven equivalent and related training and experience may also be considered
- Current registration with relevant professional college required
- Experience with medical microbiology and patient safety
Preferred
- Current registration with the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC). To be completed within two years of employment
- Active membership in local and national infection prevention and control associations
Skills and Knowledge
- Knowledgeable in infection control practices, microbiology, infectious diseases, epidemiology and statistical analysis
- Motivated self-starter with initiative and strong project management, organizational, problem-solving and coaching skills
- Proven leadership, team building and collaborative communication skills
- Demonstrated ability in settings of outbreaks or new risks to identify and access most appropriate expert resources and mobilize interdisciplinary response
- Demonstrated ability to work with individuals and teams to integrate knowledge into clinical practice
- Possesses knowledge of and is able to utilize educational principles in program development and teaching
- Experienced in evaluative research and/or adult education
- Demonstrated satisfactory work performance and attendance history
Note: Occasional evening and weekend work, along with on-call responsibilities are required for this position
If this sounds like you and you feel ready to advance your career within infection prevention and control, apply now and let us know why you would be a great addition to our team!
This is a Temporary contract for up to Eighteen [18] months.Job Type: Temporary Full Time
Hours (subject to change): 37.5 hours per week
Vacancy Type: New/Replacement Vacancy
Vacancies: 1
Employee Group: Non-Union
