The Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Coordinator is responsible for development,
implementation, maintenance and oversight a robust Infection Control Program, and any
associated practices including the resident and staff immunization program and the employee fit testing program. The IPAC Coordinator is required to meet the needs and expectations of residents in accordance with standards and guidelines of Ministry and other applicable legislation across all disciplines.
This position is actively involved in the surveillance and education of all team members, residents, families, volunteers and contracted workers ensuring completion of mandatory education that supports overall excellence of clinical care as relates to Infection Control. With a focus on continuous improvement and in collaboration with the leadership team, the position will recommend policies and implement procedures and responses to infectious/communicable diseases, compliant with legislation, Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, Ontario Regulations 246/22 and Home expectations, and ensuring effective IPAC best practices. The Coordinator is responsible for reporting and liaise with Public Health to manage outbreaks.
Education, Certification & Licenses
• BSc.N. degree or equivalent education and experience preferred.
• Additional education in other healthcare related field, e.g., Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Science, or Occupational Health an asset.
• Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) from approved course.
• Certified in Infection Control (CIC®) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and
Epidemiology (CBIC), ss.102 (5) and 102(6) of the Regulation, by March 2025.
• Current College of Nurses of Ontario registration in good standing.
• Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector• Driver’s license and vehicle or other reliable means to travel in a timely manner to other
offices, work sites or business travel as authorized and requested.
• Minimum of 3 experience in infection control is preferred.
• Previous experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable legislation is an
• Experience applying the in principles of adult education is an asset.
• Experience working in a unionized environment preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies
• Demonstrated knowledge of infection control principles and best practices.
• Proficient in resident care practice, microbiology and infectious diseases, epidemiology and biostatistics, and outbreak response.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in analysis, measurement and evaluative methods, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with Long Term Care assessment and care planning processes.
• Highly developed interpersonal, public, labour relations and problem-solving skills to build and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with a range of internal and external stakeholders including residents, families, leadership team, and outside agencies.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing at all organizational
• Ability to effectively use leadership evaluate the IPAC activities of staff in collaboration with the Home’s leadership team.
• Superior organizational skills; detail oriented and able to manage priorities and demands in an environment with high expectations and frequently competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision within a team-delivered
interdisciplinary organizational model.
• Demonstrated skills in documentation, written reports and clinical evaluations
• Practical financial skills including inventory management of IPAC supplies and monitoring
• Advanced computer skills in electronic documentation software (PCC, POC, eMAR, RAI-
MDS), MS Office including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Sound knowledge of Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Program Standards and all
other applicable policies, legislation and regulations, and its application in the workplace.• Knowledge of Public Health Regulations, Registered Health Professionals Act, Provincial
Infectious Diseases Advisory and privacy legislation.
• Professional competencies related to life long learning, public relations and health
• Proven effective decision maker with sound judgement and track record for innovation and results oriented leadership.
• Current knowledge of clinical issues for geriatric residents, infection control, principles of
adult education, quality improvement and risk management principles and strategies.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safe best practices, procedures, and legislation.
Infection Prevention and Control – General (approximately 50%)
• Protect the health of residents and decrease the risk of health-care associated infections,
responsible to develop, coordinate and implement infection prevention and control
practices for the Home, in consultation with the leadership team.
• Lead the implementation of changes mandated by regulatory authorities, including the
reporting of communicable diseases to local Public Health.
• Develop IPAC policies and procedures based on accepted best practices and legislative
and/or program requirements
• Ensure timely, effective and inclusive communication of infection-related issues and
relevant practices is available to the resident care team, resident and family, in a
professional manner, consistent with the Homes policies and procedures for maintaining
confidentiality of information, in support of quality resident care and IPAC objectives.
• Clinical indicators for infection control are analysed and appropriate strategies are
implemented across all functional areas when rising infection rates.
• Complete annual evaluation of the IPAC program to reassess the Home’s needs and to
determine prioritized of elements and activities required to meet the goals of the program
• In coordination with Home leadership team and local Public Health, lead and coordinate Outbreak response efforts for the Home.
• Create, maintain and audit resident immunization records; screen and track resident
Antibiotic Resistant Organism (ARO) upon admission and re-admission to the Home
ensuring maintenance of associated record keeping for all residents.
• Ensure the Home is compliant with mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term
infection control guidelines, standards and directives.
• Chair the Infection Prevention and Control CommitteeInfection Prevention and Control –
Surveillance (approximately 30%)
• Lead the planning and development of an infection surveillance program for Home.
• Oversee and review Home-wide IPAC audits, perform daily infection surveillance,
implement actions from these audits and prepare the monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required.
• Responsible to collect surveillance data, validate the accuracy, and ensure findings are
shared with Home appropriate health care providers (e.g., physicians who support the
Home or IPAC committee, and Home leaders, particularly those responsible for direct care
and quality improvement indicators.
• Management and analysis of critical data and information, including surveillance for
nosocomial and other infection, infection trends, and risk factors, to assess prevention and
control strategies for effectiveness; implement corrective measures as indicated.
• Monitor staff compliance with infection prevention guidelines regarding the disposal of
sharps and biomedical waste, use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene
practices and provides reports to the Home leaders and the Infection Prevention
• Design and conduct in-depth investigations of clusters/outbreaks of infections and collate
appropriate data to assist clinical team/Home in determining cause
Infection Prevention and Control – Education (approximately 10%)
• Lead Ministry of Health mandated infection control annual education programs; keep records of employee completion of same.
• Plan, develop, deliver/arrange education for current/new employees and residents in
accordance with legislation and health care standards, and in consultation with the
leadership team and Infection Control Committee.
• Provide instruction to visitors, caregivers, and volunteers regarding Home control measures before they visit a resident, to ensure compliance with established practices.
• Through research and staying current in developing IPAC best practices, act as an expert
IPAC resource to and in conjunction with department leaders, physicians, employees, the
IPAC Committee, and the Home’s Joint Health and Safety Committee.
• Regularly assess IPAC education needs; complete annual evaluation of the IPAC education program to ensure currency, relevancy, and effectiveness.
Other (approximately 10%)
• Order and monitor use of required IPAC supplies ensuring appropriate supply levels for
status of Home; monitor expenditures relative to approved budget; approve purchases
within delegated authority thresholds and in accordance with Counties procurement policy.
• As a member of the Home’s Leadership Team, provide support and backup coverage to
other department supervisors/managers as requested.
• Participate on internal and external committees as directed by the Administrator,
professionally representing the interests of the Home and the Corporation.
• Develop and nurture positive and productive community partnerships and
• Perform other related duties and special projects as required in accordance with job
responsibilities or Home priorities, as directed.
• Participate in the Occupational Health & Safety committee to ensure standards for IPAC addressed for staff safety purposes.
• Other related duties, as requested and required.
