Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Specialist - Acute Care/Community - Surrey

Fraser Health continues to be recognized as one of BC's Top Employers, are you someone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Do you embody qualities of empathy, understanding and acceptance? If you've answered yes then we want you to keep reading.

Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations. Our team of nearly 40,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.

Effective October 26th 2021, all new hires to Fraser Health will need to have full COVID 19 vaccination (have received a full series of a World Health Organization “WHO” approved vaccine against infection by SARS-COV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines). Please note this applies to all postings, and individual medical exemptions must be approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

Position Highlights

We hire great people for outstanding jobs. We have an exciting Full Time opportunity for an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Specialist to work within community and acute care settings is expected from this regional role.  This position is based in Central City located in Surrey, BC.

Your specific job duties will include:

• Collaborates with health care leaders and physicians to provide leadership and IPC expertise in the assessment, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of systems improvement and culture change initiatives designed to improve IPC systems and processes.
• Plans and oversees IPC projects and system changes over multiple sites and programs across FH utilizing project management framework; develops and implements consistent and streamlined IPC processes, policies, procedures, and protocols, and evaluates their effectiveness.
• Reviews and determines impact assessment of changed systems; makes recommendations on further changes including assessment of competencies, resource levels, and other considerations.
• Leads culture change initiatives designed to improve quality of care, service utilization, safety, and risk reduction.
• Provides leadership in the development of client safety and risk indicators; alert systems, and other risk prevention strategies.
• Develops and implements communication strategies and engagement opportunities to ensure input, buy-in, and support by stakeholders and key support areas.
• Identifies learning needs of clinical, program, and IPC Practitioner (IPCP) teams related to IPC methodology, tools, and system processes; develops, implements, and evaluates education resources to meet those needs; develops and maintains IPC resource material and promotional information.
• Provides leadership for outbreak management activities; evaluates and determines root cause; provides recommendations for changes and improvements.

Are you motivated to join the team? We will be looking for you to have the following:

• Masters degree in a health sciences discipline. Current registration with relevant governing professional association.

• Three (3) years relevant clinical experience in an Infection Control program plus completion of a Sponsored or Endorsed IPAC Course as stated by IPAC Canada.

• Certificate of Infection Control (CIC) as approved by the Certified Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), or willingness to complete certification within two (2) years of position start date.

• Valid BC Driver’s License; access to a vehicle for business-related purposes.

Take the next step and apply so we can continue the conversation with you.

Work with an experienced and dedicated team and join our dedication to provide quality care to our patients and clients. We invite you to apply today and find out why more than 95% of new employees recommend Fraser Health to their friends and family as a phenomenal place to work! We value diversity in the work force and aim to maintain an environment of Respect, Caring & Trust.

Curious to learn what it’s like to work here? Like us on Facebook (@fraserhealthcareers), follow us on Twitter & Instagram (@FHCareer), or connect with us on LinkedIn (fraserhealthcareers) for first-hand employee insights.

The Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Specialist works in partnership with operational and clinical leaders across Fraser Health (FH) on IPC initiatives to provide leadership and IPC expertise in the assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation of new systems for both site and program based models, in support of clinical program priorities and in alignment with FH''s strategic goals.

The IPC Specialist works at a clinical program systems level and interfaces with IPC Practitioners and stakeholders to lead related initiatives for policy and process development, education, construction, and other areas as determined. Assesses needs and promotes program improvement and culture change initiatives; holds responsibility for the integration and standardization of evidence-based systems and tools with the design of safe, effective, and efficient care delivery processes.

1. Collaborates with health care leaders and physicians to provide leadership and IPC expertise in the assessment, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of systems improvement and culture change initiatives designed to improve IPC systems and processes.
2. Plans and oversees IPC projects and system changes over multiple sites and programs across FH utilizing project management framework; develops and implements consistent and streamlined IPC processes, policies, procedures, and protocols, and evaluates their effectiveness.
3. Reviews and determines impact assessment of changed systems; makes recommendations on further changes including assessment of competencies, resource levels, and other considerations.
4. Leads culture change initiatives designed to improve quality of care, service utilization, safety, and risk reduction.
5. Provides leadership in the development of client safety and risk indicators; alert systems, and other risk prevention strategies.
6. Develops and implements communication strategies and engagement opportunities to ensure input, buy-in, and support by stakeholders and key support areas.
7. Identifies learning needs of clinical, program, and IPC Practitioner (IPCP) teams related to IPC methodology, tools, and system processes; develops, implements, and evaluates education resources to meet those needs; develops and maintains IPC resource material and promotional information.
8. Provides leadership for outbreak management activities; evaluates and determines root cause; provides recommendations for changes and improvements.
9. Provides consultation, guidance, and support to clinical, program, and IPCP teams on policies and protocols developed by program leaders to ensure all IPC issues have been addressed.
10. Ensures IPC standards are implemented in compliance with local, provincial, and federal legislation.
11. Provides direction, oversight and support to IPC Practitioners in order to lead evidence-based practices and standardization of infection control issues.
12. Provides leadership in the integration of accreditation principles and standards with assigned programs. Facilitates and supports clinical, program, and IPCP teams participating in accreditation self-assessment, planning, survey preparation, and follow up related to IPC.
13. Participates on various internal and external committees, as required, and provides status reports to the Manager, as needed.
14. Ensures the Manager is informed of and aware of significant events and activities in the area(s) of responsibility.
15. May be assigned to provide orientation, mentorship and training to co-op students by demonstrating tasks and functions related to IPC issues/processes; participates in evaluation of students including status reports.

Education and Experience

Masters degree in a health sciences discipline.  Current registration with relevant governing professional association. 

Three (3) years relevant clinical experience in an Infection Control program plus completion of a Sponsored or Endorsed IPAC Course as stated by IPAC Canada.

Certificate of Infection Control (CIC) as approved by the Certified Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC),  or willingness to complete certification within two (2)  years of position start date. 

Valid BC Driver's License; access to a vehicle for business-related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

Professional/Technical Capabilities

• Clinical proficiency/expertise in infection prevention and control. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of infection prevention and control principles and practices coupled with an understanding of the healthcare system at both the strategic and operational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to think conceptually, strategically, and systematically.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide progressive and innovative approaches to service delivery and program issues.
• Demonstrated facilitation, consultation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to motivate and influence leaders, physicians and staff at all levels to embrace and take action.
• Ability to work with complex multi-disciplinary teams comprised of internal and external resources.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with others at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated presentation, facilitation, and teaching skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.