Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Contact with the public, patients/residents/clients and other members of the healthcare

team.

• May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Fast paced environment.
• Depending on site/organization, may be required to provide IP&C services at multiple

sites, provide cross-coverage for IP&C colleagues.

• May encounter individuals with aggressive behaviour.
• 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 LTC.

• Provides IP& 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.

• Performs ongoing risk assessment of site programs and practices as they relate to IP&C.
• Escalates issues to Regional IP&C LTC Lead(s) and site leadership as appropriate
• Provides expert IP&C knowledge and direction to facility staff and leadership.
• Ensures implementation, compliance and monitoring of all IP&C policies, procedures and

operational directives as directed by the Regional IP&C LTC Lead(s).

• Assists staff in decision making and problem solving as it relates to IP&C.
• Communicates IP&C concerns or issues as they relate to individual residents and

families.

• Promotes the practice of IP&C through ongoing communication and visibility in resident,

staff, and public areas.

• Responds appropriately to diagnostic/lab results of epidemiologic or public health

significance.

• Assesses clinical status and infectious disease diagnoses to determine appropriate IP&C

measures.

• Identifies possible outbreaks, initiates appropriate investigation, and directs IP&C

measures in collaboration with stakeholders in a timely manner

• Advices on and monitors IP&C assessment of residents on Additional Precautions.
• Ensures timely outbreak management and control measures and related communication

and site support.

• Adheres to established regional and provincial processes.
• Collaborates with site/facility leadership and staff to conduct IP&C audits and risk

assessments and establish risk reduction strategies as appropriate.

• Provides information and direction on IP&C to site staff as required/requested.
• Reviews content of other program’s educational material to ensure IP&C content is

accurate.

• Identifies Occupational Health & Safety IP&C safety matters, as it relates to staff and

notifies Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health/site leadership.

• Utilizes available software to develop and maintain electronic records of all surveillance

activities.

• 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.

• Performance Improvement and Implementation
• Implements IP&C improvement opportunities as directed by the Regional IP&C LTC

Lead(s).

• Participates as a team member to plan, evaluate, implement and measure the success of

quality improvement objectives at the site(s).

• Evaluates own professional needs, establish personal goals, and is responsible for on -

going continuing education and professional development.

• Attends and participates in relevant education programs, conferences, and workshops to

increase professional competency.

• Participates in IPAC Canada.
• 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.

• Maintains competencies.
• Adheres to all safety and health regulations and safe work practices as per Occupational

and Environmental Safety and Health.

• Identifies safety concerns to stakeholders as appropriate.

• Collaborates to rectify safety concerns with stakeholders as appropriate.

• Maintains competency with safety practices.

• Complies with all relevant facility, regional, and provincial policies, procedures,

standards, operational directives/procedures and other guidance documents.

• Provides cross coverage for IP&C positions within the hiring organization as required.
• Performs other duties and functions related to this job description not exceeding stated

skills and capabilities as requested.
Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree in a 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 preferred.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a clinical health care setting, OR experience and training

in microbiology and infectious diseases, epidemiology, or diagnostics.

• Previous work experience in the field of IP&C preferred.
• Current registration in good standing with professional licensing body required.
• Obtaining and maintaining membership with IPAC Canada required as a condition of

employment.

• Knowledge of the key roles and responsibilities of IP&C
• Knowledge of the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA
• Knowledge of microbiology, infectious disease, applied epidemiology and biostatistic
• Demonstrated knowledge of IP&C competencies
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively as a member of a

multidisciplinary team to achieve identified objectives

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a self-directed, independent manner with

limited supervision

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, interpret and respond appropriately to multiple

concurrent activities

• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in the use of relevant computer software applications,

including Microsoft Office.
What Extendicare has to offer:

At Extendicare, we believe that working as a team creates an environment that allows us to
reach our potential. We value each employee, encourage equal opportunity for growth and
recognize achievement. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• Continuous mentorship, support for life-long learning and growth opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement and career growth within the organization
• A rewarding and meaningful work experience where you can enrich your life and the

lives of others through your work.

• Employee Family Assistance Program.
• Robust benefits package.

Extendicare is a leading provider of care and services for seniors throughout Canada.
Through our network of over 115 operated senior care and living centres, as well as our
home health care operations, we are committed to delivering care throughout the health
care continuum to meet the needs of a growing seniors’ population in Canada. Our qualified
and highly trained workforce of 23,700 individuals are united by a dedication to quality care
and by our vision of being the best provider of senior care and services in Canada

Time Type:

Full time

When you choose to build your career with Extendicare, you’re joining a team dedicated to making a difference. By focusing our energy on enriching the lives of our residents every day, we transform both the quality of their lives and the quality of our own work experiences.

If you have a passion for caring, turn it into a rewarding career with Extendicare!

Extendicare and affiliated organizations including our partner homes in Extendicare Assist, accommodate the needs of job applicants throughout its recruitment and selection processes upon request.