Manager, Special Pathogens Program

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Toronto Western Hospital / Toronto General Hospital
Department: Special Pathogens Program
Reports to: Medical Director, Infection Prevention & Control
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: Commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: September 26, 2024

Lead the Future of Healthcare Innovation: Become a leader for UHN's first Special Pathogens program

University Health Network (UHN) is thrilled to launch the groundbreaking Special Pathogens program, and we're searching for an exceptional leader to spearhead this new initiative. This is your chance to be at the forefront of a critical new field, driving proactive management strategies for Viral Hemorrhagic Fever and other emerging infectious diseases.

Why This Role is Unique:

As the inaugural Manager of Special Pathogens, you'll be setting the standard for the management of special pathogens within our hospital community and province. Your role will be pivotal in shaping and operationalizing the UHN Special Pathogens strategy and working hand-in-hand with top-tier experts across UHN and the country.

• Trailblaze at the Organizational Level: Lead the development and implementation of a world-class Special Pathogens program that will serve as a model for healthcare institutions globally.
• Collaborate with the Best: Work alongside clinical partners such as SickKids, and engage with provincial and international leaders including the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Centre (NETEC) ensuring UHN remains at the cutting edge of emerging pathogens preparedness.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Ensure the program's clinical and support services are fully operational and meet the Ministry of Health's funding expectations, positioning UHN as a leader in this field.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leads the implementation of the Special Pathogens (SP) operational plan.
2. Works closely with hospital leaders and a reporting program educator to ensure operational readiness across various cross-functional teams across the organization and ensuring ongoing engagement.
3. Provides recommendations for process and procedure redesign and system enhancements and/or alterations based on internal standards and best practices (i.e. NETEC).
4. Developed standard operating procedures, policies and processes in collaboration with program-specific SOPs.
5. Implements an industry-leading training program that ensures operational readiness for all required clinical and supporting services staff.
6. Ensures the UHN Special Pathogens program is meeting industry standards and best practices led by NETEC and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
7. Liaises with appropriate personnel in other programs on operational issues including safety, quality improvement, resource utilization, staffing, standardization, productivity and professional practice.
8. Manages and oversees the operating budget.
9. Given the specific nature of this role, the manager is expected to respond to escalations that will require responding to Special Pathogens activations as needed and serve as the central point of contact.

EDUCATION

• At a minimum, completion of a Masters degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Quality Improvement, Nursing or recognized equivalent required.
• Healthcare or clinical science background preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a hospital-setting preferred.
• Proven experience project planning, management and implementation experience required.
• Able to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to easily adapt to changing priorities.
• Proven critical thinking skills; able to lead at a strategic and operational level.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS

• Clinical designation considered an asset.
• Project Management Professional certification considered an asset.

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.