Associate Director, Poison Control Center

University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center (NMPDIC) is a public service program of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and is affiliated with the UNM College of Pharmacy. NMPDIC is certified as a Regional Poison Center by the American Association of Poison Control Centers signifying national recognition of its status as an outstanding poison center. The NMPDIC is now hiring an Associate Director. The successful candidate will assist the Director in managing all daily operational aspects of the NMPDIC including the coordination of staff scheduling, payroll, software and hardware maintenance, and support staff responsibilities. The Associate Director will supervise professional poison information staff and assumes the role of Certified Poison Information Specialist, when needed. Additionally, this person assists the Director with administrative and educational tasks associated with the operations of the NMPDIC, including continuous quality improvement projects, development of department policies, strategic planning, implementation of new services, and training of pharmacy students. This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. The selected candidate will back-fill and overfill the current Associate Dir, Poison Control Ctr position. The selected candidate will train directly with the current incumbent. Upon the completion of the training period and the retirement of the incumbent, the full scope of the position and role will transition to the selected candidate.

Requirements

Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Knowledge of the operational characteristics of a poison information center:
Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
Knowledge of the operational and staffing requirements of a 24-hour crisis services activity.
Ability to advise, train, and assess performance of clinical professionals and/or students within area of expertise.
Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
Ability to provide direct client services at the level of a certified poison information specialist.
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and operating policies and standards in area of specialty.
Bachelor's or Doctorate degree in Pharmacy; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Certification/Licensure Licensed as Pharmacist in the State of New Mexico OR must be eligible for New Mexico licensure within six (6) months from date of hire.
Specialist Certification by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Nice To Haves

Diplomate of the American Board of Applied Toxicology (DABAT) or eligible for DABAT licensure
Supervisory experience
Experience troubleshooting computer and telecommunication problems
Experience creating department policies and procedures
Experience overseeing payroll
Experience spearheading quality improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

Assists in the establishment and implementation of comprehensive strategic plans for the center and the development of policies and operating procedures to achieve program objectives.
Supervises and evaluates poison information providers, poison information specialists, certified poison information specialists and student employees in accordance with department and University guidelines with the Director.
Provides support to internal and external professional education activities, to include training of staff, healthcare professionals, and students; provides direct assistance with teaching and evaluation of students.
Implements continuous quality improvement projects to improve quality of service, reduce cost, and enhance the operating efficiency of the center.
Coordinates the operational scheduling of the center to ensure adequate telephone coverage with the Director; provides direct services as a poison information specialist as and when needed.
Provides technical and administrative coordination, support, and problem resolution to center staff, thereby facilitating the smooth operation of the center.
Participates in the development and implementation of new and/or modified programs and services offered by the center.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Administrative on-call duties for operational and staffing issues (network outages, telephone malfunction, nonworking recording system, server problems, building/utility emergencies, access/safety issues, remote workstation issues and staff call-ins).
Provide telephone coverage as a Certified - Splst Poison Info (CSPI) when necessary.