Infection Prevention and Control Lead

About IRT

Founded in 1969, IRT's mission was to provide better options in housing and care for older people. Now 50 years later, our purpose remains the same.

We improve the lives of more than 9100 people every day in NSW, the ACT and Qld. We're one of Australia's largest community-owned providers of independent living, aged care and home care. We're proud to have more than 40 communities and home care service hubs in NSW, the ACT and Qld.

IRT is an equal opportunity employer. We find excellence in diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud of our culture and employ people across a diverse range of occupations, backgrounds and skills, who are passionate and committed to creating a better world for all older Australians.

About the Role

As an Infection Prevention and Control Lead, you will provide clinical expertise and mentoring to our care teams across the Illawarra region. Reporting to the Head of Infection Prevention and Control, this role will lead the infection prevention and control activities for a team of dedicated Aged Care Employees.

We are looking to appoint an interested and enthusiastic individual to work in our Aged Care Facilities at IRT Marco Polo Unanderra, Tarrawanna IRT and William Beach Gardens IRT. This position is being offered on a Full-time basis, working across multiple sites.

Your work may include but not limited to:

• Leading the implementation of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols across all Aged Care Centre within the region or as designated, serving as a primary point of contact and guidance.
• Demonstrating clinical expertise and serves as a mentor and role model to staff, fostering a culture of excellence in infection prevention practices.
• Conducting regular reviews of current practice, formulates improvement recommendations, and collaborates with local care management teams for implementation.
• Accessing, promoting and contributing to the development of IPC policies, procedures, and Outbreak Management Plans, ensuring alignment with legislation and best practice guidelines.
• Providing expert knowledge and guidance on IPC and disease management caused by microorganisms, tailoring recommendations to the unique needs of each Aged Care Center.
• Coordinating the management of infections and infection-related incidents in compliance with organisational and government standards, ensuring timely reporting and appropriate follow-up actions for both actual and near miss events.
• Carrying out relevant Work health & Safety (WHS) functions including reporting infection and outbreak related hazards and injuries, coordinating occupational exposures and participating in WHS consultation where required.
• Collaborating with the Clinical Nurse Educator to ensure high standards of education, competency, and orientation regarding infection control among all staff.
• Developing and maintaining key partnerships crucial to the success of the role including with external stakeholders such as Public Health & Local Health District.
• Working collaboratively within the organisation and specifically with the Clinical, Quality and Learning & Development Teams to integrate IPC practices from organisational frameworks and initiatives.
• Coordinating outbreaks including outbreak meetings, internal and external line listing and post outbreak debriefs.
• Is a member of the local Infection Prevention and Control Committee and other organisation meetings/groups; providing IPC reports on infection control issues and incidents to the committees and implements interventions identified from the Clinical Governance framework.
• Actively participating in quality improvement activities and undertaking any additional duties as assigned by the Head of Infection Prevention and Control.

To Be Successful You Will Have

• A registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse, preferably with substantial post basic experience in Nursing
• Completed ICC training COVID-19 infection control online training modules, specifically: Infection Control Training - COVID 19
• Immunisation certificate
• All aged care modules
• Completed, or be enrolled in, a suitable IPC training course for completion as mandated
• A sound understanding of the principles of infection prevention & control and outbreak management
• The ability to interpret Infection Control and Waste Management Standards and develop / implement related policies and procedures
• Sound problem solving, analytical, attention to detail and negotiation skills
• High level written (including report writing) and verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skill

Benefits for You

• Competitive pay and more cash in your pocket (less tax) with not-for-profit salary packaging
• Flexible working conditions
• Birthday leave - relax and take a day off on us
• Professional and career development opportunities
• Multiple career pathways
• Discounted gym memberships
• Free counselling via Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and staff wellness program

How to Apply

If you feel this is the right role for you, we'd love to hear from you Simply click the "Apply now" button, fill in your details and submit. Once you apply, we'll be in touch to discuss your application. Or alternatively, please contact IRT Recruitment.

All successful candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks including reference checks, pre-employment functional assessment and a National Criminal History Check.