Ipac Lead - Hiring Immediately

We are looking for a remarkable IPAC Lead to join our awesome team at Southbridge Care Homes in Warkworth, ON.
Growing your career as a Full Time IPAC Lead is a fantastic opportunity to develop productive skills.
If you are strong in cooperation, leadership and have the right personality for the job, then apply for the position of IPAC Lead at Southbridge Care Homes today!
Job Posting Number: 3 - Posted June 12, 2023
Position: IPAC Lead – Warkworth Place
Department: IPAC-Nursing
Status: Temporary Part-time (3 days/week for approximately 1 year)
Rate: TBD
Candidates are invited to apply for the above-mentioned position to work at our Warkworth Place home, located in Warkworth ON.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director and the Regional IPAC Specialist, the IPAC Lead will be a resident safety expert who leads the planning, development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of system-wide improvements in infection prevention and control and serve as a role model to promote the goals of the IPAC program within the context of the vision and mission of Southbridge. You will facilitate change through interpretation and application of standards and provide best practice recommendations with the ultimate goal of improving resident outcomes and preventing disease outbreaks.
As the IPAC Lead in the home you will be accountable for…
CATERGORY
TASK
Communication and stakeholder engagement

• Ensure roll out of directives and recommendations from the local public health and other regulatory bodies
• Establish and maintain effective communication with the regional IPAC specialist
• Assist in inspection tours in the home
• Assists in response to stakeholder inquiries related to IPAC process or outcomes

Reporting

• Report immediately to the regional IPAC specialist any high risks issues requiring attention
• Submit weekly reports to the Ministry on COVID-19 rapid test and vaccination status

Education

• Train IPAC champions on audit completion and expectations
• Track the delivery and effectiveness of IPAC huddles
• Perform annual in-class IPAC education for all employees
• Ensure all new employees complete the web-based Surge learning IPAC education before starting their first shift
• Track employee education and ensure staff are up to date in their mandatory education
• Deliver in-class IPAC education to all new employees within one month of hire

IPAC Assessment

• Monitor and ensure implementation of corrective actions
• Collaborate in quarterly IPAC assessments conducted by the regional IPAC specialist
• Conduct audits to ensure sustainability of the action plan effectiveness
• Lead the investigations of IPAC breaches
• Participate in the development of corrective action plans after each inspection

Audits
Ensure IPAC audits are performed in all home areas in all shift and targets are met. I dentify any barriers to compliance
The Audits Include But Not Limited To

• Hand hygiene
• PPE donning and doffing
• Break room and smoking area audits
• Cleaning and disinfection (Glo germ and ATP)

Review the following IPAC procedures and processes and ensure alignment with PIDAC best practices:

• Disposal of sharps
• Dietary services processes
• Environmental cleaning and disinfection
• Waste handling, storage and disposal.
• Linen handling and cleaning.
• Programs and recreational activities
• Reusable equipment handling and disinfection.

Ensure homes are meeting daily audit targets in every shift in every unit
Audits staff and visitor screening logs daily
Identify and report safety hazards, conduct regular safety inspections and follow safe working practices and behavior;
Infection surveillance

• Track infection rates (incl. wound/skin, UTI, ARI, GE, MRSA, VRE, CPE, ESBL, etc.) and submit monthly infection reports
• Develop line list and ensure all symptomatic residents are tested and appropriately isolated and cohorted
• Ensure 24-hour symptoms surveillance is done

IPAC committee and meetings

• Chair IPAC committee meetings
• Ensure the implementation of recommendations from the IPAC and PAC meetings
• Ensure documentation of minutes

Outbreak management
Lead outbreak management meetings and provide daily report

• Support the c reation of Line list
• Assist the ED with communication material to all resident, staff, & POA’s
• Ensure appropriate signage are in place
• Serve as liaison with the local public health under the direction of the regional IPAC specialist
• Support the establishment of case definition
• Ensure screening and testing of symptomatic residents

Immunization program

• Coordinates the immunization program
• Ensure all new hires provide proof of relevant immunization, e.g., TB, MMR, Varicella, HBsAg, Dtap, annual flu, COVID-19, etc.
• Ensure all new residents have received the required vaccine upon or during admission
• Keep a comprehensive record of residents and staff immunization

Rapid Intervention Support
Serve as a rapid intervention team member to be deployed to other Southbridge homes to provide support in outbreak management if needed
IPAC consultation

• Respond to emails or telephone consultation on IPAC issues in a timely manner
• Provide expert guidance on facility design, maintenance, and construction projects;
• Serve as an IPAC resource to the home and facilitate change through interpretation and application of standards with the ultimate goal of improving resident outcomes and preventing disease outbreaks

COVID-19 antigen testing

• Tack and reconcile staff testing and follow up with staff as appropriate
• Responsible for coordination of COVID-19 antigen testing and reporting

Occupation health

• In consultation with HR lead in the home, monitor RTW and modified duties related to IPAC
• Keep track on work exclusion and return to work determination
• Lead the respond to all work place blood and body fluid exposure incidents
• Responsible for documenting and following up on all staff sick calls

PPE tracking and stocking

• Ensure PPE carts are stocked daily with the appropriate PPE
• Ensure adequate PPE stock is available as per policy
• Track PPE inventory and report burn rate to ED

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:

• RN/RPN degree or diploma.
• Bachelor’s degree in other healthcare related field, e.g., Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Science, Medicine or Occupational Health.

The ideal candidate must fulfill at least one of the criteria listed below:

• A minimum 1 to 2 years of experience in infection control is required.
• Previous experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable legislation is an asset.
• Willingness to be enrolled in the certification program within 6 months of accepting the role and commitment to be certified within one year.
• Certified in infection control CIC or a-IPC.

Required IPAC Specific Education
IPAC leads must have completed any of the IPAC Canada endorsed infection prevention and control courses.
Please submit application to Barbara Pointon ED by June 19, 2023.
View email address on southbridgecarehomes.applytojob.com
Southbridge Care Homes welcomes those applicants with disability related needs and those whom a need for accommodation in the recruitment process. Please provide notice of your need for accommodation to the hiring manager upon scheduling of an interview.
Benefits of working as a IPAC Lead in Warkworth, ON:

• Opportunities to grow
• Attractive package
• Learning opportunities