Infection Control Support Associate, (ICSA), PCH

QUALIFICATIONS
* This position provides service to Minnedosa PCH, Wawanesa PCH, Tiger Hills - Treherne PCH, Glenboro PCH, Baldur PCH and Bayside PCH - Killarney.
* Baccalaureate degree in health-related field with focus in direct clinical care, microbiology, epidemiology or public health
* Completion of an IPAC Canada endorsed Infection Prevention and Control Course.
* Successful candidate will be expected to complete course within 1 year of hire if not already completed
* Certification in Infection Control from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Incorporated will be considered
* Two (2) years of professional experience in a Health Care setting OR experience and training in microbiology and infectious diseases, Epidemiology, or diagnostics
* Previous work experience in the field of Infection Prevention and Control
* Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License, or equivalent from province of residence, and access to a personal vehicle to provide service within Prairie Mountain Health
* Proficiency with Microsoft programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), as well as Internet applications and other Information Technology
* Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work independently
* Demonstrated problem solving and decision-making skills
* Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures in a changing environment
* Demonstrated knowledge and competence of skills and concepts related to the position
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
* Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis
* Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
* Ability to work effectively and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, clients and within interdisciplinary team

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of site leadership and receiving Infection Prevention & Control (IP&C) clinical leadership and direction from the Regional IP&C PCH Leads and working within the Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Direction of Prairie Mountain Health, the ICP performs key responsibilities including:

• Implements, monitors, and evaluates site’s adherence to provincial and regional IP&C policies, procedures, and operational directives and implements actions to ensure consistency of practice and compliance.

• Directs staff and oversees timely implementation of recommended IP&C measures.

• Communicates and collaborates regarding IP&C issues with site management and regional IP&C leadership.

• Ensures compliance with established provincial and regional infection control surveillance in PCH.

• Provides IP&C guidance including: routine practices and additional precautions, sterilization, disinfection and cleaning processes, outbreak management, construction, renovation and maintenance activities including preventative measures for resident safety, and consultation with workplace health safety personnel on staff issues associated with prevention and control of communicable disease transmission.

Overview:

1. Performs ongoing risk assessment of site programs and practices as they relate to IP&C.
2. Escalates issues to Regional IP&C PCH Lead(s) and site leadership as appropriate.
3. Provides expert IP&C knowledge and direction to facility staff and leadership.
4. Ensures implementation, compliance and monitoring of all IP&C policies, procedures and operational directives as directed by the Regional IP&C PCH Lead(s).
5. Assists staff in decision making and problem solving as it relates to IP&C.
6. Communicates IP&C concerns or issues as they relate to individual residents and families.
7. Promotes the practice of IP&C through ongoing communication and visibility in resident, staff, and public areas.
8. Provides ongoing surveillance of targeted healthcare associated infections utilizing surveillance definitions and methodologies in accordance with regional and provincial direction.
9. Reviews, analyzes and interprets diagnostic/lab results appropriately.
10. Responds appropriately to diagnostic/lab results of epidemiologic or public health significance.
11. Assesses clinical status and infectious disease diagnoses to determine appropriate IP&C measures.
12. Identifies possible outbreaks, initiates appropriate investigation, and directs IP&C measures in collaboration with stakeholders in a timely manner
13. Advices on and monitors IP&C assessment of residents on Additional Precautions.
14. Ensures timely outbreak management and control measures and related communication and site support. Adheres to established regional and provincial processes.
15. Collaborates with site/facility leadership and staff to conduct IP&C audits and risk assessments and establish risk reduction strategies as appropriate.
16. Provides information and direction on IP&C to site staff as required/requested.
17. Reviews content of other program’s educational material to ensure IP&C content is accurate.
18. Identifies Occupational Health & Safety IP&C safety matters, as it relates to staff and notifies Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health/site leadership.
19. Utilizes available software to develop and maintain electronic records of all surveillance activities.
20. Utilizes available electronic resources appropriately to gather, validate, and document IP&C data; develop, generate, and distribute IP&C reports, documents and files; and communicate, maintain calendars, and prioritize tasks.
21. Implements IP&C improvement opportunities as directed by the Regional IP&C PCH Lead(s).
22. Participates as a team member to plan, evaluate, implement and measure the success of quality improvement objectives at the site(s).
23. Evaluates own professional needs, establish personal goals, and is responsible for on-going continuing education and professional development.
24. Attends and participates in relevant education programs, conferences, and workshops to increase professional competency.
25. Participates in IPAC Canada.
26. Strives for IP&C certification following 1 year of practice (and re-certification every five years) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
27. Maintains competencies.
28. Adheres to all safety and health regulations and safe work practices as per Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health.
29. Identifies safety concerns to stakeholders as appropriate.
30. Collaborates to rectify safety concerns with stakeholders as appropriate.
31. Maintains competency with safety practices.
32. Complies with all relevant facility, regional, and provincial policies, procedures, standards, operational directives/procedures and other guidance documents.
33. Provides cross coverage for IP&C positions within the hiring organization as required.
34. Other duties as assigned