Support Associate Jobs in Winnipeg, MB (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

Infection Control Support Associate

Mission:
Under the direction of site leadership and receiving IP&C clinical leadership and direction from the Regional IP&C LTC Leads and working within the Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Direction of the hiring organization, the ICP performs key responsibilities.

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 across Canada, operating under the Extendicare, ParaMed, Extendicare Assist, and SGP Purchasing Network brands. We are committed to delivering quality care to meet the needs of a growing seniors' population, inspired by our mission to provide people with the care they need, wherever they call home. We operate a network of long-term care homes (both owned and under management contracts), deliver over 11 million hours of home health care services annually, and provide group purchasing services to third parties representing approximately 150,000 beds across Canada. Extendicare proudly employs nearly 30,000 qualified, highly trained and dedicated team members who are passionate about providing high-quality care and services to help people live better.

Time Type:

At Extendicare, we've spent more than 50 years dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in our long-term care homes across Canada. When you join Extendicare, you become part of a compassionate, mission-driven team committed to creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for every resident we serve.

We provide competitive compensation that reflects the value of this role and the unique qualifications each candidate brings. Final salary offers are based on a variety of factors such as your skills, experience, education, and alignment with the responsibilities of this position.

Base salary is one component of our broader total rewards package. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and long-term career growth. Your recruiter can provide more details about our total rewards offerings during the hiring process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support certain stages of the recruitment process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing candidate responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment - every application is reviewed by a member of our team to ensure thoughtful and equitable consideration. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Extendicare is an equal opportunity employer committed to respectful and inclusive hiring practices. We welcome all applicants, including those from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities, and visible minorities.

Extendicare is committed to fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable hiring process. We will gladly accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process upon request and in accordance with applicable legislation. If you require support during any stage of the process, email us at careers@extendicare.com.

We acknowledge that the care we provide across Canada occurs on lands that have been cared for by many Indigenous peoples for generations. We recognize First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples and their enduring connection to this land, and the importance of respect and cultural safety in the work we do.