Temporary Harm Reduction Associate

New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition•New Brunswick, NJ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Temporary Harm Reduction Associate is a six-month, full-time, non-exempt change management role supporting the Associate Operations Director, Executive Director, and program team as NJHRC streamlines inventory, supply, data management, and related administration. The role involves modeling patience and steadiness while carrying out essential work that may include inventory management, volunteer coordination, administrative support, and flexible coverage across the organization. Priorities and the balance of duties may change as systems evolve, with the Associate Operations Director setting priorities. The position is based in person in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with some travel within New Jersey. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed and approved by the supervisor; plan for one evening shift per month for Member and Community Meetings. The role reports to the Associate Operations Director (AOD).

Requirements

Flexibility and adaptability when priorities shift and tasks change.
Reliability, punctuality, and follow-through.
Organization and attention to detail across multiple tasks.
Strong, clear, and considerate communication in person, by phone, and by email with staff, volunteers, and vendors.
Patience with change, ability to help others learn without judgment, and willingness to ask for help when needed.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, solve problems, and know when to check in.
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence, including handling conflict with care.
Comfort with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and willingness to learn new tools; training will be provided to the right candidate.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand or move for extended periods.
Strong commitment to harm reduction, racial justice, health equity, and the dignity and autonomy of people who use drugs; ability to meet people where they are without judgment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in operations, inventory, logistics, or office administration.
Experience coordinating or supporting volunteers.
Knowledge of harm reduction supplies and services.
Lived or living experience with substance use, sex work, homelessness, or the drug war.
Valid driver's license and ability to drive NJHRC vehicles.

Responsibilities

Maintain the inventory database with regular counts and updates.
Help program staff track and manage supplies and test processes for requesting, receiving, and reporting on supplies.
Place supply orders based on inventory needs and approved budgets, and track spending with order records and receipts.
Report low stock, discrepancies, and quality issues to the AOD.
Assemble harm reduction kits, stock kit stations, and work with volunteers in the kit-making room.
Receive, inspect, and put away deliveries, and resolve shortages or damaged items with vendors.
Support staff adoption of new systems, tools, and processes by demonstrating their use in daily work.
Create and maintain simple guides and checklists, gather staff feedback, and share it with the AOD.
Model patience and steadiness while processes change.
Implement and scale the volunteer program as directed by the AOD.
Welcome, orient, and support on-site volunteers, including in the kit-making room.
Track volunteer hours and maintain current volunteer records.
Organize files, records, and receipts in Dropbox and Google Drive.
Schedule meetings, take notes, and follow up on action items.
Support facilities needs, including vendor coordination and maintenance requests.
Cover for teammates during absences, transitions, and busy periods.
Provide flexible support across Operations and programs, including administrative processes for the ED and AOD.
Complete cross-training and staff outreach and in-person harm reduction sessions as needed.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and community events.