Drug-Checking Technician

Drug-Checking Technician
Salary: $100,904

Welfare Research, Inc. d/b/a WRI Solutions is seeking one (1) qualified candidate to fill the full-time position of Drug-Checking Technician.

Program Description

The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use (BADU) works to close gaps and reduce overall morbidity and mortality related to alcohol and substance use among New Yorkers. BADU develops, implements, and evaluates interventions and prevention strategies through contracting of treatment, recovery and support services; policy analysis and development; epidemiology and surveillance; dissemination of treatment and management guidelines; harm reduction initiatives; public and provider outreach and education; and community involvement and interagency collaboration. The Bureau amplifies the voices of those most impacted and focuses on inequitable structural, social, service, and communication factors that drive disparities.

The Office of Research, Surveillance, Policy, and Communications within BADU conducts alcohol- and drug-related surveillance, program evaluation and research, maintains databases, designs research protocols, produces reports, writes scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals, facilitates program and policy development, and develops messaging and other communication materials for provider and public audiences.

In 2021, BADU established a drug-checking pilot to gain more insight into the unregulated drug supply and provide fact-based information to people using the service. Using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and immunoassay test strips, trained drug-checking technicians currently offer point-of-care drug-checking services at syringe service program locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, including two sites that offer overdose prevention services.

With an annual budget of approximately $3 million dollars per year, Overdose Data to Action-Limiting Overdose through Collaborative Actions in Localities (OD2A: LOCAL) aims to strengthen NYC’s response to the opioid overdose epidemic and reduce overdose deaths. Informed by critical new surveillance and in collaboration with cross-sector partners across levels of government, BADU will implement focused prevention and response strategies to reach populations that bear the heaviest burden of opioid use and associated morbidity and mortality, which includes expanding the drug-checking initiative.

Position Summary

The Drug-Checking Technician will provide drug-checking services in community-based settings with the goals of reducing drug-related harm, increasing community knowledge, and assisting individuals in making informed decisions regarding their substance use.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Drug-Checking, the Drug-Checking Technician will perform the following tasks:

· Analyze samples using FTIR and immunoassay test strips.

· Interpret findings and communicate results to service users.

· Provide non-judgmental and evidence-based information about the unregulated drug supply to service users.

· Offer tailored harm reduction counseling and connect service users to other resources as necessary.

· Collect data about service users and submitted samples, and record results in REDCap.

· Engage in ongoing learning about the unregulated drug supply and complete training on advanced drug-checking techniques.

· Follow all program policies and procedures.

· Be responsible for the set-up, take down, transportation, and maintenance of sensitive technical equipment.

· Perform ongoing review of data to ensure quality assurance.

· Contribute to the development of drug-checking protocols, materials, and data products.

· Contribute to research activities related to the drug-checking program.

· Support the dissemination of drug-checking findings, including for presentations and manuscripts.

· Build relationships with staff at community-based sites, including harm reduction specialists, outreach workers, and program managers, to ensure seamless and effective service delivery.

· Stay up to date on the latest trends, developments, and innovations related to drug checking, harm reduction, and substance use to enhance the overall effectiveness of the program.

· Contribute to the Bureau’s racial justice and health equity activities

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or

2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or

3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above

4. In addition, must also have at least two years of experience conducting community-based drug checking with FTIR or at least four years of experience working in the field of harm reduction; and

5. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, including ability to enter and track data in a spreadsheet.

Preferred Skills

· Proficiency in Spanish (verbal and written) is highly preferred.

· Understanding of, or previous experience using an FTIR is highly preferred.

· Extensive knowledge about the unregulated drug supply and issues affecting people who use drugs is highly preferred.

· Interest in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, or a related field.

· Ability to communicate complex physical science and health education concepts in an accessible manner for participants with a broad range of health literacies.

· Demonstrated commitment to harm reduction principles, ethical practices, and confidentiality.

· Ability to maintain a non-judgmental, empathetic, and respectful attitude toward individuals using the drug-checking service.

· Ability to communicate respectfully and de-escalate conflict in a respectful and person-centered manner.

· Ability to think critically about data interpretation.

· Able to sit and operate a computer for long periods of time.

· Interest in working with colleagues and participants with a range of identities, backgrounds, and experiences.

· Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.

· Experience with REDCap.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Interest in contributing to the expansion of drug-checking services and a passion for supporting New Yorkers who use drugs.

Remote Work Policy: DOHMH employees working through WRI are allowed a Hybrid option post training and onboarding.

Sponsorship Policy: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Salary: $100,904

To Apply: To be considered, you must submit a resume and cover letter to: mhyadmin@health.nyc.gov

Only applications submitted through the website will be considered.

Excellent Benefits Package. EEO Employer.

Pay: $100,904.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• In order to be considered for this position, please provide a cover letter:

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Long Island City, NY 11101