Education Specialist, UHN Special Pathogens

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
New or Replacement: Replacement
Site: Toronto Western Hospital
Department: Infection Control and Prevention (IPAC)
Reports to: Manager, Special Pathogens
Salary: $78,954 - $118,424
Hours: 37.5 per week
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: September 23, 2026

Position Summary

As part of Ontario's only special pathogens treatment center and a national leader in Canada's special pathogens response network, this role involves utilizing relevant educational theories and demonstrating high standards of knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide training, education and simulation for operational and clinical support staff for UHN Special Pathogens. Additionally, the role supports and provides input into special pathogens response planning and deployment activities, standard operating procedure development, participates in risk assessment activities, and supports the development of quality and continuous improvement frameworks. Finally, the role also includes ensuring that all relevant UHN sites maintain equipment and stock readiness at all times.  

Key responsibilities include developing, implementing, and evaluating training and readiness assessment programs to prepare UHN to admit, test and treat patients with suspected or confirmed special pathogens. This includes developing strong knowledge in personal protective equipment (PPE), standard operating procedures and protocols and other essential supplies for managing patients with suspected or confirmed special pathogens, such as viral hemorrhagic fevers and novel and emerging pathogens. 

Furthermore, the role requires participation in academic and professional growth activities to enhance skills and knowledge in special pathogens, ensuring excellence in the provision of teaching services. It also involves performing cross-functional, cross-departmental, and other duties consistent with the job classification as required. This comprehensive approach ensures that the individual is well-prepared to handle various aspects of special pathogens management and education within UHN and beyond. 

Duties

• Develops, implements, and evaluates training programs to prepare UHN to receive, test and treat patients with suspected or confirmed special pathogens as defined by UHN Special Pathogens. This includes developing strong knowledge in personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies for managing patients with suspected or confirmed special pathogens, such as viral hemorrhagic fevers and novel and emerging pathogens.  
• Schedules and facilitates learning by carrying out regularly scheduled teaching/education sessions in a clinical and non-clinical environment, ensuring that best practices of special pathogens readiness and deployment are incorporated into training/educational programs. 
• Codevelops, and assists in the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures for operations that impact the provision of care for patients with suspected or confirmed special pathogens.
• The role demands strong, organizational and logistical skills to develop and manage the special pathogens educational program. This includes developing and executing tabletop and functional exercises to establish UHN as a reliable special pathogen centre.  
• The successful candidate will be an effective clinical, educational, and professional leader with a focus on patient care, healthcare worker safety, and health systems. Additionally, the successful candidate will be instrumental in the preparation, distribution, and tracking of PPE and critical resources, ensuring program readiness and effective response. 
• Monitors and maintains adequate stock levels of supplies to ensure special pathogens readiness across UHN. 
• Coordinates the distribution of resources related to UHN Special Pathogens 
• Collaborates with procurement and materials management teams to ensure the availability of critical supplies. 

• At minimum, completion of a Bachelors degree in Nursing, Health Sciences, Education, Adult Education or recognized equivalent required. 
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in training program and curriculum development. 
• Proficiency in M365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 
• Completion of a Master’s Degree in Nursing, Health Sciences, Education, Adult Education or recognized equivalent preferred. 
• Within the last 5 years, a minimum of 3 years front line clinical or clinically related adult education experience preferred. 
• Within the last 5 years, a minimum of 1 year experience working in the Emergency Department(s) or Intensive Care Unit(s) or equivalent in a large tertiary or academic setting preferred. 
• Experience or certification in medical simulation an asset.
• Certification from appropriate professional bodies/organizations preferred 
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in program management and development 
• Experience with inventory and logistics an asset. 
• Certification(s) in project management or equivalent 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.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

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. At University Health Network (UHN), artificial intelligence technologies may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, and selection of candidates for this position.

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.