Position Summary
Are you interested in an opportunity to grow professionally within a positive and progressive culture? Northern Health is seeking a Drug Checking Coordinator to join our Specialized Services department.

The Drug Checking Coordinator, under the direction of the Manager or designate, provides technical expertise on the delivery of drug checking services across Northwest Specialized Services. In addition to providing drug checking services through the operation of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and other drug checking technologies. The Drug Checking Coordinator leads the implementation, evaluation, and continuation of drug checking services to meet the goals and objectives of the program; provides harm reduction education and support to people who use drugs to communicate drug checking results, refers to community services, and provides harm reduction supplies/resources; receives client feedback and inquiries, responding as appropriate; acts as a resource to community organizations and internal staff by providing evidence-based information on substances and drug checking related harm reduction strategies; participates in regional, provincial and national working groups / committees related to drug checking services; and promotes public awareness of drug checking services.
The Drug Checking Coordinator partners with Harm Reduction and Regional Overdose Prevention Response (OPR) to facilitate training and education for internal harm reduction and drug checking services. The Drug Checking Coordinator analyzes and reviews all drug checking samples from across Northwest Specialized Services and partner collection sites. Alongside the Manager or designate, the Drug Checking Coordinator liaises with municipal government representatives, law enforcement officials, and other local leaders to promote collaboration on drug checking harm reduction efforts and local policy development; prepares reports related to drug checking services; and contributes to the development of program guidelines, standards, and procedures.

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Monday to Friday, Days - 08:30 to 16:30

Qualfications
• Bachelor's degree (from an accredited educational institution) in a field relevant to the position.
• Two (2) years recent, related experience in mental health and substance use, supplemented by additional training/education/experience in harm reduction and drug checking, with experience in preparing documents, reports, and communication materials; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Class Five (5) B.C. driver's license.

Skills and Abilities:
• Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of harm reduction issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous Cultural Safety and trauma informed practice.
• Ability to promote staff morale, cooperation, assertiveness and risk-taking, creative planning for change and innovations, implementation of NH policies or other protocols, and ongoing professional development of self and others.
• Ability to manage time and resources, implement activities to promote cooperation among relevant others, collaborate across disciplines and related activities.
• Ability to use factual information, prior learning and basic principles and procedures to support decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence.
• Ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitive to diverse cultures and preferences, client advocacy and social justice concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with the clients, families, the public, medical staff and the members of the interdisciplinary team using verbal, written and computer communication means.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve effectively.
• Ability to transmit information intended to instruct clients and others about topics essential to health care and well-being.
• Ability to operate related equipment including proven ability to utilize computer technology.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Where you will be working:
Community:
Information about living, working, and thriving in the area is available through Smithers

More about Northern Health
Northern Health covers nearly 600,000 square kilometers, delivering health services to more than two dozen communities and 55 First Nations communities across the region. We provide both hospital and community-based care to a population of approximately 300,000 people. With a team of over 12,000 staff and physicians, we are committed to offering high quality, person centered care in collaboration with communities and partner organizations throughout Northern BC.

What Northern Health Has to Offer You!
Joining Northern Health means becoming part of a supportive team that values your growth and well-being. Here's what we provide:
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casual employees have option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks of vacation after one year of continuous service.
• Financial support for moving expenses for eligible positions.
• Employee referral program with attractive incentives.
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities.
• Access to spectacular outdoor activities and enjoy the shortest commutes in BC.
• Loan Forgiveness Programs offered through Federal and Provincial Government for eligible professions.

Important Application Information
Please ensure you upload the following documents as part of your application:
• Registration number (if you belong to a regulated profession).
• Supporting documents for education and qualifications, such as:
• Program certificates or diplomas.
• High school, college, or university transcripts.
• Cover letter and resume (recommended).

International Applicants
Before applying, please review the steps outlined on our Northern Health Careers page: Information for international applicants