Title: Infection Control Practitioner

Department: Infection Prevention and Control – Hub and Spoke

Hours of Work: Temporary Part-Time Position (Approximately 6 months); Day Shifts

Salary: Class 06 - $49.05-$58.86 per hour

Union: Non-Union

Location: Kingston General Hospital Site/Remote; travel may be required within Leeds, Grenville, Lanark, Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Hastings & Prince Edward County

DESCRIPTION

The Infection Control Practitioner (ICP), in collaboration with the South East IPAC Hub team, is responsible for supporting IPAC resiliency in congregate living settings (CLS). The immediate focus of this temporary position will focus on developing portfolios associated with congregate care sites other than Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes.  This will be achieved through partnerships with Hub and Spoke facility leaders, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor, Training & Skills Development, Public Health Units and Public Health Ontario (PHO). The purpose of the Hub and Spoke frameworks includes assessing and supporting the implementation of strong, consistent infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices in CLSs, standardizing system resources, and building IPAC capacity and structure in CLS as part of the broader integration of services within an Ontario Health Team (OHT).To achieve these goals, the role liaises with internal (Hub and Spoke sites) and external stakeholders. This position will work in partnership with other Hub and Spoke ICPs around the region to provide expert scientific and technical support related to IPAC in the field, virtually, where appropriate, and during emergent situations when required. Cross-coverage as needed. Availability of off-hours support may also be required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES & DUTIES:

Promote common approaches to infection prevention and control across the region and will perform frontline assessments (needs, risk, and clinical) of CLSs by region (cross coverage may be required):

• Promote compliance with provincial standards, directives, and best practices in infection control.
• Creates summaries, recommendations and trend findings based on evidence-informed recommendations to assist in generating action plans and follow up requirements. Supports in outbreak management response when engaged by Public Health.
• Facilitates the process for standardization of infection control practices, reporting (e.g., dashboards, metrics, score cards), and work on patient safety indicators.
• Formulates and develops specific projects that fulfill the Hub and Spoke mandate.
• Work with the IPAC Hub team to create plans with timelines, identifying roles/outcomes, ensuring all expenditures are approved and authorized within financial delegations; delivers final outcomes, evaluates project results and stakeholder engagement; participates on provincial working groups.
• Participates in the Hub and Spoke working groups. Provides regular activity reports to required committees and Hub Leadership.

Collaborates with Public Health and congregate sites to educate, coach and mentor staff

• Establish trust and rapport with CLS site staff through consistent, respectful, and culturally competent engagement.
• Develops and delivers relevant educational activities which establish a systematic approach to program goals; collaborates and shares with other Hub ICPs and participates in the delivery of educational programs; acts as a mentor for IPAC champions/leads in CLSs within the region.
• Promotes and maintains collaborative/cooperative relationships between Hub and Spoke and congregate setting stakeholders throughout the South East region.
• Promote excellence in integration and continuous improvement in IPAC activities.
• Responds and reports back to the Hub team regarding call and inquires related to IPAC practices.

Knowledge translation

• Leader in infection prevention and control by generating relevant knowledge, creating practical tools, and providing regional delivery to effectively change practice – translates knowledge into tools and resources. Takes an innovative and broad approach to regional IPAC education and standardization e.g., Community of Practice (CoP), educational sessions/offerings, tools (process and content), core competency evaluations and working groups.
• Assists in standardizing practices, policies and surveillances systems across the region with other Hub ICPs.

Program development and support

• Participates in the development of short to long-term goals, operational strategies and deliverables for improving the coordination and access to infection prevention and control resources across the region.
• Work closely with clinical leads within the hospital sites, and Public Health Units to respond to emergent issues within CLSs. Provide IPAC expertise work as the liaison between home and hospital/health unit to activate necessary resources (e.g., PPE procurement etc.) as needed. 
• Plan and coordinate special events, workshops, conferences and team meetings, including agendas, speakers, equipment bookings, room set-ups, meals, preparation and distribution of pertinent materials.

NOTE - The above duties are representative but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• University Degree in Nursing, Health-related discipline or Registered Medical Lab Technologist.
• If applicable, current registration in good standing with applicable regulatory college.
• Master’s degree and Infection Control Certification (CIC) is preferred.
• 2 years’ working experience within Infection Prevention and Control or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced communication, writing and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills including an ability to work independently as well as part of a dynamic team.
• Conflict management skills.
• Excellent time management and organization skills and able to prioritize multiple demands.
• Advanced computer skills including data entry and analysis.
• Ability to critique, organize and analyze surveillance data, microbiology lab reports, etc.
• Comprehensive knowledge of PIDAC best practices and CSA Standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of adult learning/teaching.
• Experience in designing and conducting research.
• Membership in the Community and Hospital Infection Control Association is preferred.
• Proven ability to attend work regularly.
• Satisfactory criminal reference check and vulnerable sector search required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must be able to meet the physical demands of this position.

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.
 

KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.
 

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.