Drug Checking Coordinator

About the Role

The Drug Checking Coordinator provides point-of-care drug checking services and harm reduction counseling to people who use drugs (PWUD). This position coordinates drug checking operations across multiple ACR Health locations, ensuring consistent program delivery, quality standards, equipment readiness, and accurate data reporting. The coordinator serves as a technical resource for staff and supports the expansion of drug checking and harm reduction services throughout ACR Health's 9-county service region. Regular travel to ACR Health facilities across the region is required.

Authority and Independence

The Drug Checking Coordinator works independently to coordinate multi-site drug checking operations, ensuring quality service delivery, data integrity, equipment readiness, staff support, and adherence to harm reduction principles.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a nonprofit agency providing direct client services, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a social service or healthcare environment providing direct services to people who use drugs and/or members of underserved communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQI+ populations, preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals who use drugs, individuals impacted by the justice system, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with mental health challenges, is highly preferred.
• Personal experience navigating housing instability, substance use, legal system involvement, and/or overdose is preferred and valued.
• Knowledge of substance use trends, the unregulated drug supply, and challenges affecting people who use drugs is highly preferred.
• Experience with, or knowledge of, FTIR spectrometry is preferred but not required.
• Interest in chemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, or public health is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to communicate complex scientific, toxicological, and health-related information in a clear and accessible manner to individuals with varying levels of health literacy.
• Strong attention to detail with demonstrated accuracy in sample analysis, documentation, and data reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace applications, spreadsheets, and database systems.
• Ability to develop and maintain tracking systems, inventories, reports, and program databases.
• Demonstrated commitment to harm reduction principles, participant autonomy, confidentiality, and ethical service delivery.
• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental, respectful, and empathetic approach when working with participants and community partners.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Valid New York State driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance for work-related travel, training, outreach, and occasional client transport. Personal vehicle ownership is not required, but consistent access is necessary.
• Ability to travel regularly to ACR Health locations throughout the Central, Mohawk Valley, and Northern New York regions.