Director, Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness and Infection Protection & Control Services

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Mission, Values & People the Director is an experienced Occupational Health Nurse and Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Professional. The Director operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for the overall leadership and day-to-day operations of the Providence Care Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness (OHSW) and IPAC departments.

This role provides leadership to both unionized and non-unionized staff, including supervision, direction, mentoring, and coaching to ensure a high-performing and collaborative team environment. The Director oversees workforce planning, including scheduling, approval of vacation and overtime, assignment of duties, and ensuring appropriate staffing coverage. All workforce management activities are carried out in compliance with the Employment Standards Act and applicable collective agreement provisions.

The Director collaborates closely with OHSW and IPAC stakeholders to seek guidance and alignment on processes, organizational risks, and performance matters related to departmental staff. The role proactively addresses issues that may impact organizational safety, compliance, or operational effectiveness.

Accountable for contributing to the organization’s strategic priorities, the Director consistently promotes and integrates patient-, client-, resident-, and family-centered engagement and care into departmental practices and decision-making.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Through collaborative leadership the Director, OHSW, is accountable for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the occupational health nursing and disability management service policies, practices/processes, to ensure they are delivered in an effective and professional manner to promote a healthy and safe workplace, reduce disability (sick) and workplace injury claims and costs, comply with legislative requirements, and align with organizational needs/goals Provides clinical expertise in the management of complex disability/sick claims and functions as a resource to OHSW staff, HR, and Management on contentious/challenging/ complex situations that involve an occupational health component (e.g. grievances/arbitrations, denial of sick benefits, attendance program sick exclusions, claim management and accommodation direction, performance issues with co-existing medical issues, substance abuse/use issues, etc.) Responsible for the development and implementation of Medical Directives and training to the organization’s Occupational Health Nurses related to the directives and performance of nursing skills including the administration and dispensing of medications Ensures personal health information (PHI) is maintained in a secure and confidential manner and is not released without appropriate consent; reviews all requests for PHI (e.g. subpoenas, orders, signed employee authorizations). Develops, implement, and evaluates innovative healthy workplace initiatives that foster physical and psychological wellness, engagement, and work attendance. The Director initiates referrals to third party providers (e.g. Independent Medical Examinations, Functional Ability Evaluations, Psychological FTW/Neuropsychological assessments, etc.) where the situation warrants, and prepares and/or assist with the referral documentation. Participates on the organization’s Accommodation Committee Works in compliance with the Health & Safety Act and its regulations in performing duties in a safe manner and follows all health and safety policies, procedures and legislation including, wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as required Performs other related duties as assigned

Infection Prevention & Control Services

• Through collaborative leadership with the Director, IPAC, is accountable for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the infection prevention program that is delivered. Continuous oversight of IPAC-related patient safety incidents that might present a risk, and require process improvements as a result. Liaise with clinical teams, patient relations and other stakeholders when addressing patient and family concerns. Attend family meetings and follow up with families/patients when required in collaboration with patient relations. Attend and participate in Quality of Care reviews Actively participate in development, implementation, and evaluation of changes to policies, standard operating procedures, medical directives, and order sets related to IPAC management and patient care activities. Professional practice expert. Provides direction, consultation and expertise regarding Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) policies, practice, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements and ensures all activities undertaken by ICPs are consistent with these standards. Ensures existing Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC) best practice guidelines and IPAC guidelines of applicable professional organizations and regulatory and governmental agencies are incorporated into the programs Directs the clinical activities of the infection control practitioners Ensures the IPAC Practitioners are systematically collecting, evaluating and reporting healthcare-associated infection data to identify trends and risk factors, investigates incidents of infections and reports data accordingly – Safe Reporting, Patient Safety Indicators, Decision Support. Monitors infection prevention practices with staff members and conducts outbreak investigations and audits and ensures debriefs and follow up are complete. In conjunction with the IPAC Committee, evaluates risk, communicates with leaders and staff members regarding the management of infectious patients/residents and other infection prevention approaches. Coordinate the annual infection control risk assessment and plan. Works with education leads in providing training and orientation for all staff members and independent practitioners regarding the prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections and IPAC core competencies. Collaborates with physicians, nurses, department managers, supervisors, employee health and other professional/nonprofessional staff to provide resource information, resolve infection control issues and identify new opportunities to improve service and reduce cost. As Chair of Outbreak Management Team, lead investigation and outbreak management activities

Team Development

• Acts as a role model, providing coaching, guidance, and support to empower the OHSW and IPAC teams to deliver high quality and efficient services that achieve mutually satisfying outcomes for the employee and the employer and lead to professional growth for OHSW and IPAC staff. Fosters a learning environment and culture of continuous quality improvement for all staff and students placed in the OHSW and IPAC departments and coordinates the provision of continuing education and ongoing professional development for OHSW and IPAC staff Supports and provides staff in-services, orientation to process/policy change to ensure standardized application across Providence Care, and orients and evaluates new staff and students assigned to the dept. Monitors staff compliment, workload, and skill mix in the context the department’s needs and goals, and consults with the Vice President, as required, to provide feedback and obtain guidance. Leads regular OHSW and IPAC team meetings Provides regular feedback to the OHSW and IPAC teams re: departmental goals and assists staff in developing personal goal setting/performance development plans. Identifies and addresses performance deficiencies and opportunities for improvement; contributes to the development of learning plans/performance improvement plans as needed Conducts annual performance evaluations for OHSW and IPAC staff, with input from the Directors. Maintain the oversight of the Safety Specialist performance and corporate H&S program

Leadership

• Responsible for ensuring occupational health nursing services are delivered in accordance with professional standards and scope of practice for occupational health nursing Responsible for ensuring IPAC services are delivered in accordance with standards and legislation, and the team develops the required core competencies of practice as practitioners. Responsible for working in collaboration with the Directors, OHSW and IPAC and OHSW and IPAC leads at KHSC to standardize processes where possible to support a shared service model across Providence Care and KHSC. Working in partnership with employees, Management, and Union representatives, provide expertise and consultation on the management of more complex health, disability, or IPAC related situations Leads, participates, and evaluates continuous quality improvement in the department and corporately Incorporates the principles of fiscal responsibility into practice and promotes the standards of advanced professional practice Provide leadership in unusual or traumatic situations (e.g. initiates onsite crisis debriefing) Provides leadership within the practice setting by ensuring compliance of self and others with professional and ethical standards, scope of practice, legislation, and the Mission, Vision and Values of Providence Care. Ensures personal health information (PHI) is maintained in a secure and confidential manner for patients and staff and is not released without appropriate consent; reviews all requests for PHI (e.g. subpoenas, orders, signed employee authorizations). Based on data analysis including factors contributing to workplace injury/illness and sick time and changes in legislation, proposes organizational change/improvement bringing forward recommendations to the Director, OHSW for review/approval In consultation with the Directors, OHSW and IPAC, ensures effective utilization of OHSW and IPAC resources (staffing model and supplies); monitors workflow and assigns work to OHSW and IPAC team members Develops and implements communication strategies for the OHSW and IPAC teams to ensure staff awareness of changes and/or new policy and procedures In consultation with the Directors, OHSW and IPAC, establishes professional, service quality, and operational performance indicators, goals for the OHSW and IPAC services including annual strategic plans, IPAC safety plan, goals and performance measures that will inform metrics on the annual corporate plan and Quality Improvement Plans; monitors and reports on performance outcomes objectives for the OHSW and IPAC services including goals Follows up/mediates conflict with or between OHSW and/or IPAC staff, and/or employee conflicts or concerns. Where substandard performance identified, provides coaching and engages Directors as necessary. Attends grievances/arbitrations as necessary representing the employer, where such grievances/arbs are in relation to decisions made by OHSW. Leads and/or participates in working groups and/or committees specific to OHSW and/or IPAC issues/initiatives as needed In the absence of the Director, OHSW and the department’s Safety Advisor, coordinates parties to be present and represent the organization during Ministry of Labour (MOL) visits with a goal of demonstrating compliance with legislation and reducing risk to the organization and leads critical injury investigations. Performs other related duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• B.Sc. Nursing and current Registration with the Ontario College of Nurses Certification or Diploma of Occupational Health Nursing in progress Certified Health & Safety Consultant (CHSC) or Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation considered, an asset Certified Infection Control Practitioner preferred Minimum experience of 5 years in either related field with supervisory experience in a unionized environment Experience as Co-chair or leadership role on Joint Health & Safety Committee Experience in leadership role on Infection Control Committee Current First Aid CPR Certification Basic and Workplace Specific Certification, an asset An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Position Specific Competencies – Key Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven knowledge and expertise in the Occupational Health Nursing discipline and certified Infection Control professional with experience interpreting and applying relevant legislation in the province of Ontario (e.g. ECFFA, CSA, HPPA, PIDAC, Public Hospitals Act, Long Term Care Act, duty to accommodate, Workplace Safety & Insurance Act, OMA/OHA Communicable Disease Surveillance Protocols, Human Rights Act, Personal Health Information and Protection Act, and relevant provisions under the Employment Standard Act) Demonstrates strong IPAC knowledge and experience in related areas of infectious diseases, microbiology, epidemiology, statistics, asepsis; disinfection/sterilization; outbreak management, HVAC & construction Demonstrated ability in the application of current disability management standards, with commitment to the principles of early and safe return to including obligations under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Act. Proven ability to apply the Standards of Practices for Nurses in Ontario in the context of an occupational health setting Demonstrated health assessment skills required with an understanding of how certain conditions can impact fitness to work. Demonstrated ability to collect and synthetize relevant information in the context of an employee/work situation and identify and articulate the main issue/concern/need verbally (e.g. to the employee during a meeting) and in writing (e.g. in email, by preparing letters to health care practitioners. Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate plans of action among relevant stakeholders when there is competing or conflicting needs or perspectives Demonstrated ability to and create and maintain quality and timely documentation (e.g. charting, data entry) and the use of electronic documentation systems (e.g. PCS, Parklane, RL solutions Proficiency in typing (minimum of 35 wpm) Minimum of intermediate proficiency in using Word, excel and Outlook and technologically comfortable with learning and using new software applications in daily practice. Knowledge of human resources practices/procedures, relevant jurisprudence impacting OHSW practices, with ability to use/interpret/apply collective agreements. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, compassion and mutual respect toward team members, employees, and management, Proven ability to build trust, prevent and resolve conflict, and inspire and influence others to work toward common goals Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and tact in dealing with confidential, sensitive, and complex issues. Demonstrated ability to lead improvement/change/process improvement involving multiple stakeholders. Ability to provide day to day leadership and motivate and mentor an interdisciplinary team Ability to analyze data/results, interpret and apply legislation/guidelines/standards, and conduct research/collect information for the purpose of proposing change/improvement in the organization’s OHSW and IPAC programs Ability to develop and implement OHS and IPAC policies, procedures, and initiatives Demonstrated effectiveness in identifying and analyzing situations and problems; finding viable solutions with consideration to organizational strategies. Demonstrated patient/client-centered focus and commitment to the Mission, Vision, Values, and Ethics of Providence Care. Demonstrated effectiveness working with minimal supervision, with proven reliability and trustworthiness. Demonstrated good physical condition to meet the physical demands of the position. Proven ability to attend work regularly.

Leadership Core Competencies – Key Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated effective business acumen and experience with and understanding of strategic and business planning methods, tools and processes in the provision Occupational Health and IPAC services to the organization Demonstrated understanding of current and emerging developments in Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness and IPAC services Demonstrated project management experience including effectiveness with concurrently organizing, planning and coordinating operational initiatives with multiple project activities Demonstrated effectiveness in budget management and accountability Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills including, ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy with diverse groups of stakeholders Demonstrated effective presentation skills including the ability to present and discuss complex information in a way that establishes rapport, persuades others and gains understanding Demonstrated ability to lead and influence individuals and teams within a large organization and in the context of major change, toward a vision while maintaining group cohesiveness, motivation, commitment and effectiveness Demonstrated ability to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that values each individual; respects their values, preferences and unique abilities; and mitigates against the experience of stigma Demonstrated commitment to ongoing process improvement and delivering outstanding quality and results Demonstrated ability to establish courses of action for self and others to achieve optimal outcomes/results Demonstrated commitment to continued learning and effectiveness in promoting the value of learning and acquiring new information and skills to staff Demonstrated effectiveness with managing and mentoring staff to achieve desired performance outcomes Demonstrated effectiveness in identifying and analyzing situations and problems; finding viable solutions with consideration to total systems and strategies Demonstrated effective management of resources consistent with organizational, department and team goals Demonstrated effectiveness promoting compliance with professional and ethical practices, accreditation standards, and applicable legislation Demonstrated understanding and commitment to health and safety policies, procedures and applicable legislation, and promoting a physically and psychologically safe environment for everyone Demonstrated person-centred attitude and commitment to the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic directions of Providence Care Demonstrated professional work attitude and behaviours in interaction with internal and external contacts Demonstrated effectiveness as a team member through collaboration, respect and effective communication Demonstrated good physical condition to meet the physical demands of the position and attend work on a regular basis Advanced level proficiency using word processing, communications/scheduling and spreadsheet applications, Microsoft Windows Office suite (including Outlook, Word and Excel) required Bilingual in French and English language, preferred

Working Conditions

• Involvement in complex, emotionally charged, stressful interactions/conditions May have exposure to illness/disease situations, biological products/blood and bloody fluids or other chemical/medication preparations Extended periods of time listening attentively Frequent Interruptions in the work environment Flexibility in work hours Extended periods of time spent sitting at a desk/workstation and/or in meetings Across all Providence Care sites