Poison Information Specialist

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP), Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research (P-SHOR) has an exciting opportunity for a Poison Information Specialist (Specialist, Poison Control) to work within the Maryland Poison Center. 

The MD Poison Center (a subsidiary of the School of Pharmacy) provides high quality poison information and prevention services to the public and healthcare professionals while decreasing the cost and complexity of poisoning and overdose care. The Maryland Poison center has served Marylanders since 1972. https://mdpoison.com/

Established in 1841, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is the fourth oldest school of pharmacy in the United States. As a leader in pharmacy education, scientific discovery, patient care, and community engagement, the School conducts cutting edge research and engages in a wide variety of professional practice activities to improve the health and well-being of citizens in the state of Maryland and beyond 

UMB CORE VALUES: 

Respect & Integrity, Well-Being & Sustainability, Equity & Justice, and Innovation & Discovery

BENEFITS (Exempt Regular):

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland.  All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Poison Information Specialist provides emergency poison triage and treatment information over the phone to all who contact the Maryland Poison Center. The successful candidate must have the ability to rapidly integrate large amounts of information, be able to identify likely causes for patients' symptoms, and demonstrate outstanding communication skills. Specialists have access available to resources in the Maryland Poison Center as well as other experts in toxicology, but most cases can be managed by the specialist. The selected candidate is expected to be flexible with work schedules.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Provides emergency triage and treatment information over the phone and documents telephone interactions. Maintains thorough and accurate documentation of all poison exposure calls using the Poison Center's on-line data collection system. Uses computerized databases, textbooks, medical literature, consultants, and previous knowledge and experience to accurately assess each exposure case.
• Makes follow-up calls at appropriate intervals. Determines if recommendations were followed and whether additional procedures are warranted. Provides additional information and assesses the outcome of exposure.
• Assists in the educational mission of the Maryland Poison Center.
• Provides administrative support to the Maryland Poison Center.
• Assists in providing comprehensive information to healthcare professionals regarding anticipated clinical course, diagnostic approach, interpretation of laboratory results, and appropriate invasive, supportive and antidotal treatment recommendations.
• Assists in identifying quality improvement process.
• Communicates with poison control team and/or management sharing observations and experience in managing poisonings. Participates in regional toxicology meetings, as encouraged.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in pharmacy or nursing. Master's degree in nursing or doctoral degree in pharmacy (PharmD) preferred.

Experience: Bachelor's degree in nursing must possess three (3) years of related experience in an emergency department, poison control center, intensive or critical care unit, or operating room. Master's degree in nursing requires two (2) years of related experience. No experience required for Pharm.D.

Supervisory Experience: N/A.

Certification/Licensure: Current Maryland licensure in good standing to practice as a pharmacist or registered nurse. Must be able to obtain American Association Poison Control Center or Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology Certification within two (2) years of joining the poison center.

Other: Weekend, holiday, rotating shift work, and on-call is required. Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Employees in this job class may be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of people who may have a wide range of educational backgrounds.
• Solid understanding of pharmacology; solid understanding of medications, familiarity with common medication calculations (e.g., determining total mg/kg exposures based on patient information and history, doing basic percent calculations, etc.)
• Ability to work with computers and other computer-related technologies.
• Ability to be flexible with work schedules.

Hiring Range: $110,000 - $133,000 per year / Commensurate with education and experience

 

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact [email protected]. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.