Poison Information Specialist

Job Description

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.