Job description
BROCKTON NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER
Drug Checking Technician
Supervisor(s): Homeless Services Program Manager
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Drug Checking Technician (DCT) will work within BNHC’ Substance Use Services Department to deliver and expand advanced drug checking services as a harm reduction tool in both the Harm Reduction Clinic and Community Care-in-Reach Mobile Addictions Services programs. Funded by the Together we RIZE initiative from the RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, the DCT position is an innovative role that will collect and chemically analyze remnant samples from the street drug supply in order to tailor harm reduction education and overdose prevention to program participants based upon testing results. Daily tasks will include systematically collecting, cataloging, and analyzing samples using fentanyl test strips and infrared spectroscopy. Responsibilities will also include collecting qualitative interview and quantitative survey data from program participants related to drug checking, providing harm reduction and overdose prevention education, and building rapport with participants and community organizations.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
POSITION TASKS:
Supervisor(s): Homeless Services Program Manager
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Drug Checking Technician (DCT) will work within BNHC’ Substance Use Services Department to deliver and expand advanced drug checking services as a harm reduction tool in both the Harm Reduction Clinic and Community Care-in-Reach Mobile Addictions Services programs. Funded by the Together we RIZE initiative from the RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, the DCT position is an innovative role that will collect and chemically analyze remnant samples from the street drug supply in order to tailor harm reduction education and overdose prevention to program participants based upon testing results. Daily tasks will include systematically collecting, cataloging, and analyzing samples using fentanyl test strips and infrared spectroscopy. Responsibilities will also include collecting qualitative interview and quantitative survey data from program participants related to drug checking, providing harm reduction and overdose prevention education, and building rapport with participants and community organizations.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
POSITION TASKS:
- Sample collection for drug checking services, including collection of qualitative information pertaining to sample
- Record and organize information pertaining to sample collection using Excel spreadsheet and/or Street Check Mobile App
- Perform fentanyl test strip analysis
- Perform Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and interpret results after proper training
- Send samples for confirmatory GC-MS testing in collaboration with Brandeis University
- Communicate drug checking results to participants in a timely manner and provide education about applicable harm reduction strategies related to specific substance use
- Communicate trends and concerns in local drug supply to BNHC team and community agencies
- Fulfill grant project deliverables per funding requirements
- Collaborate with Brandeis University/Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream for training and technical assistance, as well as results reporting
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR:
- Maintains understanding of the transient and chaotic nature of patient population experiencing homelessness, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders and adjusts approach of offering services according to this understanding
- Demonstrates characteristics of accountability and responsibility, as evidenced by completion of daily tasks, adherence to job description, and compliance with policies and procedures
- Maintains patient/participant confidentiality at all times in alignment with HIPAA and 42CFR Part 2
- Maintains discretion of conversation in work areas
- Maintains a professional mannerism; is pleasant, courteous, and considerate of patients and coworkers
- Demonstrates ability to prioritize demands, work with distractions, adapt to change, exercise efficient time management, and work independently
- Demonstrates initiative by accomplishing tasks with minimal prompting
- Is dependable and reliable as evidenced by attendance of work schedule, trustworthiness, and performance of job description with minimal correction of assigned tasks
- Maintains appropriate chain of command
- Attends required meetings
MINIMUM SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:
- A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or closely related field; Master’s degree preferred
- Experience and interest in harm reduction work
- Basic knowledge about drug checking
- Persons with lived experience encouraged to apply
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communication, with ability to make complex information simple and understandable to all learners
- Good time management, organization, and task prioritization skills
- Experience using Microsoft Office products, Excel in particular
- Familiarity with the challenges faced by the populations of people who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Works in a busy community health center and on a mobile van in high crime, urban neighborhoods. Physical demands require lifting small pieces of equipment (not over 30 lbs.). Mostly sedentary with some walking within office and to other departments. Interruptions are present and can be disruptive to work flow. Stress is present due to high volume of work, diversified nature of activities and frequent crises and deadlines. Performs other employee duties to cover for staff absences. Works additional hours as needed for emergencies and to meet project deadlines. Visual acuity sufficient for frequent reading. Hearing acuity for holding conversations with or without audio devices.
In order to prevent a direct threat to the safety and health of our patients and staff, effective August 1, 2021, new hires are required to have had at least the first dose of a COVID vaccine prior to their start, with the exception of those who have documented medical or religious exemptions. New hires who are not yet vaccinated can arrange to have the vaccine on site.
At Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, we are dedicated to providing high quality health care that is delivered by Committed, Competent, Compassionate staff who respects the dignity, privacy, and equality of each patient and colleagues. Our team believes that Teamwork, Diversity, Respect, Customer service and Collaboration are essential for everyone to be successful in their role.
www.colinoncars.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, www.colinoncars.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, www.colinoncars.com is the ideal place to find your next job.