Health Care jobs in Yukon

Blood Ties Four Directions Centre is looking for a Drug Checking Coordinator!

Position Overview: Drug Checking Coordinator

The Drug Checking Coordinator plays a key role in delivering and coordinating drug checking and harm reduction services at Blood Ties. This position provides point-of-care drug checking, supports other staff to deliver drug checking services, coordinates our Needle and Pipe Program, and oversees the distribution of harm reduction supplies to communities and organizations throughout the Yukon.

You do not need to come to the position already knowing how to operate drug checking equipment though experience is an asset. We are looking for someone with strong analytical, organizational, communication skills and a commitment to harm reduction who is interested in developing the technical skills required for the role. Training in our drug checking technologies and methods can be provided.

The Drug Checking Coordinator will:

• Provide point-of-care drug checking using technologies including immunoassay test strips and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
• Interpret and communicate drug checking results and provide relevant, non-judgmental harm reduction information to service users
• Coordinate the day-to-day operation of Blood Ties’ drug checking program, including workflow, equipment, record keeping, quality assurance, and emerging program needs
• Support other Blood Ties staff to provide drug checking through training, shadowing, record review, practice opportunities, feedback, and ongoing technical support
• Track and interpret drug checking data and contribute to public information, reports, drug alerts, and other resources about the local drug supply
• Monitor drug checking results for emerging substances, unusual findings, and changes in the local drug supply
• Support Blood Ties to meet the requirements of our Health Canada exemption for drug checking
• Coordinate the Needle and Pipe Program, including ordering and maintaining harm reduction supplies and supporting the operation of the Needle and Pipe Window
• Prepare harm reduction supply orders and oversee distribution to communities and organizations throughout the Yukon
• Provide harm reduction education and information to service users, staff, community members, and partner organizations
• Build relationships with rural and First Nations communities and provide harm reduction and drug checking education, training, and support as requested
• Travel to Yukon communities as needed and coordinate drug checking and harm reduction services at festivals and community events
• Collaborate with other Blood Ties programs to support high-quality, accessible harm reduction services across the organization

What We're Looking For

• Strong understanding of harm reduction principles and a non-judgmental approach to substance use, with preference given to applicants with direct experience in harm reduction settings
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills and an interest in learning the technical aspects of drug checking
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple areas of responsibility, manage competing priorities, and work independently
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to make complex or technical information understandable and accessible
• Ability to support the learning and skill development of other staff
• Experience working respectfully with people who use drugs and/or people who experience marginalization
• Ability to build respectful relationships with community partners and rural and First Nations communities
• Knowledge of cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, anti-racism, decolonization, and the impacts of stigma and systemic barriers
• Ability to use sound judgment, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and respond effectively in complex or urgent situations
• Post-secondary education in social sciences, social work, health, science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
• Comfort learning new technologies, software, and technical processes
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR
• A valid driver’s license and clear driver's abstract

Previous experience conducting drug checking or using technologies such as FTIR spectroscopy is an asset, but is not required. Training will be provided.

Personal lived/living experience accessing harm reduction services and/or services designed to meet the needs of people who use substances is a strong asset.

Is Blood Ties right for you?

We have a friendly, community-oriented work environment with a great team passionate about a common goal: reducing health and social barriers for marginalized populations. We care about our community and we care about our team. We offer a starting wage at $36.27 per hour, benefits package, 4 weeks paid annual vacation leave, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities. Learn more about Blood Ties: www.bloodties.ca

Please submit cover letter and resume through YUWIN. Your cover letter and resume should highlight all relevant skills and experience.

Preference will be given to candidates with lived and living experience and Indigenous applicants. We encourage you to self-identify on your application if this is relevant to you.

Open until filled.

If you have any questions, please contact Jenn at outreachvan@bloodties.ca. We have a busy office so ask that you contact us with any questions via email rather than coming to our building.

Job Types: Permanent, Full-time

Pay: From $36.27 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Licence/Certification:

• driver's license (required)

Work Location: In person