Evergreen Health

The Harm Reduction Technician is responsible for providing a range of quality drug checking services for patients. Drug checking is an evidence-based strategy for reducing overdose and contributing to public health information about the harmful drug supplies in communities. This role will become trained in utilizing a variety of tools including spectrometers and test strips and serve as Evergreen’s primary resource for patients and staff on the drug checking program. The Technician works closely with the leadership and staff of Evergreen’s Harm Reduction Center. The Technician reports directly to the AVP of Harm Reduction. These responsibilities may be revised, as necessary, with proper notification and training provided, where appropriate.

As part of the essential functions of this role, the Harm Reduction Technician:

• Offers comprehensive overdose prevention and drug checking services to patients of Evergreen’s Harm Reduction Center in Buffalo, Jamestown, and mobile unit.

• Analyzes samples submitted by service users using FTIR spectroscopy and immunoassay test strips.

• Offers appropriate harm reduction counseling based on training and drug checking results. Connects service users to other resources as necessary.

• Collects data on submitted samples and results. Develops and maintains data collection protocols and documents as needed.

• Facilitates the handling and storage of samples according to approved protocol and submits samples for further laboratory testing.

• Communicates with secondary verification labs and assists in developing procedures for packaging, mailing, and tracking samples submitted for further analysis, maintaining ongoing data analysis comparing laboratory results with point of care results for quality assurance and training.

• Responsible for the set-up, take down, transportation, and maintenance of delicate spectrometer and related equipment.

• Stays 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.

• Collaborates with other team members, including harm reduction staff and peers, to ensure seamless and effective service delivery.

• Effectively communicates with supervisor to ensure the integrity and consistency of services offered; properly adheres to established safety protocols and other program policies and procedures.

• Actively participates in ongoing program and process evaluation.

  Qualified candidate will have Master’s Degree in a related field OR Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience providing services directly to patients in a healthcare/behavioral health setting OR five years of being actively engaged in a healthcare/behavioral health setting program. Experience in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, public health, forensic science, or a related field preferred. Understanding of, or previous experience using, an FTIR spectrometer is preferred, but not required- training will be provided. Candidate will have the ability to establish rapport with PWUD, knowledge of issues related to drug use and addiction, and desire to provide supportive and non-judgmental services to this population. Candidate will have proficient computer, communication, organization, customer service, and problem-solving skills. Candidate will have a valid NYS driver license and insured, dependable car to use for traveling between locations. Candidate will d emonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the issues that underserved populations, people living with HIV and people who use drugs face, including health disparities that affect people of color at a disproportionate rate

  Job type: Full time

  Required education/experience:

• Master’s Degree in a related field OR Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience providing services directly to patients in a healthcare/behavioral health setting OR five years of being actively engaged in a healthcare/behavioral health setting program

• Experience in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, public health, forensic science, or a related field preferred

• Understanding of, or previous experience using, an FTIR spectrometer is preferred

  What Evergreen Health Offers You:

• Multiple comprehensive medical health insurance plans for you to choose from

• Dental and Vision coverage at no cost to you

• Paid Time Off package that equals 4 weeks of time in your first year

• 403b with a generous company match

• Paid parking or monthly metro pass

• Professional development opportunities

• Paid lunch breaks