Associate Director of Care - Infection Prevention and Control - Temporary Full-Time (12 Months)

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Care – Infection Prevention and Control manages and oversees the infection prevention and control program ensuring there is an organized and implemented IPAC program in the care communities. The Associate Director will ensure practices promote the safety of residents, visitors and team members while meeting regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Surveillance

• Oversee the delivery of infection prevention and control education to all staff, caregivers, volunteers, visitors, and residents
• Coordinate and implement IPAC practices
• Ensure surveillance and screening program in place for residents and team members
• Coordinate surveillance data daily using the electronic health record and other tools to monitor infection trends and act on any results to reduce risk/spread of infections
• Consult with physicians and nurse practitioners on laboratory results and trending data to promote antibiotic stewardship
• Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary team on the clinical management of residents based on infection

Outbreak Management

• Ensure team members are following IPAC processes, compliance to PPE, donning and doffing and hand hygiene practices
• Provide training, coaching and education to ensure compliance
• Issue discipline related to non‑compliance with IPAC protocol and guidelines as required
• Provide management reports to identify trends regarding non‑compliance
• Attend management forums to address discipline issues and identify trends to ensure compliance
• Collaborate with Public Health to manage outbreaks, update line lists and communicate data accuracy to partners
• Coordinate all activities during outbreaks, including daily meetings, documented minutes and follow‑up actions to provide oversight to the LTC
• Summarize outbreak analysis and trending for communication at Infection Prevention & Control Committee/Professional Advisory Committee

Mentoring

• Provide education and coaching to team members on IPAC practices
• Create content to assist with educating residents, team members, and visitors regarding Public Health guidelines
• Conduct orientation and mentoring of new IPAC champions within the care community
• Assist with coordination and orientation of new hires, students, volunteers, contracted services on IPAC practices
• Complete just‑in‑time training to staff on safe IPAC practices
• Provide on‑the‑spot training and coaching to ensure compliance

Quality Improvement

• Implement quality improvement initiatives that may result from internal and external visits
• Conduct at least quarterly Infection Control Meetings; prepare agenda, record minutes and develop action plans related to infection control practices
• Participate in and ensure coordination of annual flu clinics and immunization programs
• Conduct scheduled quality improvement audits, including hand hygiene, PPE, equipment cleaning and disinfection procedures
• Audit compliance to cleaning and disinfectant procedures across all departments and contracted services such as hairdresser, physiotherapy
• Complete annual evaluation of the Infection Prevention and Control Program

Safety

• Ensure hand hygiene program in accordance with all applicable standards and protocols
• Complete monthly health and safety inspections for IPAC and safety practices
• Identify and report health and safety hazards for residents and team members
• Coordinate and conduct respiratory mask fit testing, training and ensure compliance to training requirements
• Work in accordance with the organization’s Health and Safety Policies and procedures and the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Maintain confidentiality regarding personal data and access to data
• Perform other duties as assigned

Operational Experience

• Ensure quality care and a safe, effective, and efficient work environment
• Be knowledgeable of the Resident Bill of Rights, LTCHA and regulations and promote a resident‑first philosophy
• Ensure resident and family satisfaction and continuous quality improvement initiatives are promoted
• Lead in the coordination and implementation of best practice and risk management initiatives related to resident care
• Conduct regular audits and in‑services to ensure continuous quality improvement with other leaders and departments

People Leadership and Management

• Direct, supervise, evaluate and manage performance of personal support workers and registered team members with support of the Director of Care
• Lead, coach and mentor team members; support continued learning opportunities and foster a positive working environment
• Experience in a unionized work environment and implement progressive discipline practices as required
• Collaborate with the Director of Care in implementing and evaluating nursing department initiatives and functions
• Work with the Director of Care and other leaders to conduct investigations and produce associated findings reports

Qualifications

• University degree in a related discipline (e.g., nursing, laboratory, epidemiology, and other allied health) or equivalent combination of education and experience an asset
• Associate – Infection Prevention & Control (a‑IPC) and/or Certification in Infection Control (CIC) an asset
• A Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse an asset
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in infection control required
• Previous experience in long‑term care or health care sector preferred
• Good understanding of adult learning principles and teaching methods to facilitate learning
• Knowledge of the Long‑Term Care Act & Regulations preferred
• Customer service related experience an asset
• Strong oral and written communication skills required
• Ability to organize, plan and work independently
• Ability to collaborate and work in teams
• Proficient computer skills with Word, Excel and electronic document software
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to upgrade and maintain personal and educational qualifications as required by the changing demands of the job

Salary Range: $90,000 – $113,000

PCH is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism. We believe diverse and inclusive teams support strong decision making, foster a culture of belonging and allow us to better serve our people, residents, and community. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we are committed to providing accommodations and will work with employees to meet their needs through the recruitment process. If you are a person with a disability and require assistance during the application process, please let us know. We embrace an inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply.