Drug Checking Technician

Join Our Team at The Harm Reduction Center!

HIRING IMMEDIATELY!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? The Harm Reduction Center (HRC) is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team. HRC provides health education, disease prevention resources, and harm reduction services both at our office and through mobile outreach across Snohomish County. Join us in promoting safer practices, improving community health, and making a meaningful difference every day.

Job Summary

The Drug Checking Technician provides drug testing services to help reduce the risks associated with substance use. The technician analyzes submitted drug samples using approved testing equipment, explains results to clients in a clear and nonjudgmental manner, and supports harm reduction education. This role emphasizes client confidentiality, professionalism, and a trauma-informed, culturally safe approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and document drug samples following established protocols.
• Operate drug checking equipment (e.g., FTIR spectroscopy, reagent testing, immunoassay strips, or other approved technologies).
• Interpret test results accurately and communicate findings to clients in an understandable, nonjudgmental manner.
• Provide evidence-based harm reduction information based on test results.
• Maintain accurate records while protecting client confidentiality.
• Perform routine calibration, maintenance, and quality assurance checks on testing equipment.
• Follow all laboratory safety, infection prevention, and hazardous material handling procedures.
• Monitor trends in the local unregulated drug supply and contribute to surveillance reporting.
• Collaborate with outreach workers, peer support staff, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and continuing education.
• Assist with program evaluation and quality improvement activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; some college coursework or post-secondary education in a related field is preferred.
• Experience in public health, harm reduction, laboratory services, substance use disorder (SUD) programs, healthcare, or related fields is an asset.
• Knowledge of drug checking technologies, emerging drug trends, and the unregulated drug supply is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to operate technical equipment with accuracy and attention to detail; experience with FTIR spectroscopy or other analytical instrumentation is preferred.
• Naloxone administration training.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information in plain language.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with participants and work effectively with diverse populations using trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic data entry systems; experience with databases or electronic health records (EHRs) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries, and sound judgment.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and reducing stigma for people who use drugs.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in clinic, community, outreach, and mobile service settings.
• Regular interaction with individuals who use substances and other underserved populations.
• Outreach staff work in varying weather conditions and challenging community environments, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• Staff strictly adhere to established safety policies, protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety and well-being of the team and participants.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and perform physically active outreach duties.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Company Benefits Package

We are pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. We believe in supporting our employees both personally and professionally, and we are committed to providing benefits that help you thrive.

Standard Agency Requirements

• Adhere to HIPAA compliance, non-discrimination policies, and engage discreetly with high-risk communities and their families
• Pass a driver’s abstract. Have a valid driver's license and be able to travel within the service area daily.
• Provide proof of current driver insurance.
• Pass criminal background and drug screening. We are a safety sensitive agency and also test for THC.
• Proof of Covid vaccination or approved exemption.
• Obtain and maintain current CPR, Infant CPR, and First Aid Certification
• Sound Pathways follows “fair chance” hiring practices

To learn more about our impact, programs and services, visit soundpathways.org to learn more about Community Drug Checking, visit adai.uw.edu/cedeer/drugchecking/

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22