Educator Consultant I (Drug Checking Technician)

This career service Drug Checking Technician - Educator Consultant I reports to the Drug User Health Manager at the Public Health Seattle & King County Robert Clewis Center. The Drug Checking Technician will be responsible for providing point-of-care drug checking services using FTIR spectroscopy alongside immunoassay test strips. The Drug Checking Technician will also be responsible for communicating results providing harm reduction education and offering relevant referrals when needed. They will also be scheduled to provide customer service to Robert Clewis Center clients at the Center and/or out in the field. This position will work collaboratively with Robert Clewis Center staff to provide comprehensive and wrap-around harm reduction services. The Drug Checking Technician will contribute to reducing drug-related harm increasing community knowledge and assisting individuals in making informed decisions regarding their substance use.

Prevention Division:

Public Healths Prevention Division protects and promotes the health of the public through controlling the spread of communicable diseases and identifying leading causes of premature death. The King County Public Health laboratory specifically provides lab tests for clinics disease control programs and research we also provide quality assurance for lab testing at public health clinics and we function as part of larger public health laboratory system.

This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional vacancies of the same position type over the next 6 months.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations history King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices strategies and policies that promote fairness justice and opportunity for all in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights opportunities and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020 King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more please visit Schedule

Monday - Friday - 40 hours per week

Work Location

Downtown Public Health Center - 2124 4th Ave. Seattle WA 98104

Drug Checking

• Analyze drug samples submitted by Robert Clewis Center customers using FTIR spectroscopy and immunoassay test strips.
• Interpret findings from multiple data sources and effectively communicate results to customers.
• Provide non-judgmental and evidence-based information about a wide variety of drugs adulterants and cuts to service users.
• Offer harm reduction counseling based on drug checking results.
• Connect service users to other resources as necessary.
• Collect data on submitted samples and results.
• Integrate initial FTIR testing results with complementary testing results.
• Develop and maintain data collection protocols and documents as needed.
• Coordinate with secondary verification labs and develop procedures for packaging mailing and tracking samples submitted for further analysis maintaining ongoing data analysis comparing laboratory results with point of care results for quality assurance and training.
• Facilitate the handling and storage of drug samples as well as submitting drug samples for further laboratory testing.
• Be responsible for the set-up take-down transportation and maintenance of delicate analytical chemistry equipment.
• Collaborate with other team members 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.

• Provide Harm Reduction services for Robert Clewis Center customers.
• Provide information and service referrals to outreach contacts peer educators Robert Clewis Center customers.
• Distribute accurate culturally and linguistically appropriate education materials and information targeted to persons who use drugs.
• Train and provide on-going coaching and support for needle exchange customers on how to administer Naloxone.
• Stock and maintain exchange supplies.
• Ensure proper disposal of bio-hazardous waste.
• Contribute to an environment that fosters open communication teamwork commitment to quality service fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate:

• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental empathetic and respectful attitude toward individuals using the drug checking service.
• Valid Washington State Drivers License and the ability to drive a½ toncounty vanto locations in and outside King County.
• Conduct street and van-based outreach to engage persons who inject drugs in targeted communities
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical practices confidentiality and harm reduction principles.
• Experience-based knowledge of drug use issues affecting people who use drugs and the unregulated drug supply is highly preferred.
• Experience working in a direct-service harm reduction or public health setting with people who use drugs highly marginalized populations and/or people experiencing homelessness.
• Commitment to respecting and supporting participants bodily autonomy and expressed goals with providing services and referrals.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word Excel and other Microsoft and Google suite applications.
• Ability to learn new computer software.
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule (e.g. weekdays weeknights weekend days weekend nights and holidays).

• Previous experience using an FTIR is highly desirable.
• Ability to communicate complex physical science and health education concepts in an accessible and implementable manner for service users with a broad range of health literacies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in sample analysis and data recording.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and de-escalate conflict in a respectful and person-centered manner

Forbes named King County as one of Washington States best employers.

• The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions interviewing and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
• The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR (if applicable).
• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigationbut findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment. (and Pre-employment Physical if applicable).
• For more information on our selection process please refer to For tips on interviewing please visit are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
• Regular and reliable attendance effective communication skills and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• When Public Health responds to an emergency and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time including nights and weekends with possible deployment to locations other than the department.
• If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Union Membership

ProTec 17

Contact

For more information about the application process please contact Alexis Owens at