Job Description

Position Summary

Interior Health is looking for a permanent full time Infection Prevention & Control Epidemiologist to join our Epidemiology & Surveillance (Analytics & Reporting) department in Kelowna, B.C.

What will you work on?

The Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC) Epidemiologist will be responsible for providing epidemiological expertise and analytical leadership to the IPAC surveillance function of the Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit, in support of the IPAC program.

Reporting to the Manager, Epidemiology & Surveillance, and working closely with IPAC leadership and practitioners, the epidemiologist is responsible for leading the establishment, maintenance, analysis, and reporting of IPAC surveillance systems used by Interior Health. Other responsibilities include investigating facility-associated outbreaks, evaluating IPAC interventions, contributing to applied epidemiological research, and translating surveillance and other relevant data into clinical practice and organizational policy.

SOME TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leads the establishment, development, and implementation of surveillance systems for health care and community-associated infections, and facility outbreaks across Interior Health.

2. Participates in the establishment, development, implementation, evaluation of targeted, complex surveillance systems (surgical site infections, central line associated infections etc.).

3. Participates in the enhancement of current surveillance systems, and the establishment, development, implementation and evaluation of new surveillance system initiatives.

4. Works with Digital Health to lead, direct and provide expertise in the development, implementation and evaluation of the IPAC clinical information system and associated reporting products.

5. Manages the implementation, analysis, reporting and evaluation of hand hygiene compliance audits.

6. Assists the IPAC Corporate and Medical Directors, and wider IPAC team, with establishing, implementing and evaluating policies and guidelines for infection surveillance and case investigation.

7. Provides education and technical advice to the IPAC team regarding standardized implementation of IPAC surveillance protocols and definitions, data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting to ensure consistency and quality of data.

8. Manages data collection, analyzes data, interprets results, and creates regular surveillance reports, for clinical, corporate and public audiences.

9. Under direction of IPAC leadership, and through engagement with IPAC practitioners and other partners, oversees the development and monitoring of key performance measures with associated targets, including effectiveness of the IPAC program in reducing infection rates.

10. Reports to partners at all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, on performance against patient safety priorities related to IPAC, as requested by the Manager and IPAC Corporate and Medical Directors.

11. Oversees the preparation and submission of data to internal and external agencies, or as required through mandated performance agreements, in accordance with health authority privacy guidelines and provincial legislation.

12. Provides epidemiological input to the investigation and management of large and complex facility-associated communicable disease outbreaks.

13. Participates in provincial and national steering committees/working groups to ensure alignment of Interior Health surveillance with provincial and national definitions and protocols.

14. Leads and oversees applied epidemiological research, including outcome measurement, validation of current practice, and evaluation of interventions, in order to enhance current IPAC strategies. Supports application of published research to clinical practice.

15. Supports the development of infection control knowledge by presenting applied epidemiological research findings at conferences and participating in publications.

16. Fosters and maintains positive, collaborative and effective interdisciplinary working relationships with hospital staff, physicians, and other internal and external partners.

17. Maintains awareness of latest IPAC trends and issues, including through literature review, participation in regional and provincial partnerships, engagement of peers at other organizations, and attendance of seminars, workshops and education programs.

18. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

How will you create an impact?

Joining our IH team will allow you to challenge yourself professionally while enjoying all the personal pursuits available to you within this fantastic community.

Reasons to Apply at Interior Health... What we can do for you

We offer an exceptional employer-paid benefits package, competitive salary, and generous vacation entitlement after your first year of employment.

We offer a work environment conducive to growth and development of strong technical skills. The opportunity to have a balanced lifestyle that allows you to maintain the quality of life you desire.

Make a difference. Love your work. Apply today! Interior Health strives to create an environment where you enjoy the work you do, the place where you work, and the people around you. Together, we create great workplaces....Be part of a dynamic team!

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Masters degree or PHD in Epidemiology, Public Health, or related discipline.
• Five (5) years related experience in health care and/or public health. Or, an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Previous experience of Infection Prevention & Control surveillance would be an asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge in the design, implementation, and/or evaluation of surveillance systems.
• Demonstrated methodological skills in the analysis and interpretation of epidemiological data.
• Training in infectious disease epidemiology and familiarity with infectious/communicable disease methodology and approaches. Familiarity with infection control practices and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with staff at all levels within and external to the organization, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, dynamic environment as part of a collaborative and high-functioning team. Foster effective working relationships that promote cooperative goal achievement and contribute to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
• Ability to share learning and mentor others, including students, in order to build confidence and capability in the use of surveillance data.
• Ability to work independently under pressure within tight deadlines, and exercise judgement in setting priorities, identifying issues, and determining action.
• Ability to critically review literature and evidence, and formulate appropriate recommendations.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities with excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated skills in data, analytics and research design, including ability to find, collect, analyze, and interpret data, apply statistical concepts, and prepare written reports.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applied epidemiological methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical, data management, and data visualization software systems. Proficiency with R preferred. Experience with using Power BI for data visualization would be an asset.

"Honouring Interior Health's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the B.C. Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit)."

Comments

Starting salary is approximately from 80K to 111K and will be based on education, training and experience.

This posting is covered by the Provincial Health Officer's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination orders and selected applicant(s) must comply.

Interior Health now offers assistance from an Aboriginal Employment Advisor. If you self-identify as Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) and if you would like assistance with internal career exploration, send your question via email to AboriginalEmployment@interiorhealth.ca to be redirected to the Employment Advisor. We invite applicants to self-identify as First nations, Metis, or Inuit within cover letters and/or resumes.