Poison Information Specialist, Bureau of Environmental Disease and Injury Prevention

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking public health organization dedicated to making New York City a healthier place. This role at the Poison Control Center offers a unique opportunity to respond to emergency calls, providing critical information and support to both the public and healthcare professionals. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and analytical skills, along with a valid NYS license in pharmacy, nursing, or as a physician assistant. Enjoy unmatched benefits, including loan forgiveness programs, premium-free health insurance, and job security in a supportive work environment. If you're passionate about public health and ready to make a difference, this position is for you.

Benefits

Loan Forgiveness

Premium-free health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Tax-deferred savings program

Worksite Wellness Program

Work From Home Policy

Job Security

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid NYS license as a pharmacist, nurse, or physician assistant.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency calls from the public and healthcare providers.
• Document cases in real-time using data collection software.

Skills

Clear communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Data management skills

Second language skills

Education

NYS licensed and registered pharmacist

Registered Professional Nurse

Registered Physician's Assistant

BSN with 1 year of ER or ICU experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The New York City Poison Control Center (PCC) is an emergency medical hotline that responds to requests for assistance from both the public and health care providers for intentional and unintentional exposures as well as information requests regarding a variety of issues including medication safety (interactions, indications for use, disposal).

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

The candidate will be responding to emergency calls from both the public and health care providers. The calls from the public will be triaged either to the emergency department, a private physician or clinic, or to stay home with follow up from the PCC. Calls from health care providers include the PCC as part of the treating team and will be the resource for patient care. All cases will be documented in real time in our data collection software in compliance with current NYS and American Association of Poison Control Center (AAPCC) requirements. Reference resources are on site.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

1. All candidates must be either a NYS licensed and registered pharmacist, nurse, or physician assistant. If candidates possess a BSN, they must have 1 year of experience in the Emergency room or in the Intensive Care Unit.
2. All candidates must have clear communication skills. Second language skills are desired but are not required.
3. All candidates must sit for the AAPCC certification examination and maintain their certification throughout their employment.
4. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities and track progress to adhere to set timelines.
5. Strong computer and data management skills, including proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Why you should work for us:

1. Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance.
2. Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:

• A premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• A tax-deferred savings program.
• A robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.

Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.

Job Security: You could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess one of the following valid New York State licenses or certification:
Registered Pharmacist
Registered Professional Nurse
Registered Physician's Assistant
Certified Nurse Practitioner

The licenses and/or certification listed above must be maintained for the duration of employment.

License/Certification Requirement:
A valid Certification for Specialists in Poison Information (CSPI) must be obtained within one year of the date of appointment. Employees who fail to obtain their CSPI within one year of the date of appointment will have their probationary period automatically extended for no more than six months. Failure to obtain the required certification by the end of 18 months of service will result in dismissal.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.