Infection Prevention & Control Specialist
Kallo Inc. (KALO:OTC US) improves the quality and efficiency of care, by providing centralized congruent solutions that address healthcare and business issues for Ministries of Health, hospitals, physicians & other healthcare organizations.
Our technology suite transforms healthcare-delivery via rural healthcare, disease management, clinical globalization and oHealth solutions.
Specialties
MobileCare, RuralCare, Hospital Information Systems, Telehealth Systems, Pharmacy Information, Disaster Management, Air and Surface Patient Transportation Systems, Clinical Training.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, the Infection Prevention & Control Specialist has the authority, responsibility, and accountability for infection, surveillance, prevention, and control functions. The incumbent supervises, coordinates, and directs all infection prevention and control activities.
Accountabilities
Working with Kallo’s Clinical Transformation Team, Director of Education and Training and other Kallo leads as applicable e.g. IT, the Infection Prevention & Control Specialist will:
- Develop and coordinate activities and infection control measures which prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
- Promote activities designed to evaluate and improve patient care and safety through identification, evaluation and correction of problems related to infection prevention and control.
- Perform surveillance and monitoring activities to ensure the effectiveness of infection prevention and control programs; analyze trends and risk factors and send reports to required agencies.
- Communicate the results of the monitoring and evaluation process to designated individuals.
- Collaborate with the Chief Medical Officer and Clinical Transformation Team on a consultative basis for issues related to infection prevention and control.
- Serve as a resource person to Kallo head office staff and in-country staff who are providing services through Kallo’s care platforms e.g.mobile clinics.
- Lead development of education programs to decrease infection risk.
- Develop policies, procedures and reportsthat give direction to the management and improvement of infection prevention and controlacross Kallo’s clinical programs and services.
- Leverage existing and validated resources (provincial, national and international) as applicable for purposes of program development and implementation e.g. International Committee of the Red Cross, WHO, Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (PIDAC).
- Participate in continuing professional development opportunities to ensure that up-to-date evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspects of the role is maintained.
Key Deliverables during First 12 to 24 Months
A comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control Program is essential for maintenance of safe practices across all Kallo care platforms in order to reduce infection risk for patients and staff. Kallo will be implementing its clinical programs and services in developing countries where infectious and communicable diseases are major contributors to morbidity and mortality.
The Infection Prevention & Control Specialist will be responsible for key activities and deliverables over the short and medium terms. These include:
- (Participating in) GAP analyses regarding existing clinical services and clinical staff capability and capacity relevant to rapid deployment of Kallo’s clinic services and care platforms; analyses will be conducted in Ontario and in-country and will include a component on infection prevention and control issues and recommendations to address/mitigate same
- Identification of types and routes of disease transmission in client countries
- Identification of infectious disease risk areas for Kallo’s care platforms implemented in client countries – may include mobile clinics, polyclinics, hospitals, ambulances and other patient transport vehicles; initial focus will be on mobile clinics and ambulances, including construction of clinics, equipment inspection and pest control issues
- Development and/or implementation of protocols and procedures appropriate for managing risk for each of Kallo’s care platforms, with initial focus on mobile clinics and ambulances (the latter working with Kallo’s EMS Manager).
- Implementation of a hand hygiene program, signage and audits applicable to all Kallo clinical programs and care platforms.
- Ensuring safe handling, collection, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous and bio-hazardous materials and waste – locally at Kallo care platforms through to final disposition.
- Conducting surveillance and investigation of suspected and confirmed outbreaks of infection in client countries and supporting management of confirmed cases at Kallo’s care platform locations.
- Epidemic preparations and ensuring proper infection control supplies and equipment are available in adequate numbers and properly located for staff access at Kallo care platforms.
- Providing tele-health consultations to mobile clinics and other Kallo care platforms, especially during epidemics.
- Orientation and education on infection control for in-country staff working at Kallo care platforms; includes risk, prevention, transmission, and control of infection, disease-specific care, appropriate precautions, and appropriate assessments (working with Kallo’s Director of Education and Training.)
- Establishing/Chairing Kallo’s Infection Control Committee (ICC) at corporate office (under the Clinical Transformation Team) and Co-Chairing or facilitating the set-up and running of in-country ICCs.
- With respect to admission of patients at Kallo care platforms: (24 months and beyond):
- Overseeing the design and set-up of isolation rooms or zones, including appropriate equipment and supplies.
- Implementation of a monitoring and surveillance program for acquired infections and management of same when identified.
- Reviewing admission diagnoses for red flags indicating the need for isolation or extra precautions.
- Establishing criteria for admission/discharge to/from isolation rooms.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Current Registration in good standing with provincial College of Nurses or other regulated health professional college.
- Registered Nurse, Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing or other healthcare professional with relevant knowledge/experience in infection prevention and control practices in healthcare environments.
- Infection Prevention and Control Certification (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (Canada) or equivalent certification e.g. Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control.
- Master’s Degree in Health Administration, Community Health, Public Health or equivalent post-graduate degree or experience highly desirable.
- Bilingualism (English, French) (native or through education) a definite asset
- Multi-lingualism desirable.
- Minimum5 years of infection and prevention control experience with a variety of adult and pediatric patient populations.
- 3-5 years clinical nursing or health professional experience in a hospital setting.
- Primary, community and/or public health care practice or field work in developing countries is highly desirable.
- 3-5 years of demonstrated teamwork and leadership abilities within a healthcare setting in an interdisciplinary, culturally diverse team environment.
- Demonstrated leadership in performance improvement initiatives related to infection prevention and control.
- Commitment to evidence-based practice.
- Knowledge of principles of epidemiology and infectious disease.
- Infectious/communicable disease education and management experience an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with physicians, other clinicians, health facility managers, patients, families and members of the community under varied conditions.
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience working with computers and various computer programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), as well as electronic patient record systems in hospitals and/or ambulatory/primary care settings.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
- May be required to provide, supervise or offer expert advice on infection prevention and control services in a variety of settings through remote communications e.g. tele-health or in person in client countries.
- Will be required to travel intermittently to developing countries and potentially deal with adverse in-country conditions such as a high level of infectious diseases, natural or man-made disasters, poor road conditions and other conditions that may be physically taxing.
- Will be required to obtain all immunizations as directed by travel medicine clinic staff applicable to travel to client countries.
Kallo Inc. has a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer.
We appreciate all applications. If you are among the most suitable for this position, we will be in touch with you shortly. Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information on Kallo and ongoing business developments, please visit us at www.kalloinc.ca
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