Southside Harm Reduction Services Drug Checking Specialist Minneapolis, MN · Full time Company website

Apply for Drug Checking Specialist

As Minnesota's leading harm reduction organization, we're dedicated to improving the health and autonomy of individuals who use drugs. Our approach is centered in understanding and respecting the needs of our community, aiming to increase access to essential and supportive services, reducing overdose deaths, improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we are a part of, and affirming the dignity of all people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness.

The Drug Checking Specialist will be responsible for providing point-of-care drug sample analysis using FTIR spectroscopy alongside immunoassay test strips. Thorough training on use of the FTIR machine will be provided by SHRS. Communication with participants is an essential aspect of drug checking as this role must build trust with people in order to engage, convey results in a non-judgemental and factual manner, provide harm reduction education, and offer relevant referrals to program participants when needed. 

Along with the Program Manager and other Drug Checking Specialist, this role will manage the daily operations of the program including data collection, reporting, secure storage, secondary lab verifications, and scheduling. This position will work regular shifts in our Drop-in Center, on Outreach, Deliveries, and in other off-site partner locations. By working collaboratively with SHRS staff to provide comprehensive and wrap-around harm reduction services, this role will contribute to reducing drug-related harm, increasing community knowledge, and assisting individuals in making informed decisions regarding their substance use.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Duties may change based on programming and organizational needs 

Drug Checking

• Collect and analyze drug samples from participants using FTIR spectroscopy and immunoassay test strips.
• Interpret findings from multiple data sources and effectively communicate results to service users.
• Provide non-judgmental and evidence-based information about a wide variety of drugs, adulterants, and cutting agents to service users. Offer harm reduction counseling based on drug checking results. Connect service users to other resources as necessary.

Program Operations

• Record, maintain, and regularly report on data like FTIR results and complementary testing results for quality assurance and program evaluation. 
• Responsibly and securely receive, transport, store, and dispose of sensitive inventory like drug samples, data, and analytical chemistry equipment. 
• Ensure that participants, staff, and partner organizations have access to the Drug Checking program by maintaining and posting a regular schedule, fostering community partnerships, and developing and sharing educational and promotional materials about the program. 

Participate in SHRS Programming 

• Integrate drug checking with existing SHRS programming by working with management and staff to ensure seamless and effective service delivery.
• Commit to continuing education for yourself, the rest of the SHRS team, and the broader community. 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. 

Qualifications and skills

• Experience-based knowledge of drug use, issues affecting people who use drugs, and the unregulated drug supply is highly preferred.
• Interest in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, or a related field is preferred. 
• The ability to think critically about data interpretation, proclivity for synthesizing research, and a love of reading and learning about drugs.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in sample analysis and data recording. 
• Understanding of, or previous experience using an FTIR is helpful but not required. Thorough training will be provided upon hire. 
• 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 is essential.
• Commitment to respecting and supporting participants’ bodily autonomy and expressed goals while providing services and referrals. 
• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental, empathetic, and respectful attitude toward individuals using the drug checking service.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical practices, confidentiality, and harm reduction principles.
• Interest in working with coworkers and participants with a range of identities, backgrounds, and experiences. Ability to communicate respectfully and de-escalate conflict in a respectful and person- centered manner.

Requirements

• Two or more years 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.
• Eligible to work in the U.S. with 2 valid forms of ID.
• Valid driver's license, vehicle, and insurance, or other reliable transportation.
• Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• Remote work capabilities.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google suite applications and the ability to learn new computer software.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive paid time off (PTO, regular and floating holidays, Sick and Safe Time) 
• Medical and dental insurance
• 401k with employer matching contributions
• Work cell phone and laptop
• Opportunities for professional development

Other Information 

This position reports to the Drop-in Center Program Manager.

This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

This role is represented by SEIU Healthcare MN & IA. We are currently negotiating our first collective bargaining agreement. Once finalized, this contract will determine your long-term compensation and benefits, which may differ from your initial starting offer. 

Priority deadline for applications is June 8th, 2026. We will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis until June 23rd, but priority will be given to applications submitted before 6/8/26. 

We strongly encourage and prioritize applications from people with lived experience of drug use, people living with HIV or hepatitis, people with histories of sex work or incarceration, and people of color.