Poison Information Specialist (Pharmacist)

IWK Health; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established health sciences centre seeks a Specialist in Poison Information to provide critical advice on pharmacological exposures. This role involves answering calls, assessing toxicity, and implementing care plans. Join a dedicated team committed to enhancing public health and safety across Atlantic Canada. The position offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. If you are passionate about making a difference in healthcare, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Entry-level pharmacy degree from a CCAPP-accredited university.
• Completion of a Hospital Pharmacy Residency or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Answering and triaging incoming calls regarding exposures.
• Implementing care plans based on guidelines and case specifics.
• Providing crisis intervention for medical or drug-related issues.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Public speaking

Problem-solving

Bilingual in French/English

Education

Entry-level pharmacy degree

Completion of a Hospital Pharmacy Residency

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.

Company: IWK Health

Req ID: 199751

Department/Program: Atlantic Canada Poison Centre, Children's Medical Care

Location: Halifax

Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly PT (80% FTE) until April 25, 2026, 1 position

Start Date: ASAP

Union Status: NSGEU Healthcare, Healthcare Bargaining Unit

Compensation: $47.0341 - $60.8234/hour

Closing Date: May 11, 2025 (Applications accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We provide tertiary and primary care for over two million children, youth, adults, and families annually across the Atlantic region. Our team comprises approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers, and learners across Nova Scotia. We focus on training and mentorship opportunities, celebrating talent and successes, and fostering collaboration both in modern facilities and virtually. We are committed to an anti-racist environment and acknowledge the traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq people. We aim to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve, including Indigenous peoples, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

The Opportunity

The Atlantic Canada Poison Centre (ACPC) offers telephone advice and management regarding pharmacological and non-pharmacological exposures to the general public and healthcare providers across Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island.

Responsibilities of the Specialist in Poison Information (SPI):

1. Answering and triaging incoming calls, obtaining exposure history, assessing toxicity severity using judgment and references, and communicating clearly.
2. Implementing care plans based on guidelines, case specifics, and professional judgment in a timely manner.
3. Communicating patient information and treatment recommendations to healthcare providers and facilities.
4. Evaluating assessments and recommendations through follow-up procedures.
5. Providing crisis intervention for callers with medical, drug-related, or suicidal issues, with referrals to community agencies.
6. Referring non-medical callers to appropriate agencies professionally and courteously.
7. Assisting with staff and student learning and development.
8. Participating in research related to poisonings.
9. Engaging in committee work to support education, quality initiatives, and self-scheduling.
10. Collaborating with team members to achieve Centre objectives.

Hours of Work

11.25-hour shifts: 08:00-20:00, 20:00-08:00, 12:00-24:00; rotating schedule according to guidelines.

Your Qualifications

• Entry-level pharmacy degree from a CCAPP-accredited university (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Pharm D).
• Completion of a Hospital Pharmacy Residency or equivalent experience.
• Licensure or eligibility with the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists as an Active Direct Patient Care Pharmacist.
• Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI) preferred; experience in toxicology or Poison Centre setting advantageous.
• Emergency/critical care pharmacist or poison information experience preferred.
• Effective communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Strong public speaking, writing, and presentation skills.
• Excellent mathematical, calculation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills required.
• Bilingual in French/English preferred.

Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.

Please note that only selected applicants will be contacted for interviews or testing. If invited, you may request accommodations for assessments.

This position is within the Healthcare bargaining unit. Preference is given to unionized employees. Clarify seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlements before accepting if transitioning unions or employment statuses. Employment offers are contingent upon background checks and credential verification.

If you are an IWK Health employee, apply through the internal careers page to be recognized as an internal applicant.