Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values, Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Operations Manager with a functional reporting relationship to the Medical Head, the Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) Clinical Supervisor directs and supervises clinical service delivery of the Drug and Poison Information Centre. The Clinical Supervisor is accountable and responsible for ensuring the delivery of quality care through the provision of poison and drug information services. The Clinical Supervisor liaises with the BC Centre for Disease Control regarding the general operations of DPIC supervising designated staff, contributing to the hiring of new staff and overseeing training, and ensures ongoing improvement through quality initiatives and quality control management. The Clinical Supervisor liaises with designated educational institutions to coordinate educational commitments.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Supervises designated clinical staff and service delivery by performing duties such as coordinating and prioritizing work  assignments, and responding to identified staff and/or service issues. Provides direction to the Program Coordinator on scheduling issues. Contributes to the evaluation of employee performance and provides input regarding related training, development,  and orientation requirements. Provides training to staff,  and academic teaching to undergraduate and post-graduate students

2. Reviews, plans, organizes and directs on DPIC policies and procedures to meet the DPIC strategic mandate and participates in the development of evidence-based standards and protocols.

3. Acts as a liaison with the BCCDC on organizational quality initiatives, implementing approved DPIC initiatives and makes recommendations to improve current services.

4. Acts as a clinical resource for DPIC staff and other health care professionals; exercises professional judgment to advise and give direction on involved and complex drug and poison requests. Consults with DPIC medical consultants for additional guidance when required.

5. In collaboration with the Operations manager and Medical Head, reviews centre activities and statistical workload measures such as call volume and response times; identifies deficiencies and champions improvement measures. Works with DPIC team to identify and interpret key statistics and analytical data.

6. Participates in the regular rotation for the drug line and 24 hour poison line by responding appropriately to calls from the general public and health care professionals from throughout the province. Provides drug and poison information and treatment advice, documenting each call as per established protocols.

7. Participates in the development, maintenance and evaluation of the human resources plan for DPIC in conjunction with the Program Coordinator, Medical Head and Operations Manager and consistent with BCCDC standards, including defining role expectations, analyzing staffing needs and recommending credentials and skill requirements to support effective and efficient service delivery.  Recruits staff through methods such as identifying vacancies, processing required internal paperwork, interviewing applicants and selecting staff directly or in conjunction with operations manager to maintain approved staff complement.

8. Maintains quality assurance programs and related policies and procedures; identifies and troubleshoots inconsistencies, ensures regular audits are conducted and initiates applicable corrective action, ensures legislative, accreditation and pharmacy safety standards are maintained and participates in on-going team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities including imPROVE. Researches and communicates best service practices.

9. Provides written contributions to drug and poison information bulletins, departmental newsletters and manual and departmental website(s); compiles written information to ensure the facility receives the most current and accurate information regarding pharmaceuticals and their use.

10. Oversees the peer review process for drug information requests and for poison calls.

11. Attends designated meetings in the capacity of a resource information person and participates on professional committees as required.

12. Contributes to the development, implementation and sustainment of a surveillance program to identify emerging trends and to direct and inform timely communication to health practitioners, and for research and education.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Baccalaureate degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Successful completion of Hospital Pharmacy Residency Program in a complex clinicopharmacologic environment or drug and poison information, and a post-graduate Master of Pharmacy degree from an accredited university and four (4) years recent, related experience in hospital and/or community practice, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Licensing by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (Regulatory Body) - Good Standing.
• Certification with the American Association of Poison Control Centres (AAPCC) or equivalent experience.


Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of evidence-based clinical practice.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and supervise staff.
• Demonstrated sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, adjust to new or unexpected events, resolve conflicts, and guide others to resolution.
• Ability to deal tactfully and professional with clients or other health care providers.
• Able to maintain and exercise confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to use relevant computer software applications such as MS Word, database, spreadsheet and centre applications.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.