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, UC Davis Health, 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 Sacramento Division at UC Davis Health at 2450 48th. St. Administrative Support Building (ASB) Rm. 1260, Sacramento, CA 95817.  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.

Responsibilities

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)

40

YesUnder the direction of the Managing and Medical Directors, perform comprehensive case reviews to support quality assurance and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Responsibilities include conducting detailed reviews of cases; evaluating clinical and operational practices for adherence to established guidelines, policies, and procedures; identifying gaps, trends, and opportunities for improvement; and preparing clear, accurate reports summarizing findings and recommendations.

10

YesAssist with the training and development of new staff members under the direction of Managing and Medical Directors. Responsibilities include supporting onboarding activities, providing instruction on departmental policies, procedures, and best practices, and serving as a resource. In addition, monitor trainee progress, offers constructive feedback, identifies areas for development, and provide progress reports to the Medical and Managing Directors with respect to independent practice readiness.

40

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.

Oversee the medical advice provided by students, visiting health care professionals, Poison Information Providers and Specialist in Poison Information assigned to the CPCS hotline service.

5

YesDocument all calls and consultations in the standard CPCS electronic medical record system.

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.

2.5

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

100%

Qualifications

Qualifications, Licenses and Certifications

Requirements of the position:

• Pharm.D. Degree

• CA Licensed Pharmacist in good standing currently or by the time of starting. 

• Minimum of two (2) years post graduate training with an emphasis in toxicology and/or a minimum of three (3) years clinical experience within the last five (5) years in toxicology and poison information sciences.

• Demonstrated active pursuit of certification by the American Board of Applied Toxicology (ABAT). Required to obtain certification within 3 years of hiring. 

• Specialist in Poison Information Certification by America’s Poison Centers OR certification by the American Board of Applied Toxicology (ABAT)

• 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. 

Preferred

• Post graduate or clinical pharmacy residency or fellowship training

• Certification by the American Board of Applied Toxicology (DABAT)

• Involvement in scholarly activities

• Multilingual

• Typing proficiency

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html