Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: S4005 / Poison Info Splst (Certified)
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 16

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Receives and responds to telephone inquiries from the general public, health care practitioners, and other agencies regarding poison and drug information. Provides information on the toxicity of drugs, poisons, chemicals, biologics, hazardous materials, and other substances; recommends antidotes, treatments, and/or courses of action to callers in emergency situations. Provides comprehensive information on all aspects of drug usage to health care practitioners, agencies, and the public, and provides education and guidance to staff, students, and interns and serves as a member of adjunct faculty.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Receives calls regarding poisonings, suspected poisonings, and other related concerns; obtains complete case histories from callers using appropriate interview techniques.
  2. Assesses nature and severity of poisoning utilizing appropriate calculations and resources, and determines appropriate treatment; communicates assessment and recommended treatment to caller.
  3. Enters computerized documentation of information received for telephone inquiries and follow up calls, in accordance with established protocol; ensures that all documentation completely and accurately reflects the content of the conversation.
  4. Assesses potential for toxic exposure and follows up as appropriate.
  5. Provides information to the community regarding drug identification, drug indications or contraindications, dosage and administration, and other, more advanced drug information as consistent with individual level of pharmaceutical expertise.
  6. Provides guidance and support and participates in the training and supervision of specialist staff, pharmacy interns, and students.
  7. Develops and presents lectures on clinical toxicology and poisoning management to pharmacy interns, pharmacy students, medical students, medical residents, and staff.
  8. Participates in the continuous quality improvement activities of the Poison Information Center.
  9. Adheres to established professional standards for customer service and interpersonal relations.
  10. Participates in bi-weekly clinical toxicology review sessions; maintains currency of knowledge and expertise in clinical toxicology.
  11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Doctorate degree in Pharmacy; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure Licensed as Pharmacist in the State of New Mexico OR must be eligible for New Mexico licensure within six (6) months from date of hire. Specialist Certification by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
  • Current knowledge of the nature, toxicity, and antidotes of a range of drugs, poisons and other substances.
  • Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Knowledge of a wide range of pharmaceutical and other drugs and their indications, contraindications, dosing, interaction, and side effects.
  • Ability to design, prepare, deliver, and modify course curriculum and associated educational aids.
  • Ability to perform case audits and reviews for continuous quality improvement.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Data entry and documentation skills.
  • Ability to communicate medical information to health care professionals and the public over the telephone under crisis circumstances.

Distinguishing Characteristics

    Position requires: a) Specialist certification by the American Association of Poison Control Centers; b) independent provision of immediate and accurate toxicity assessments and treatment recommendations for all kinds of poisonings; c) use of independent judgment in providing comprehensive drug information and consultation to health care professionals and the public; d) delivery of curriculum, training, and supervision to phamacy students, interns, and uncertified specialists; e) literature search of scientific studies, indexing and abstracting services, and review articles and texts; f) performance of case audits and reviews for continuous quality improvement.

Conditions of Employment

  • Must maintain certification status.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 07/11/2021