Infection Control Practitioner

Position Description

The Infection Prevention Control Department (IPAC) is currently seeking a full-time, temporary (6 months) Infection Control Practitioner.

Reporting to the Manager, Infection Prevention & Control, the ICP works in compliance with infection prevention and control best practice standards, guidelines and relevant regulations (e.

g. PIDAC best practice standards, MOH Directives, Toronto Public Health guidelines). Has a working knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and relevant regulations.

This position requires the regular reviewing, revision, development and maintenance of the present systems of identifying, recording and reporting of infections in patients.

The staff holding this position will maintain regular contact with all patient programs, and fully investigate all potential and actual infectious issues;

and report communicable disease to Toronto Public Health as required by legislation. You will lead outbreak management and liaise with Toronto Public Health and key stakeholders including unit leadership to implement necessary infection prevention and control protocols and measures.

You will conduct unit and hospital-wide infection control inspections and hand hygiene audits and monitor organizational compliance with infection prevention and control practices.

In addition, the ICP will assist programs, including Health Safety & Wellness (Occupational Health & Safety Services), in formation and adherence to infection control policies and procedures and ensure the ongoing development and maintenance of a continuous Infection Prevention and Control Program including regular education for staff, patient and visitors including in-services and orientation.

You will be oriented to work across all clinical inpatient and outpatient areas : Emergency / Acute, Forensics / Rehab, and specialty populations - Addictions, Adult Neurodevelopmental, Geriatrics, pediatrics and transitional-aged youth.

You will support and contribute to a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

This position is located at the Queen Street Site and involves weekend work.

Qualifications The successful candidate will have three (3) years of related clinical and / or laboratory experience in Infection Prevention and Control and one (1) year in a hospital environment or public health setting is preferred.

You will have attained a Bachelor Degree in nursing or other healthcare / clinical related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

If in a regulated health care discipline, the candidate must show proof of registration and be a member in good standing within their respective College.

The successful candidate will have completed an IPAC Canada endorsed education program. You will have obtained Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) or a commitment to obtain same within two (2) years of hire.

A demonstrated understanding of infectious diseases and their prevention is required along with a proven commitment to continuing education in infection prevention and control.

You will have demonstrated knowledge of the patient care process particularly as it relates to Mental Health.Experience or working knowledge of infection control practices during construction is an asset.

Standard First Aid certificate and B.C.L.S. are required.

You will possess superior interpersonal, communication, organizational and teaching skills, statistics, epidemiology, research and adult education.

The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of patient safety and continuous quality improvement principles.

You have proven problem solving and conflict resolution skills and documented initiative and commitment to continuing professional development.

Solid knowledge of computer programs such as MS Office Suite, Electronic Medical Record and infection prevention control software is required as is the ability to work with clients of a diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

Bilingualism (French / English) is considered an asset.