Specialist in Poisons Information
Position Classification: Pharmacist Gde 1/2
Remuneration: 80513.62 - 119173.77 full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging)
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ543324
Sydney Children's Hospitals Network is the largest paediatric health care entity in Australia. We care for thousands of children each year in our hospitals and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help young people live their healthiest lives.
- An eligibility list may be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.
An exciting opportunity exists for a pharmacist with appropriate clinical experience to join the largest Poisons Information Centre (PIC) in Australia to manage actual and suspected poisoning of adults and children. The successful candidate will be provided with training to become a Specialist in Poisons Information (SPI).
The NSW Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC) receives 120,000 calls annually and provides poisons information to the public, and toxicology advice to health professionals on the management of poisoned and envenomed patients. Telephone advice is available 24/7 on 131126 and is provided by the SPIs. The service is supported by Clinical Toxicologists who provide specialist expertise on the medical management of these patients.
The NSWPIC is located within The Sydney Children's Hospital Network, at The Children's Hospital Westmead. This role will require the successful applicant to work on-site as required especially during their initial training period, however, the NSWPIC has established remote working practices and can provide flexible work arrangements.
Why you should join us
This is a highly rewarding role where you will interact with members of the public and healthcare professionals by providing phone advice. You will get the opportunity to engage in public health initiatives and be involved in the cutting edge of poisoning management. Callers often express their gratitude for the telephone advice provided and you will feel a sense of achievement by providing expert advice to callers who are often in stressful situations.
The team consists of approximately 30 Specialists in Poisons Information and approximately 25 Clinical Toxicologists. Senior positions in NSWPIC involve progression to the specialist areas of education and training, toxicovigilance, standards and research. We encourage continuing education and career progression amongst our team.
The successful applicant will contribute to the 24/7 roster and will be expected to work a mix of shifts including after-hours and weekends.
For more information about working at the NSWPIC please click on this link: https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/About-Us.aspx
What you'll be doing
- Assessment of patients exposed to various toxins and advice on simple treatment in the home or referral to a Health Care Facility
- Advise medical professionals on the management and prognosis of poisonings
- Advise on the treatment of bites and stings
- Advise on the effects of drugs in pregnancy and lactation
- Advise on the effects and interactions of medications
- Answer general queries relating to poisoning, pesticides and chemical safety
- Accurately record information provided directly into the database at the time of the call
- Actively audit Poisons Information Centre call records during each shift
Selection Criteria
- Full registration or eligible for full registration as a pharmacist with AHPRA, with no restrictions on scope of practice.
- Eligible for employment Grade 1/Grade 2 Pharmacist as per the Health Services State Award for Pharmacist
- Demonstrated relevant clinical pharmacy experience (including experience in a busy clinical environment)
- Demonstrated excellent drug information skills and knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology
- Demonstrated ability to quickly search and accurately interpret electronic medical and drug information.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a range of audiences.
- Required to work a 24 hour roster including weekends, evening and overnight shifts, in keeping with service delivery requirements.
SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity - we acknowledge the vibrancy that a diverse workforce brings to enhance both our workplace culture and our service delivery to children, young people and their families and carers. We encourage all suitably qualified applicants to apply. If you identify as an Indigenous Australian or as a person with a disability, please contact us if you would like some more information about our recruitment process.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families that access the services we provide at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Aboriginal job applicants are encouraged to visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application.
NSWHealth is committed to child safety in line with the Child Safe Standards. SCHN is committed to maintaining a child safe culture that upholds the rights of children and young people. We strive to ensure children and young people feel safe, supported, and are included in their care. Existing staff of SCHN and those seeking employment are required to prioritise the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in their care and take action to keep them safe from harm and abuse.
Applicants holding visas with working rights may be considered for temporary appointment (up to the expiry date of their visa) where no suitable local applicant is identified.
Please note: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Chamaine Lovett on Chamaine.Lovett@health.nsw.gov.au
If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander wishing to apply for this role and want to speak with an Aboriginal person/representative from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network please contact Wayne Dargan on wayne.dargan@health.nsw.gov.au
For technical support please contact the customer services team on 1300 679 367 and select option 3.
Applications Close: 9/01/2025
