Specialist in Poisons Information

The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 122,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Salary packaging

Accrued days off

Fitness passport

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network seeks Pharmacists to join the Poisons Information Centre as Specialists in Poisons Information. The role involves handling poisoning inquiries, providing risk assessment, first aid guidance, and clinical management advice to health professionals and the public.

Training to become a SPI is provided; flexible work arrangements exist. Applicants should be AHPRA-registered and ready to work a 38-hour week across a roster, including after-hours and weekends.

Qualifications

• Registered pharmacists with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Structured poisons information training and supervised practice as part of the SPI pathway.
• Experience in poisoning management and clinical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Manage suspected or confirmed poisoning calls for adults and children.
• Provide expert guidance on risk assessment and clinical management of poisoning incidents.
• Contribute to 24/7 roster with after-hours and weekend shifts.

Skills

Poisons information

Clinical toxicology

Risk assessment

First aid

Education

Bachelor of Pharmacy / Pharmacist degree

AHPRA-registered pharmacist

Job description

Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available up to 21 September 2027. This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered. Position Classification: Pharmacist Gde 2 Remuneration: 121581.81 - 128898.29 full-time equivalent base salary range (+12% super + 17.5% leave loading and salary packaging) Hours Per Week: up to 38 Requisition ID: REQ693597 Location: Westmead Applications Close: Midnight on 27 September 2026 For role related queries or questions contact Dang Nguyen on [e-mail] At the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, every role helps children and young people live their healthiest lives. As the largest paediatric health service in Australia, we care for thousands of children each year, in hospital and at home. Our people are united by compassion, collaboration and excellence in care. Seeking to hire 1 or more pharmacists (up to 1 FTE) with appropriate clinical experience to join the largest Poisons Information Centre (PIC) in Australia to manage suspected or confirmed 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 (equating to an average of 50 calls per staff member per 8-hour shift, with an average call duration of four minutes). SPI's provide expert guidance on risk assessment, first aid, and the clinical management of suspected or confirmed poisoning incidents (accidental and intentional). These may involve medicines, illicit substances, chemicals (including household, industrial and agricultural), plants, as well as bites and stings. SPIs manage the majority of calls independently and elevate complex, unusual, or severe cases to clinical toxicologists for medical specialist input. 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

The New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSW PIC) operates as part of a national network of Poisons Information Centres service to both health professionals and the public, via the national telephone number 131126. The service manages a significant proportion of Australia’s poison information calls, responding to approximately 120,000 enquiries annually (equating to an average of 50 calls per staff member per 8-hour shift, with an average call duration of four minutes). Staff within the service are predominantly AHPRA-registered pharmacists who have completed structured poisons information training, undertaken supervised practice, and successfully achieved competency assessment at a State level. Specialists in Poisons Information (SPI's) provide expert guidance on risk assessment, first aid, and the clinical management of suspected or confirmed poisoning incidents (accidental and intentional). These may involve medicines, illicit substances, chemicals (including household, industrial and agricultural), plants, as well as bites and stings. SPIs manage the majority of calls independently and elevate complex, unusual, or severe cases to clinical toxicologists for medical specialist input.

Additional Benefits (where applicable):

• Flexible work opportunities
• Salary packaging and meal entertainment benefits
• accrued days off (ADOs)
• fitness passport
• employee assistance program (EAP)

Child Safe Standards:

SCHN is committed to maintaining a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, in line with NSW Health’s commitment to the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Additional Information:

SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity, recognising that a diverse workforce strengthens our culture and enhances the care we provide to children, young people and their families. Permanent NSW Health roles require Australian citizenship or permanent residency. Temporary visa holders may be considered where no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident is identified. Where required, overseas qualifications must be formally assessed by the Department of Education or relevant authority for recognition in Australia. An Eligibility List may be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families. For application support, visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application, or contact the SCHN’s Aboriginal Workforce Consultant at [e-mail] For technical support please contact 1300 679 367 Learn more about The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube