Drug-Checking Technician, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

2d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
• To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
• A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above.
• Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a field related to substance use and/or harm reduction.
• 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 is preferred but not required (understanding of, or previous experience using an FTIR is a plus).
• 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office experience with REDCap a plus but not required.
• 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.
• Proficiency in Spanish (verbal and written) is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
• a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• a tax-deferred savings program and
• a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees