IPAC Program Specialist - Jobs in Niagara, ON

Job Description

DivisionEnvironmental HealthTemporary DurationApproximate Duration: 6 monthsJob DescriptionJob SummaryReporting to the Manager, the IPAC Program Specialist will have an impact on the health and health equity of the community by being responsible for the provision of evidence-based infection prevent and control education, consultation and support across congregate settings in Niagara. The IPAC Program Specialist will also liaise with both Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in support of their on-going IPAC assessments. This position will act as an extension of the Niagara Region IPAC Hub and work in accordance with departmental expectations, Provincial Directives, IPAC best practice recommendations, and legal mandates as outlined by Provincial Ministries and the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) R.S.O. 1990.Education

• Diploma/degree in Nursing (BScN) or in Public Health and Safety (BASc) / Certified Public Health Inspector CPHI (C)
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is preferred
• Master’s degree in Health Sciences or a related field is preferred

Knowledge

• 5 years of current related experience working with congregate settings in the field of IPAC
• Minimum 5 years’ experience responding to IPAC complaints in congregate settings
• 5 years of demonstrated leadership skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required
• Ability to influence and gain acceptance, understanding and compliance in a short period of time
• Knowledge of computer software applications, including word processing and spreadsheets, preferably Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of electronic documentation software
• Proven knowledge and understanding of Infection Control Programs and implementation measures is required
• Knowledge of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Homes Act and Regulations; Occupational Health and Safety Act; and the Accreditation Process
• Current registration as a Certified Public Health Inspector with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors or as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Certified with the Certification Board of Infection Control is preferred

ResponsibilitiesIdentify and address gaps in infection prevention and control practices in a variety of settings; develop specific IPAC best practice guidance targeting the various congregate living organizations (40% of time):

• Collect information, assess, measure and analyze the ability of the various congregate settings to prevent and manage outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
• Work in collaboration with congregate setting leadership, as well as Public Health Inspector(s) / Public Health Nurse(s) to gather point-in-time information that accurately reflects potential barriers or challenges to stop the spread of infection and reduce the incidence of morbidity and mortality
• Engage with leadership at the site during analysis to plan for onsite support which may be required
• Complete further assessment of the site to identify extent of crisis, level of risk and potential for additional transmission within the home. Provide guidance and consultation on staffing levels, PPE availability and burn-rate, and make IPAC recommendations for future improvement
• Assess and review staff IPAC practices (PPE use, donning and doffing, hand hygiene and implementation of PH guidance and protocols)
• Assess internal policies and procedures, identify gaps and make recommendations for improvement

Implement support and consultative measures to prevent the site from going into outbreak or to stabilize the site (35% of time):

• Provide consultation, guidance and leadership to the administrators of community congregate setting environments regarding best practice pandemic protocols
• Support leadership to develop a staffing plan and identify staffing resources
• Support leadership to ensure capacity building of staff with IPAC measures and increasing compliance with PH measures (provide resources, suggest education strategies and help to secure required training, help problem solve barriers)
• Support leadership to ensure the site has support coordinating access to resources
• Ensure continued monitoring and surveillance of the site utilizing data to support outbreak management decisions
• Support and liaise with Public Health staff responsible for performing outbreak management and prepare/participate in outbreak meetings as needed (ensure leadership is ready to speak to updates, ensure line list is complete and accurate, ensure the home has identified questions they may have for public health to support ongoing management of the outbreak)

Liaise with Public Health staff and ensure ongoing communication and status updates with the goal of compliance (25% of time)

• Review, audit and share applicable documentation (Public Health Environmental Inspection Reports, applicable MLTC Compliance Documents, applicable MOLTSD documents)
• Work with Public Health Inspector(s) and Public Health Nurse(s) to provide daily updates on the status of an outbreak to PH (staffing, PPE, IPAC, care concerns, admissions to hospital); provide a debrief report
• Identify risks/barriers to the site for stabilizing the outbreak
• Develop and deliver education materials with assistance from Health Promoters, Public Health Inspector(s) and Public Health Nurse(s); present information in various formats for all levels of health care providers and congregate setting staff
• Support and liaise with leadership team to ensure ongoing communication with:
  • residents
  • families
  • internal outbreak team members within Niagara Region Public Health
  • Ministry of Long Term Care (regular touch base with compliance inspector)
  • Retirement Home Regulatory Authority
  • Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
  • Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development

• Identify and monitor IPAC training and practice needs - including in congregate living settings funded and overseen by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC), Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA), Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) and the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services (MCCSS).
• Strengthen current partnerships and broker new ones; support a network of IPAC service providers and experts; work to align local resources to meet IPAC needs within congregate living settings for both prevention and response. Allocate services according to a risk-based framework.
• Bring forward and escalate issues of concern that are outside of the scope of IPAC through established mechanisms with Ministry partners.

Special Requirements

• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate for the vulnerable sector.
• This position requires the incumbent to undergo and pass a Tuberculosis screen as required by the corporation.
• This position must maintain the ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations, or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business travel.
• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values

Closing StatementUncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

• Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
• Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department

Quick Apply

• Terms & Conditions
• New Privacy
• Privacy Center
• Accessibility

For Job Seekers

• Browse Jobs
• Advanced Job Search
• Emplois Quebec

For Employers

• Post a Job
• SimplyHired OnDemand

Stay Connected