Specialist, Poison Information I - TDH Poison Center

JOB SUMMARY:

Serves as an information resource to provide health professionals and the public with information on poisonous substances including assessing emergency situations (triage), referring individuals to appropriate treatment sources, and documenting all interactions.  Also conducts educational and research projects to ensure the poison center operations meets regulatory requirements and the needs of users.

MAJOR DUTIES / CRITICAL TASKS:

• Serves as a resource to health professionals and the public related to potential poisonings by answering inquires (telephone calls and or other forms of communication) by providing consultation to include accurate assessment, information, direction, and assistance for the Poison Center twenty-four hour statewide "hot line" and future forms of communication.
• Coordinates poison services, performs referral services, identification, makes diagnostic decisions, treatment, assessment and charting activities, conducts analysis, calculates patients’ toxicity level and performs follow-up communication.  Maintains documentation and records and prepares reports.  Ensures services meet Southeast Texas Poison Center (SETPC) and Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) guidelines.
• Consistently and actively promotes the development of self.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of up-to-date toxicology concepts/information and patient care in the treatment of poisoned patients.
• Participates in triage of potentially suicidal individuals and contributes to successful resolutions.
• Provides timely follow-up communication to all potentially harmful exposures in accordance with department and/or TPCN policies, procedures or guidelines.
• Documents all communications with health professionals or the public concerning the potentially poisoned patient in order to fully document poison occurrences.
• Collects and documents poison information according to SETPC procedures/guidelines, standards of practice, and in compliance with the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) standards.
• Assists in maintaining compliance with legal responsibilities of patient information (i.e.:  privacy, confidentiality, and record integrity).
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements and trends in poison information by attending seminars and workshops, reading professional journals and/or maintaining licensure/registration with Texas State Board for profession.  Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Assists in interviewing/orientation of new employees to assure quality and competence.
• Assists in compilation of necessary statistics regarding progress and goals.
• Participates in call monitoring and performance improvement initiatives on a monthly basis to ensure the poison center is operating efficiently and effectively. This includes participation on TPCN committees.
• Seeks and utilizes direction from more experienced staff and team members as needed.
• Assists in poison center research and education efforts.
• Assists in the development and collates necessary quality assurance efforts in all aspects of poison center services and reports quality assurance activities to the Director.
• Performs other position appropriate duties as required in a competent, professional and courteous manner.