Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner, Infection Control - BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner, Infection Control

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Port Coquitlam, BC

Are you ready to make a difference? The Infection Prevention and Control team, a Provincial Health Services Authority program, seeks passionate individuals to support IPAC practice across PHSA programs.

PHSA clinical programs provide specialized care to patient populations across the province, and these unique patient populations are reflected in the diversity of IPAC initiatives.

At our core, we aim to cultivate vibrant communities where everyone can achieve optimal health and well-being right where they live, work, learn, and play.

If you're driven by the desire to create positive change and contribute to healthier communities, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for! Apply now to join our innovative team and make a difference that matters.

As the Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner, you will support multiple sites for BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, with an active role in the prevention, surveillance and control of health care associated infections.

This is a multi-site position, and you will be required to carry out duties at various sites throughout the Province.

What you’ll do

• Monitor and audit compliance of departments, patients, visitors, employees, contracted providers, students / residents, and volunteers with effective infection prevention and control policies and procedures including routine practices and precautions.
• Monitor application and compliance of IPAC practices in all inpatient units, outpatient units and program service areas, and acts as a member of the interdisciplinary team while discussing and problem solving various IPAC issues related to patient movement, isolation, outbreaks, etc.
• Act as a clinical resource to provide a best practice, standard approach to IPAC related practices in all clinical areas through policy, education, consultation, auditing and QI.
• Provide in the moment education to patients, visitors, employees, contracted providers, students / residents, and volunteers on infection prevention and control topics and issues.
• Participate in development and delivery of ongoing education programs to employees, contracted providers, students / residents, and volunteers on issues such as routine practices, preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and cleaning and disinfection.
• Represent IPAC by participating in appropriate committees as the IPAC consultant on issues such as Employee Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Supply and Equipment, Construction, and Environmental Cleaning Services.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the community at large, such as Public Health Department, Tuberculosis Control and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
• Participates in the assessment, selection and monitoring of new equipment as it relates to infection prevention and control.
• Consult regarding planning renovations / construction to ensure infection prevention and control standards are incorporated into design.

What you bring

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Minimum of three (3) years' recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Recognized post graduate Infection Control education and / or certification (Certification Board for Infection Control).
• A valid BC Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for business related purposes, as required.
• Travel outside of existing geographic area and / or overnight travel may be required, and will be compensated in accordance with applicable collective agreement language.
• Note : For certain facilities, you may require continually updated knowledge of changes and developments in the practice of psychiatric nursing and of applicable Federal and Provincial legislation (the Criminal Code of Canada, Forensic Psychiatry Act, the Mental Health Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Young Offenders Act, Public Trustee Act, etc.

You will also have :

• Effective leadership, interpersonal, teaching and communication skills.
• Good negotiating skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of technology and software applications such as electronic medical record software, database software, Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have : Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future.

That’s why we’re focused on your care too offering health, wellness, development programs to support you at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province.

Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include : Respect people Be compassionate Dare to innovate Cultivate partnerships Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs :

PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation.

True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination.

Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.