Position Summary
The Infection Prevention, Control and Clinical Resource Coordinator is responsible for providing leadership, expertise, and support in infection prevention and control (IPAC), clinical practice, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance across a network of long-term care, assisted living, and retirement living communities.
This position serves as the organization's lead resource for infection prevention and control while also supporting clinical excellence through education, mentorship, policy development, quality initiatives, and licensing readiness. Working collaboratively with Administrators, Directors of Care, Assisted Living Managers, and interdisciplinary teams, the Coordinator promotes evidence-based practice, resident safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Infection Prevention and Control Leadership
- Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of infection prevention and control programs across all long-term care, assisted living, and retirement living communities.
- Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on infection prevention and control practices, standards, and legislation.
- Ensure compliance with provincial legislation, Public Health requirements, Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care standards, and organizational policies.
- Monitor emerging infectious diseases and communicate recommendations and best practices to facility leadership teams.
- Provide consultation and guidance to facilities regarding infection prevention strategies, communicable disease management, and resident safety initiatives.
- Support facilities in maintaining infection prevention programs that promote a safe environment for residents, staff, visitors, and volunteers.
Infection Surveillance and Outbreak Management
- Develop and maintain surveillance systems to monitor infections, outbreaks, immunization rates, antibiotic use, and other key infection prevention indicators.
- Collect, analyze, trend, and report infection prevention data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support facilities in implementing outbreak control measures, cohorting plans, staffing strategies, and communication plans.
- Conduct post-outbreak evaluations and recommend improvements to strengthen future preparedness.
- Monitor compliance with hand hygiene, PPE use, environmental cleaning, isolation precautions, and other infection prevention measures.
Clinical Resource and Practice Support
- Serve as a clinical resource for Administrators, Directors of Care, Assisted Living Managers, and nursing teams.
- Provide consultation and guidance regarding clinical standards, resident care practices, risk management, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Support the implementation of evidence-based clinical practices across all communities.
- Collaborate with facility leadership to identify clinical learning needs and opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with the implementation of new clinical programs, initiatives, and regulatory requirements.
- Support clinical decision-making and promote consistency in care practices across the organization.
- Participate in the development and review of clinical care programs and resident care initiatives.
Education, Training and Mentorship
- Develop and deliver education programs related to infection prevention and control, resident safety, clinical practice, and regulatory compliance.
- Provide mentorship and coaching to facility leadership teams and clinical staff.
- Support orientation programs for new leaders and staff.
- Develop educational materials, resources, and communication tools to support best practices.
- Facilitate workshops, in-services, and training sessions both in person and virtually.
Quality Improvement and Risk Management
- Support organizational quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing resident outcomes and clinical excellence.
- Conduct audits and assessments to evaluate compliance with infection prevention, clinical, and regulatory standards.
- Analyze quality indicators and clinical performance metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with investigations related to outbreaks, resident incidents, clinical concerns, and infection prevention issues.
- Develop recommendations and corrective action plans to address identified risks.
- Monitor implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.
Policy and Procedure Development
- Lead the development, implementation, review, and revision of infection prevention and clinical policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Ensure policies align with current legislation, professional standards, evidence-based practices, and organizational objectives.
- Collaborate with operational and clinical leaders to ensure consistent application of policies across all communities.
- Support facilities in implementing new and revised policies through education and monitoring.
Licensing, Compliance and Operational Support
- Conduct infection prevention and clinical practice audits at all facilities.
- Complete pre-licensing reviews and readiness assessments to support successful licensing inspections.
- Identify areas requiring improvement and collaborate with facility leadership teams to develop corrective action plans.
- Monitor progress toward compliance goals and provide ongoing support and coaching.
- Participate in licensing inspections, regulatory reviews, and follow-up activities as required.
- Prepare detailed reports outlining findings, recommendations, and follow-up requirements.
Emergency Preparedness
- Support organizational emergency preparedness planning related to infectious diseases and public health emergencies.
- Assist facilities in maintaining outbreak preparedness and emergency response plans.
- Participate in emergency response activities and provide clinical support during outbreaks or other significant events.
Qualifications
Education
- Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) required.
- Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) preferred or willingness to obtain.
- Additional education in Infection Prevention and Control, Quality Improvement, Public
- Health, Healthcare Leadership, or Gerontology considered an asset.
Experience
- Minimum five years of progressive clinical leadership experience.
- Experience in long-term care, assisted living, retirement living, or continuing care.
- Demonstrated experience in infection prevention and control, outbreak management, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience conducting audits, investigations, education programs, and policy development.
- Previous leadership or clinical educator experience considered an asset.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of infection prevention and control principles, practices, and regulations.
- Strong knowledge of long-term care, assisted living, and retirement living operations.
- Knowledge of Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care licensing requirements and standards.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Strong coaching, mentoring, and facilitation abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and performance monitoring.
- Ability to build strong working relationships with leaders and interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to travel regularly throughout Nova Scotia.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Senior Director of Operations or designate.
Working Conditions
- Frequent travel to long-term care, assisted living, and retirement living communities throughout Nova Scotia.
- Combination of office and facility-based work.
- Participation in outbreak response, emergency preparedness activities, and occasional after-hours support when required.
#INDH
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Licence/Certification:
- Registered Nurse (RN) License (required)
Work Location: In person
