Drug Checking Technician

At SFAF we show up for our community with expertise, empathy, and a commitment to creating space where everyone can show up fully. If you want to make a meaningful impact in an environment that’s as affirming as it is effective, we’d love to meet you. 

Who are we?  

San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) envisions a future where health justice is achieved for all people living with or at risk for HIV. Our mission is to promote health, wellness, and social justice for communities most impacted by HIV through sexual health and substance use services, advocacy, and partnership. We need passionate advocates for social change that embody our five key values: Justice, Dignity, Courage, Leadership, and Excellence. 

Our PWUD Health Services program is the largest syringe access program in the State of California serving over 13,500 participants per year.  

What is the position? 

The Drug Checking Technician performs point-of-care drug checking  and communicates the results to participants in a meaningful and respectful manner.  Provides professional and positive service to both participants and site staff, sharing harm reduction health education as needed. Responsible for accurate data collection, safe storage and transportation of sample debris to outside labs for further analysis as needed.  

This position is an exciting opportunity for someone experienced in working with people who use drugs (PWUD) and people experiencing homelessness to gain experience in drug checking. Knowledge of chemical analsys and drug checking is a plus, but is not required! Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant personal and professional experience, with education and training specific to drug checking to be provided.  

What are the main responsibilities?  

• Analyze drug samples and communicate results of samples in a culturally competent manner.  

• Provide relevant health and overdose prevention education. 

• Setup, calibration, and breakdown of delicate lab instruments at drug checking sites. Ensure safe transport and storage of instruments while not in use.  

• Timely and accurate data entry for every sample analyzed.  

• Community based outreach for drug checking services.  

 
Who are we looking for?  

• 3 years experience working in a public health setting with people who use drugs, marginalized populations, and or people experiencing homelessness.  

• Knowledge around drug use and issues affecting people who use drugs.  

• Knowledge of local programs and services relevant to the needs of people who use drugs. 

• Understanding of and experience using FTIR and other testing methods preferred, but onsite training provided for equipment use.  

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suites preferred.  

• Billingual Spanish and English preferred.  

• Valid CA Driver’s license with clean record required.  

• Ability to engage with people around sensitive topics in a non-judgmental manner with a commitment to supporting both participant bodily autonomy and confidentiality.  

 
Where is the position located? 

This position is located in the field, 117 6th Street, and 940 Howard street in San Francisco, CA. Job responsibilities may occasionally require working outdoors during inclement weather. The position may have exposure to blood borne pathogens and other infectious agents. 
 
What we offer? 

Hourly Rate : $34.66

Benefits : SFAF is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for our full-time employees. We offer combined PTO/Sick Time Off of 24 days for the first two years of employment, 29 days after two years of employment. For retirement we offer a 403(b) Plan and SFAF matches employee contributes (1 to 1) up to 3% of Salary.  
 
This position will have access to protected health information (PHI) and may only access, use or disclose the minimum information necessary to perform their designated role on behalf of San Francisco AIDS Foundation, regardless of the extent of access provided. 

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified.  

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is an Equal Opportunity employer. We actively seek applications from people living with HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ individuals and people of color. 
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.