IPAC Specialist (LTCSS)

Requisition Title

IPAC Specialist (LTCSS)

Close Date

28 April 2026

Contract Type

Temporary – Full Time

Location

Penetanguishene, ON L9M 0V3 CA (Primary)

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Administrator, is responsible for providing oversight and leadership to the infection, prevention and control (IPAC) program for the LTC Homes and Seniors community programs; implementing and conducting staff/resident surveillance activities according to the established criteria and evidence based research managing outbreak investigations/ implementing interventions to control the outbreak and performing final epidemiological outbreak analysis; by providing consultation to all clinical and non-clinical areas on matters of IPAC; developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating infection control programs; ensuring infection control measures are in place, including policies/procedures, surveillance education and infection control practices to be compliant with legislation and policy. The specialist will advise on educational content to be provided to staff at orientation and through ongoing training with a primary focus on clinical practice. The individual is responsible for IPAC activities at a designated County of Simcoe LTC home and/or seniors services facility and may be asked to provide support and backfill as required.

* anticipated length of contract – 18 months, or as extended *

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Infection Prevention and Control Program Functions:

• As directed by applicable Legislation, Regulations and Standards, including accreditation Standards, leads the Infection Prevention and Control required program at the LTCH and Seniors Services facilities.

• Ensures that effective and timely infection prevention and control practices, policies and procedures are embedded in all areas, based on best practice guidelines.

• Develop & maintain relationships with MOL and H & S, including public health inspections.

• In collaboration with Public Health and Nursing Managers supports the immunization/vaccination program for Seniors Services staff, long-term card residents, staff and volunteers.

• Outbreak Coordinator who manages outbreaks and consults with nurse management as required.

• Acts as a primary liaison with Public Health to monitor and determine outbreak status for the Homes and coordinates all communications, practices and processes to all applicable stakeholders including the relevant provincial ministries for the reporting of communicable diseases, respiratory and enteric outbreaks.

• Proactively examine drivers of and contributors to outbreaks and provide expertise in developing/implementing appropriate process improvement strategies.

• Promotes a preventative infection control program, including screening practices and protocols for infectious diseases; influenza vaccination for staff and residents (including alternatives, and protocols for exception handling); proper use of personal protective equipment, hand washing programs; ensuring exceptional standard cleaning, hand hygiene, sterilization practices; outbreak practices and protocols, as per prevailing best practice guidelines.

• Responsible for oversite of the mask fit testing program within the home including tracking & reporting mask fit testing status.

• Leads IPAC audits and make recommendations in accordance with best practices to mitigate health hazards.

• Certified member of home Joint Health & Safety committee.

2. Educational Functions

• In collaboration with the nursing steering committee, IPAC specialists determine training requirements across the homes and individual homes specific gaps to ensure compliance with legislation, directives, policies and procedures.

• Acts as a resource to staff, education coordinators and management regarding training and education, including new developments/techniques related to infection prevention and control.

3. Evaluation, Reporting & Quality Improvement

• Researches and conducts regular analysis, surveys and assessments to maintain current material and practices.

• Identifies inconsistencies with best practice guidelines in policies and practices and develops actions to remedy.

• Reports communicable disease hazards, infectious disease data elements and other elements, in accordance with legislative requirements.

• Follows divisional guidelines, policy and procedures, standards and professional requirements for documentation.

• Ensures compliance with privacy legislation and maintains resident confidentiality according to existing statutes and legislation.

• In collaboration with the Education Coordinators and Decision Support, completes, updates and reviews relevant quality indicators reporting on performance with home/seniors services mgmt. team.

• Monitors all reports related to infections received from Lab Services provider, Public Health, etc and take the appropriate action(s).

4. Liaison, Communication and Customer Service Activities:

• Promote effective communication and public relations and work in co-operation with internal and external staff, management, and vendors.

• Participate in regular IPAC Specialist team meetings, Joint Health & Safety committee, work groups and special projects as assigned.

• Participates in IPAC networks, committees in the sector; maintaining currency in knowledge through research and/or professional development, as well as reporting to internal committees.

• Ensure that services provided meet customer service standards.

• May include training outside regular business hours.

5. Emergency Response

• Acts as an IPAC resource and provides IPAC expertise during emergency response.

• Provides IPAC leadership & guidance to staff, public settings and key stakeholders during emergency and pandemic situations.

• Supports onsite IPAC education and training during emergency events.

6. Other Duties:

• Maintain current professional practice and knowledge of adult learning and development principles and application.

• Perform other duties as assigned, in accordance with department objectives, including redeployment in emergency situations.

• Participate in and demonstrate an understanding of Division safety principles and practices into all day to day activities. Follow all safe work practices and procedures and immediately communicate any activity or action which may constitute a risk to management.

• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act in performing duties in a safe manner and follow all County of Simcoe Health & Safety policies, procedures and legislation.

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the Personal Health Information Protection Act.

CORPORATE COMPETENCIES

Has knowledge of and demonstrated ability in our corporate competencies:

• Acts with the Customer in Mind
• Ensures Accountability
• Continuously Seeks to Improve Work Processes
• Collaborates
• Communicates with Impact
• Is Resilient

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION

• Completion of a diploma or Degree in Health Sciences or Social Sciences. Degree in Nursing, microbiology, epidemiology or public health is an asset. This job may be considered for educational equivalency in accordance with County Policy.

• Completion of IPAC Canada endorsed course and Certification in Infection Prevention and Control through IPAC Canada required at time of hire.

• Current certification in infection control from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology required.

• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in analysis, measurement and evaluative methods, facilitation and presentation skills.

• Demonstrated experience with best practice guidelines for infectious disease prevention and control.

• Demonstrated experience with the promotion and implementation of clinical best practices.

• Demonstrated experience with health promotion and health education/teaching activities.

• Knowledge of the legislation, guidelines and regulations as they relate to the position and responsibilities of the Long Term Care/Seniors Services sector.

• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self-management, accountability, flexibility and adaptability.

• Ability to deal cooperatively and effectively with all levels of staff, unions/employee/client groups and ability to foster cooperative/collaborative working relationships.

• Ability to travel to off-site locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required.

• Ability to work outside regular business hours, including evenings, nights and weekends, as required.

• Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening that is less than six (6) months old at time of hire.

• As a condition of employment, candidates are required to submit documented results of TB testing, as per Public Health requirements.

• Proof of annual CPR recertification.

• Valid G class drivers license and access to reliable vehicle.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum three to five (3-5) years’ experience in the health sector with at least two years involved in infection prevention education or project work.

• Current experience performing activities that are client centered, while incorporating infection prevention principles.

EFFORT

• Mental concentration required when planning, developing and delivering education sessions.

• Education and auditing may require prolonged periods of standing and/or walking.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Combined office environment, classroom and LTCSS clinical environment.

• Requirement to work on site in their designated home during outbreaks.

• Requirement to travel within Simcoe County.

• Ability to work remotely if required.

#COSIND

Salary Grade

$96,242.00 – $117,099.00

Union

Non Union

The County of Simcoe thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, but please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act (2001) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment.