Entry Level Poison Control Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The California Poison Control System (CPCS) is a 24 hour-a-day informational hotline serving residents statewide in California.  It is designated by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority and managed by the UCSF School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy.

CPCS operates from 4 UC-affiliated answering sites (UCSF/ZSFG, UCDMC, Valley Children's Hospital, and UCSD) managing approximately 250,000 calls per year, utilizing the most up-to-date computerized information systems.  The hotline service is linked to a translator service with the capability to handle multiple languages on a 24 hour per day basis. 

Respond to calls to the California Poison Control System (CPCS) located at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General a partner of University of California, San Francisco at 1001 Potrero Ave. Bld 5, Suite 2C8, SF, CA 94110, CA. Provide assessment, information, management advice, in-depth consultation, and follow-up for emergency telephone toxicology and poisoning calls.  Participate in scholarly activities to include research, publications, and professional organizations. Perform other duties as assigned.

This role requires a 10.5 hours shift length.

Required Qualifications: 

• Pharm.D. Degree

• CA Licensed Pharmacist in current good standing or by the time of starting. Minimum of 2 years of experience in clinically-oriented pharmacy practice OR 2 years prior Poison Control Center experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and ability necessary for the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Excellent drug information skills and knowledge of pharmacology, toxicology, physical chemistry and pathophysiology

• Knowledge of the proper use of computerized databases, texts, and files

• Knowledge of the proper use of back-up medical consultants 

• Experience and a thorough understanding of potential interactions between drugs and disease states

• Written and verbal communication skills must be superb in English and adaptable to situations involving callers ranging from children and the lay public to healthcare professionals

• Adherence to all operational policies, protocols, standards and applicable philosophies and missions

• Will work an average of 80 hours over each 2-week period, which includes sharing days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Post graduate or clinical pharmacy residency or fellowship training

• AAPCC Certification as a Specialist in Poison Information or as a Diplomate of the American Board of Applied Toxicology

• Involvement in scholarly activities

• Multilingual

• Willingness to work predominately/exclusively night shifts

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job.  The functions should add up to 100%.

% 

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

80

Yes

Provides initial management advice, and follow-up for emergency and informational telephone calls requested of the CPCS Hotline. Obtain pertinent and appropriate information, appropriately assess the seriousness of the situation, and answer caller inquiries with complete, concise and relevant recommendations for action in terms that are appropriate to the calling party's level of understanding.

Direct, assist and serve as back up for Specialists in Poison Information and Providers in the CPCS hotline service.

Responsible for direction of medical advice provided by students, visiting health care professionals, Poison Information Providers and Specialist in Poison Information assigned to the PCC service.

10

YesDocument all calls and consultations on the standard PCC written or electronic medical record form.

2.5

YesInvolvement in CPCS teaching programs.  This may include:  developing and presenting lectures to community and professional groups regarding poisoning management and prevention; assisting in precepting students and post-graduate graduate residents and fellows rotating through the Poison Center.  Participation in scholarly activities to include research, publications and professional organizations.

5

YesParticipate in quality improvement and professional development, attending rounds and case conferences on hospitalized patients, and problematic cases.  Provide necessary investigation of case history, literature and consultant research, and devise proper treatment and triage recommendations that are both medically and economically appropriate.

2.5

YesAssist with development of toxicology management protocols.  Other duties as assigned.

100%

 (To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)