Job Summary:

Come work as a Drug Checking Technician with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)! Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a client and family-centered health care delivery model and the mission, vision, values and objectives and policies of the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), the Drug Checking Technician, under the direction of the Manager, and care staff regarding client care planning, operates a mobile drug checking and harm reduction service which includes implementation and utilization of a range of drug checking technologies, the provision of support to peer staff and the provision of harm reduction education that will assist people who use drugs to understand drug checking results, learn about safer drug use and to connect to community resources. Receives client feedback, and inquiries and responds as appropriate. Completes and maintains accurate and related records and documentation.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs duties such as assisting and providing input into the development, implementation and evaluation of the drug checking program. Assists the Manager in developing community awareness and information to ensure that client needs are met.
• Operates a mobile drug checking service using a range of drug checking technologies and maintains close communication with the Regional Overdose Emergency Response Team. Follows proper evaluation and data collection procedures. Follows proper drug checking technology device storage, transportation and use protocols. Provides instruction on proper drug checking procedure to peers and community, and provides verbal and written information on the analysis of drugs as well as harm reduction information.
• Provides education throughout the community including information about drug checking, harm reduction, and safer drug use techniques/strategies.
• Strives to develop trusting relationships with the clientele by promoting and identifying available community agencies such as recovery programs, medical care, social services and public health to clientele as required and appropriate.
• Assists the Manager and care staff by providing input into records, proposals, policies and procedures as required.
• Assists in the production of new drug checking material for public awareness and education campaigns as well as community harm reduction and health-education related events. Participates in provincial and national drug checking working groups.
• Prepares and submits drug checking data to the Public Health program that includes information such as number of drug checks completed and results. Involved in knowledge exchange by sharing relevant drug checking information to local community of practice and toxicity alert systems.
• Receives client feedback and inquiries and responds as appropriate.
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Grade 12.
• Three (3) years’ recent, related experience in a public health or health services area overseeing a harm reduction program and knowledge of substance use or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of harm reduction issues.
• Demonstrated ability to remain neutral, non-judgmental and professional to support and provide service to marginalized and vulnerable client populations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of substance use, addiction and stigma and their impact on a community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous Cultural Safety and trauma informed practice.
• Demonstrated understanding of the confidentiality and sensitivity of the role and that any breach is cause for termination.
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment and the ability to learn new technologies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office and current database applications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Closing Statement:

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain va