Laboratory Assistant I - Opioid Dependency & Enhanced Addiction Clinic

This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta. The Opioid Dependency Program (ODP) and Narcotic Transition Services (NTS) in Edmonton are seeking an energetic and flexible individual to our opioid dependency treatment services in the Edmonton Zone. The successful incumbent will be responsible for the organization and maintenance of the urinalysis-monitoring component of the clients’ treatment while engaged in the program. Responsibilities include collecting and processing samples, organizing take home doses of medication based on team review, physician direction and in collaboration with the client, organizing and supporting other urine collection sites in the province and linking with the provincial laboratory. The position supports the continued care of clients from pre-admission to discharge. This position also provides program information to clients and anyone they identify as family, who they wish to have involved in their care. Collaboration with many different community pharmacies and urine collection sites is an essential requirement of this position, as well as maintaining accurate client records relating to urine testing, observations and discussions with clients. While urine collection is a job responsibility, the bulk of the work of this position is administrative.

As a Laboratory Assistant I, you will be responsible for a variety of laboratory functions including receiving and sorting specimens, cleaning and sanitizing lab equipment and performing basic lab tests. In addition, you will carry out essential clerical duties along with patient queries.

Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent.

The successful Lab Assistant will be required to provide quality client-centered services. Having an enthusiastic, positive attitude is essential to being successful in this position as is the ability to multi-task and work effectively as part of a larger administrative team. The successful candidate must be able to evaluate and interpret client/public needs using basic assessment skills and direct them to appropriate resources within addiction and mental health services and broader community supports. Supporting the clinic by providing a variety of administrative aspects offered by the program, as well as various administrative needs of the clinic, Physicians, and team is necessary. The incumbent must be able to work independently with a high degree of judgment and must be able to work effectively as part of an inter-professional team and commit to strengthening team dynamics by actively facilitating team collaboration to enhance patient health outcomes. The ability to lift, bend, crouch, move quickly up or down stairs is imperative to be able to respond to emergencies.

A minimum of 3 years working with vulnerable populations, specifically those identifying as experiencing an addiction and mental health concern. Comforting, engaging and supporting people accessing care for an opioid use disorder. Must be knowledgeable in harm reduction and be comfortable working from a trauma informed lens. Knowledge and understanding of the medications used in treatment for opioid use disorder.