Volume 1, Issue 9 October2016
Somerset County Department of Human Services
Making Vibrant Connections with our Residents
The mission of the Somerset County Department of Human Services is to improve the life of all
county residents by promoting the economic, social, emotional, physical and mental well-being
and safety of residents and communities.
Michael J. Frost, LCSW, ACSW- Director of Human Services
Julie DeSimone, LSW- Assistant to the Director
Thoughts From the Director : “Many Kinds of Pain”
These days one only has to open the newspaper or turn on the television
representation
to realize that the use of heroin and other opiates (both pharmaceutically
Superintendent’s Office and from Carrier Clinic, among others. As much
produced and otherwise) has become a crisis for many families and
frustration as was expressed that evening, there was general agreement
communities in Somerset County and throughout the nation. Of course
that coordinated work between schools, treatment providers, law
for families directly affected, no news story is necessary.
addiction is all too real for them.
enforcement and the recovery community can only be of benefit and that
ongoing and open communication is essential. There are a variety of
The pain of
As we know, there are many kinds of pain experienced by human beings.
Physical pain from injury or accident; degenerative joint pain from the
wear and tear of aging; acute pain as an aftermath to a medical
procedure – all of these are familiar to—or at one time or another have
been experienced by —most of us. No less significant (and much harder
to quantify) is the pain from environmentally induced or humanly
perpetrated trauma and the tremendous pain of fear, loneliness and
isolation that most often follow. It can be a grinding and “to the bone”
kind of existential pain that pushes the sufferer towards relief with
urgency and desperation. For a culture built on the “quick fix,” there is
little else quicker and more fully numbing than the cocoon of opiates.
Once the body and brain have experienced the immersion and cascade of
biochemical “wash” produced by the drug, they remember – and have
trouble “forgetting,” the temporary absence of pain, no matter the type.
The drive to repeat the experience is, indeed, powerful.
the
County
Prosecutor,
County
School
initiatives on the table with multiple partners. Treatment resources are
to be made available to families of an overdose patient immediately in
the aftermath of a Narcan (an aerosol born drug that reverses the effects
of opioids) resuscitation, and key Somerset County
players from law
enforcement and the provider community will be meeting soon to further
develop an interventive team approach utilizing, among others, persons
in recovery.
Some of this is not rocket science—it is about connecting
the dots, funding the recovery system sufficiently and working with
communities to move away from old stereotypes and antiquated notions
about drugs and the people who use them.
In our County Office of
Operations and Planning (a Divisions of SCDHS) Ivana Pareja (County
Alcohol and Drug Coordinator) and Jennifer Sorensen (Municipal Alliance
Coordinator) are at the forefront of our efforts and we are hopeful about
the future.
SCDHS recently sponsored a workshop on Trauma Informed Care,
We often insist on a predominantly “one size fits all” approach to many of
our societal problems, and, as a result, tend to cluster our solutions in
one domain only.
from
Over the years this has taken the form of “just say
no,” or a general ramping up of arrests for drug possession or a shaming
and demonizing of drug users as “weak” or “bad.”
On the treatment
presented by Dr. Debra Ruisard, Clinical Director of Great Expectations.
In closing, I have extracted a quote worth thinking about from her well
received presentation.
The quote is from Vince Felliti, currently the
Director of the California Institute of Preventative Medicine. His comment
is worth reflecting upon.
side we have set up a variety of other false dichotomies: abstinence vs.
“The compulsive use of nicotine, alcohol and injected street drugs
harm reduction (an attempt to lower and minimize intake without
increases proportionally in a strong, graded, dose response manner that
complete
community
closely parallels the intensity of adverse life experiences during childhood.
treatment, 12 step self-help vs. professionally run outpatient treatment,
This…is at odds with current concepts, including those of biological
and so on. This treatment pendulum mirrors our struggle to accept the
psychiatry, drug treatment programs, and drug-eradication programs.
multi-factorial nature of the etiology of addiction.
Our findings are disturbing to some because they imply that the basic
abstinence),
in-patient
detox and rehab
vs.
It is my own belief that a “whatever works” approach is best.
I am
convinced that our need to categorize and buttonhole addiction causality
and treatment methods isn’t helpful and, furthermore tends to ignore the
complex interplay
between nature
and nurture,
environment
and
psychology and the aspects of pain that go beyond our traditional ways of
thinking.
Last month, Freeholder Mark Caliguire facilitated a Mayor’s Roundtable to
discuss the community issues presented by the surge in heroin overdoses
and related opiate abuse.
causes of addiction lie within us and the way we treat each other, not in
drug dealers and dangerous chemicals.
They suggest that billions of
dollars have been spent everywhere except where the answer is to be
found.”
Maybe. Maybe not. Certainly worth consideration, study and further
reflection. There are many kinds of pain, but most of them (with the
exception of pain induced by a terminal medical condition), are survivable
with enough support and compassion. It’s coming to terms
with that belief that is the hardest part.
In addition to this writer there was
2016 Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders
Patricia L. Walsh, Director  Peter S. Palmer, Deputy Director
Patrick Scaglione  Mark Caliguire  Brian D. Levine
Questions or comments?
Email Julie at [email protected] or call 908-704-6335
Community Partner Highlight: Family Support Organization
The Family Support Organization of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties (FSO-HSW) is a private, nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division of
Children’s System of Care. Our organization provides direct peer-to-peer support to caregivers of children with
emotional, mental, behavioral, developmental or substance use challenges. Through our Outreach Department,
we provide programs that are free of charge to the community such as Caregiver Support Groups, Special
Needs Support Groups, Educational Presentations and Parenting Workshops. We also provide a Youth
Partnership Program for youth ages 13-21 with behavioral healthcare needs as well as a Warm Line for
caregivers and professionals to access information and resources as well as receive general support.
Caregiver Support Groups
FSO provides both parent led and professionally run Support groups for caregivers of youth with behavioral and
emotional challenges. Attending groups provides caregivers the opportunity to give and receive support in a
safe and understanding environment while sharing resources with one another.
Youth Partnership
Youth Partnership is a Peer Support group for youth ages 13-21 with behavioral or emotional challenges. Youth
in our program provide support to one another with the aim of reducing stigma and creating lasting, healthy
relationships. They also participate in community service projects and recreational outings with the goal of
increasing community engagement and developing positive social skills. Lastly, they engage in Educational
activities in the areas of mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse in an effort to increase
knowledge and improve upon self-advocacy skills.
Educational Workshops
FSO provides FREE, Professionally led Educational Workshops on various topics in Mental Health, Developmental
Disabilities, Health and Wellness that are appropriate for caregivers and professionals.
Warmline
FSO is available M-F, 9am-5pm as a resource to caregivers and professionals. Supportive staff members are
available to provide general supportive counseling or assist in locating resources in the area.
For more information about any of the programs above or for more information on how to access services
through the Children’s System of Care, contact the FSO-HSW at 908-223-1191. Also, check out our website for
our updated calendar of events www.fso-hsw.org.
Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Tomeco Washington, LPC, ACS, Clinical Supervisor
This month’s article is focused on Domestic Violence since the month of October is identified as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
My name is Tomeco Washington and I am a Clinical Supervisor at Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center. I volunteered to write
this article for personal reasons which I will share later in the article. I am also a member of my local police department (DVRT)
Domestic Violence Response Team and I have served on my county’s (SART) Sexual Assault Response Team for the Prosecutor’s Office.
One Woman’s Story
I got flowers today. It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day
We had our first argument last night, and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me
I know he is sorry and didn’t mean the things he said
Because he sent me flowers today
I got flowers today. It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day
Last night he threw me into a wall and started to choke me
It seemed like a nightmare
I couldn’t believe that it was real
I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over
I know he must be sorry
Because he sent me flowers today
I got flowers today, and it wasn’t Mother’s Day or any special day
Last night, he beat me up again
And it was much worse than all the other times
If I leave him what will I do?
How will I take care of my kids?
What about money?
I’m afraid of him and scared to leave
But I know he must be sorry
Because he sent me flowers today
I got flowers today. Today was a very special day.
It was the day of my funeral
Last night he finally killed me
He beat me to death
If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him
I would not have gotten flowers today
Domestic Violence is an intentional pattern of behavior that is used by one person as a means to harm and take power and
control over another in a domestic setting (marriage/cohabitation, intimate partner relationships which can include
heterosexual or same sex relationships) and family relationships not to exclude children. Recently, I found out that some
states will allow you to file domestic violence charges against a roommate. Domestic violence crosses all cultural, religious,
socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. No one is exempt from being exposed to domestic violence or from being a victim of
domestic violence. The reason I share this fact is because domestic violence can enter your life when you least expect it. In
early stages of relationships most people feel good and as humans we recognize that no one is perfect and we offer second
chances. But when we are in love we often overlook certain components of behavior that might be a red flag. What is a RED
FLAG? A red flag is a warning sign such as
extreme jealously, verbal/emotional abuse, possessiveness, controlling
behaviors, harassment, isolation, physical abuse, stalking behavior, sexual abuse or financial control or dependence.
(Continued on page 4)
As I promised earlier I have personal reasons for writing this article. As an older teen I had a friend who was older than me,
actually she was my pastors’ daughter. My friend and I would sit in church and tell jokes about all kinds of things. She was
so full of life and loving. She hid everything behind her big beautiful smile. Who would have known that she was
experiencing domestic violence in her life? She never talked about it at all. She was a strong woman who had great morals
and values but she was being stalked. One Sunday we were in church laughing and joking and several days later her story
was breaking news on the television and headlines for the local newspaper. Later I found out that my friend had filed a
restraining order against someone stalking her and he came to her house and committed a murder- suicide in front of her 3
small children. I share this story to remind you that no one is exempt and that this can happen to anyone. I share this story
to inform you that most counties and colleges worldwide participate in the Silent Witness Program. “Silent Witness” is a
National Forum dedicated to eradicating domestic violence through increasing awareness through education. Each “Silent
Witness” is a life sized silhouette representing a person whose life ended violently at the hands of a partner or acquaintance.
On the silhouette are the victim’s name and a brief description of the violent act that silenced the victim forever. Please
support your local “Silent Witness” program in your county it is an emotional but rewarding experience.
In conclusion, I would like to end with some interesting facts on domestic violence and resources in the Somerset
County, NJ area.
DID YOU KNOW?

The term “Rule of Thumb” was a law in 753bc which condoned wife beating as being acceptable? Under the reign of Romulus in Rome
the law was implemented to protect husbands from harm caused by their wife’s actions. The law stated that husbands’ had the right to
beat their wife with a rod or switch as long as it did not exceed the width and length of his right thumb




Domestic Violence rates are the highest among woman age 18 to 35 years old reported by the FBI
Children are present in 61% to 86% of domestic violence incidents reported by the FBI
Domestic Violence occurs every 7 minutes in the state of New Jersey
The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act signed in New Jersey in 1991 made it mandatory for every law enforcement department in
New Jersey to have a DVRT (Domestic Violence Response Team)

In 2010 74,244 domestic violence incidents was reported in NJ & in 2011 incidents dropped by 5% overall but women are victims 76%
of the time

Nationally 2 million women report injuries from domestic violence and 1300 deaths are caused as a result
If you review the stats given you will realize that domestic violence is a huge issue that if reduced, can save lives. If you
know anyone that needs assistance or if you need assistance yourself there are a few places in Somerset County that can
help. The Somerset County resources along with hotline numbers and websites are listed below.

Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center: a county run community mental health center that offers services for
both victims and court mandated offenders. For more information call 908-725-2800 or visit the website Richard Hall
Community Mental Health Center.

Safe + Sound Somerset: located in Hillsborough, NJ, assists victims of domestic violence. For more information call 908359-0003 or visit the website here.

Zufall Health Center: located in Somerville, NJ provides services to anyone who has been impacted by rape, sexual
assault, incest or any type of sexual violence. For more information call 908-526-7444 or visit the website here.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233

National Dating Abuse Hotline: 866-331-9474

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Silent Witness
4-H TODAY, SUCCESS TOMORROW
Kristen Johnson, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
U.S. Census data show 40% of our nation’s unemployed are Millennials and the amount of young people earning less than
$25,000 per year is the highest it has been in over 25 years. Although gaining access into the workforce is difficult as a
Millennial, many Millennials have succeeded:


Katherine Pirro, a Ramapo College of NJ alumna, is a Registered Nurse at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston

Colleen Ridder, a Virginia Tech graduate, landed a job with a Public Relations agency in Raleigh

A Rutgers graduate, Sharon Toth, is working on her PhD in Physical Anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh while
Tim Glowinski attended Rutgers University and is now an engineer for wind turbine manufacturer Gamesa
fully funded by the university

Joey Shreve attended Raritan Valley Community College and will be graduating from the Cape May County Police
Academy in January 2017 to begin his career as a Somerset County Sheriff’s Officer
By now you may be thinking, what do these Millennials have in common? The answer is their involvement in the Somerset
County 4-H Program during their formative years. 4-H is a nonprofit youth development program for kids in Kindergarten
through their first year in college with the primary goals of teaching public speaking, leadership, community service, and
interpersonal communication.
4-H uses a ‘learn by doing’ approach and the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework. PYD views youth as resources
to be developed rather than as problems to be managed (Lerner, 2005). This framework uses an intentional approach that
engages youth in their community and promotes positive outcomes for youth by providing opportunities, fostering
meaningful relationships, and developing leadership skills.
Beyond anecdotal evidence, studies have found 4-H to be successful in preparing their youth for the future. 4-H and Tufts
University completed a ten year longitudinal study of PYD in the 4-H program and the results were striking. 4-Hers are two
times more likely to participate in STEM activities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, and four times more
likely to give back to their communities than non 4-Hers (Lerner, 2005). Further, a study found 4-H youth are more likely
to report they are leaders in their school, help in their community, and earn more A’s than their counterparts not involved in
4-H (Goodwin, 2005). Sharon Toth gives credit to her experiences in 4-H for helping her with her future, “4-H helped me to
learn how to take direction and leadership in my life and in the field. I used to be afraid to talk to the person across the
table from me and now I’m talking, presenting, and working with leading researchers because of the confidence I’ve gained
through 4-H”.
This non-formal education program is organized into clubs and lead by adult volunteers. Clubs focus on subject matter
related to the interests of the 4-Hers. Some examples of clubs in Somerset County include the arts such as creative writing
and theater, mechanical sciences like rocketry and model trains, animal science such as poultry and equine, and STEM like
robotics and entomology. With more than 70 clubs and over 1000 4-Hers, Somerset County boasts a strong 4-H program
with many opportunities. Tim Glowinski reflects on his time in Somerset County 4-H and the Remote Control Car division, “4
-H was one of the most valuable experiences of my childhood. I learned responsibility, teamwork, the value of hard work,
and made invaluable friendships...I am the person I am today because of it”. 4-H invests in youth and sets them up for their
future as can be seen through our ambitious Millennials and Somerset County 4-H alumni Katherine, Tim, Colleen, Sharon,
and Joey.
Somerset County 4-H hosts an Open House on October 6th from 7-8:30pm where kids have the opportunity to look into 4-H
and explore what clubs they would like to join. The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative
Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to
race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. For additional information, contact the
Somerset County 4-H Office at 908-526-6644 or visit www.nj4h.rutgers.edu.
Volunteerism in Somerset County
Are you aware that Somerset County was the first
County in New Jersey to establish a stand-alone Office of Volunteer
Services? There are now about a half a dozen or so in New Jersey. Recognizing the need to answer many community needs
utilizing the power of volunteerism, the Freeholders established the office over 17 years ago. The mission of the Somerset
County Office of Volunteer Service is to recruit, retain, recognize and place volunteers in areas where they can answer
priority community needs utilizing their years of experience, their knowledge and their time to make a real difference in their
own communities.
The Office currently manages a large group of volunteers and oversees programs and services that help residents of all ages
that reside in Somerset County.
We have a tutoring program that will match volunteer tutors with under-performing
students whose parents cannot afford to pay for a tutor.
So far the program has matched well over 500 students with
volunteer tutors. We tutor pre-school through College.
In February we will once again offer the services of our 65+ volunteer tax preparers who will help low-income and senior
residents to file their income tax.
The Office has a volunteer Handyman Program that will help senior and disabled residents with minor home repairs that they
cannot afford to pay a professional to do or cannot find anyone willing to do such small jobs. Each year the 25 volunteers of
the program perform over 500 minor repairs that help keep the target population living safely in their own homes. Over the
last 10 years we have constructed over 150 ramps. Under the auspices of the Handyman Program we are currently
recruiting volunteers for our annual Leaf Raking Day----each year over 100 volunteers from all the communities of Somerset
County come together to help seniors and disabled residents rake and remove their leaves. This year the date is set for
Saturday November 19 pending volunteer availability and the weather. If you would like to help or if you know someone
who could use the help, please call our Handyman Program at (908)541-5715.
For Our Veterans
How to Request Military Awards and Decorations
For the Veteran: in general, the military services will provide replacement medals for the veteran at no cost. This includes
family members. Attach a copy of your (DD214) Separation Document. Request all awards/emblems/medals to which you
would be entitled. Include in the request, your name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number. Also needed would be
your social security number, former service number, the branch of service and dates of service. List your date of birth and
place of birth.
ARMY, AIR FORCE (includes Army Air Corps & Army Air Forces)
Where to write for medals
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138 or
REQUEST MEDALS ONLINE!
NAVY, MARINES, COAST GUARD
Liaison Office Room 350
1 Archives Drive
Where to write for medals
St. Louis, MO 63138 or
REQUEST MEDALS ONLINE!
Veterans Services of Somerset County provides counsel, information, and assistance with the application process for benefits and requests.
For more information contact Office of Veterans Service at 27 Warren Street, Somerville, N.J. Phone 908-704-6329.
Access to the Experts:
One Stop Career Center Distinguished Speakers
Jan Goodman, Community Outreach Specialist- One Stop Career Center
Well know author Abby Kohut "Absolutely Abby" participated in our "Distinguished Speaker" series for
jobseekers at both Warren Library in Somerset and North Branch Library in Hunterdon. Both locations
drew a total of 70 participants where she conducted a workshop and book signing on Job Search
Secrets.
Abby is a former executive recruiter and manager who has recruited for thousands of jobs and
mentored/coached top internal applicants into new roles within a company structure. As a Staffing
Consultant, Abby managed several recruiting projects for Alpharma, Inc., doubling the size of the
division, from 300 to 600 employees. Abby also led the expansion of a national outside sales force
and support staff for the Economist Intelligence Unit, Economist Magazine and CFO Magazine. As the
Interim Director of Recruiting for Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke's – Roosevelt Hospital, Abby
managed a large recruiting team responsible for filling 1,000-2,000 positions per year and developed
written documentation around their processes and procedures. She also managed an expansion
project for LEO Pharma and helped them grow from six employees to 300 in two years.
Abby's articles on AbsolutelyAbby.com and her monthly Career Wake Up Calls inspire job seekers to
stay motivated as they continue their search for their ideal job. AbsolutelyAbby.com, which was
selected as one of the "Top 100 Websites for Your Career" by Forbes in 2013, teaches candidates
secrets the Absolute truth about the job search process that other recruiters won't tell you. Abby has
presented to over 300 groups and has provided job search tips on Fox 5, NBC, CBS, ABC, LinkedIn,
Monster, Real Simple, The Ladders, Bloomberg Radio, and Forbes. Her books "Absolutely Abby's 101
Job Search Secrets" and "Absolutely Abby's Top 12 Interview Questions Exposed" teach candidates
secrets about the job search process that other recruiters won't tell you. Abby was selected as one of
the top 100 influential people online according to Fast Company Magazine and was named as one of
"The Monster 11 for 2011: Career Experts Who Can Help Your Job Search". Since 2010, Abby has
been on a mission to help one million job seekers and is currently driving around the USA on a
nationwide
tour to
accomplish that goal which you can learn more about at
www.AbbyAcrossAmerica.com.
Jan Goodman and Abby Kohut
Medicare Part –D Open Enrollment Starting Soon
Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselors are Here to Help!
George Harlan, SHIP Certified Counselor/Volunteer Coordinator
The Open Enrollment for Medicare Plan D prescription drug coverage begins October 15
and ends December 7 (2016). This period is also known as Medicare Fall Open Enrollment
and the Annual Election Period. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can add, change, or
drop Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug coverage for the following year (effective
January 1). This is very important to all who have a current stand-alone Part D plan or who
are considering joining one for 2017 as it is an opportunity to change your coverage or to
start a plan now.
If you're satisfied with your current Medicare plan, you don't need to take any action. But be
aware that your benefits and premium could be changing for 2017. Even if you’re confident
that you want to keep your current coverage for the coming year, it’s important to make sure
you understand any changes that may apply, and that you’ve double checked to make sure
that your current plan is still the best available option. The available plans and what they
cover change from one year to the next, so even if the plan you have now was the best
option when you shopped last year, it’s important to verify that it is still the best plan before
you lock yourself in for another year.
Why should you consider changing your plan for next year?
The 30 some available plans generally change from year-to-year regarding costs, benefits,
restrictions and formularies.
Your list of medicines may have changed during the year and/or may not be covered
under your current plan.
Your current plan may discontinue, or a new –and better—plan may now be available.
By reviewing plans every year, individuals often find lower costs and/or better coverage with
a new plan. If you do nothing, you will keep your current plan the following year (assuming
it is still available).
Many seniors get their coverage through means other than stand-alone Part D plans and do
not need to consider making changes.
SHIP Counselors are here to help! SHIP Counselors are trained and certified to assist seniors
find the best Part D plans. They provide unbiased and free services. A review can be done
by making an appointment with a SHIP Counselor or by requesting a Part-D medication
analysis form via mail. Once completed a counselor will review your form and complete an
analysis which will be returned to you within a week or so. It includes details of the best 2 or
3 plans including costs and coverage for your specific list of medicines. When possible the
Counselor will include, for comparison, your current plan details. Once you receive the report
you can call with questions or to meet with a counselor. To make an appointment or request
an analysis call the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services at (908) 7046346 and ask to speak with a SHIP counselor.
Community Development Block Grant
Kimberly Cowart, Community Development Director
One of the Community Development Office’s primary responsibilities is administration of the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The CDBG Program is a federal grant that
comes to Somerset County from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It
was established in 1973 and considered by many to be one of the most successful federal revenue
sharing programs because it has a very wide constituency, can be used for a broad range of activities,
and has clearly defined goals and objectives. For this reason, the federal government uses the CDBG
Program to provide disaster relief to assist communities that are affected by events like Hurricanes
Katrina, Irene and Sandy.
CDBG funds can be used for a number of activities but here in Somerset County, funds are most often
used for construction and service projects. Construction projects are referred to as Public Facilities
and Improvements, and defined by HUD as acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or
installation of public facilities and improvements, except buildings for the general conduct of
government. Typical activities include removal of material and architectural barriers, construction
improvements, and sidewalk and street paving. On the service side, CDBG funds can be used for
programs including but not limited to those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care,
health, drug abuse, education, fair housing counseling, energy conservation, homebuyer down
payment assistance, or recreational needs. To be eligible for CDBG assistance, a public service must
be either a new service or provide a quantifiable increase in the level of an existing service above
that which has been provided with State and Local funds. CDBG funds for public services cannot
exceed 15 percent of the annual grant, so funding for these programs is very limited.
In order for a project to qualify, a non-profit or municipal applicant must be able to demonstrate that
an activity will principally benefit low and/or moderate income County residents. Eligibility can be
demonstrated through an outright income verification of the project beneficiary, by proving that the
project is located in an area where there is a sufficient number of low and or/moderate income
County residents, or that it will serve a member of one of the following groups: abused children,
elderly persons (62 and over), homeless persons, migrant farm workers, illiterate persons, disabled
adults (disabled children do not automatically qualify under this criteria), persons with AIDS, and
battered spouses.
The CDBG application process begins in February when a Request for Proposals is issued via the
County website. If you want more information about the grant program or a proposed project, please
contact the Community Development Office at 908-541-5756 or [email protected].
Job Opportunities in County Human Services
Community Development
Program Specialist Performs all primary bookkeeping, accounting and contract administration for the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) and Homelessness Trust Fund Programs in
accordance with federal and state regulations. Incumbent must perform bookkeeping and basic accounting functions for
grant-funded projects, including expenditures, vouchers, purchase orders and entries into County-wide financial
management system. Position maintains voucher/contract files, expense records and purchase orders. Position will perform
general office duties include filing, copying, collating, preparing mailings, compiling documents for division/committee
review. Incumbent must also attend committee meetings and provide administrative support to committee members/and or
other staff as needed.
Office on Aging and Disability Services
Contracts and Fiscal Planner Incumbent reports directly to the executive director of the Somerset County Office on Aging
and Disability Services. The incumbent develops a plan for Senior Services (Area Plan Contract) as prescribed in the Older
Americans Act and is responsible for the following: conducts needs assessments relating to senior citizens and those with
physical disabilities and caregivers residing in Somerset County (target population); prepares requests for proposals and
writes grant applications; negotiates services with community-based service providers; originates contract development and
renewals and monitors and evaluates the utilization of funds to providers; prepares divisional budget, and statistical and
program reports for contract compliance and Area Plan development; works with funding sources to assure compliance with
all program and funding program reporting requirements/completes and submits reports and participates in daily office
operations as directed. The incumbent also: sets up conferences, workshops, seminars and training program for the Office
on Aging and Disability Services; develops program prototypes and assists non-profit agencies in securing funding to
provide services for target population clients; develops/oversees the creation of marketing tools such as brochures,
newsletters and resource directories; collaborates with institutions and county departments to prepare/develop and assist in
a variety of public projects, i.e. press releases, public hearings, quality assurance activities, etc.
Eldercare Worker Position works in a collaborative process to educate the public on aging/disability related issues and to
evaluate options and services to meet the individual care needs of older adults (60+) and adults (18+) with disabilities and/
or their caregivers.
Health Nutrition Administrator Position directs the overall operation of six multi-purpose senior wellness centers
including the Nutrition Program for the Elderly (i.e., congregate and home delivered meals -Older Americans Act program).
Centers provide wellness, educational, recreational and community service programs for clients age 60 and above.
Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center
Administrative Assistant Performs receptionist duties for the Center; schedules appointments and maintains all of the
Providers schedules and appointments. Position greets and checks in all clients for services at the Center; collects copayments and other fees. Delivery of all services are trauma-informed, wellness and recovery, and person-centered in
accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values statement of the Center.
Administrative Assistant RII Incumbent acts as receptionist, clerical and data entry person for the Renaissance
Integration Initiative (RII), a grant funded program; schedules appointments and maintains the schedules of the RII
Integration Team. Administrative Assistant reports directly to the Nurse Care Coordinator. This position also has direct
contact with the RII Project Director and the Integration Team.
Psychiatrist
Position provides psychiatric assessment and treatment to clients; serves as consultant to other staff.
Position participates in Performance Improvement, peer review and medical staff activities. Position assesses individuals
who present with psychiatric disorders in any clinical setting, records medical history and prescribes in accordance with
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client needs, and under overall supervision of Medical Director.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Associate The primary function of this position is to coordinate and implement all facets of
an individual’s psychosocial rehabilitation services, including initial assessment, in a person-centered, wellness and recovery
and trauma informed environment in accordance with the mission and values of the Center.
Security Guard Responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of County safety/security policies; supervises all
guards employed at the Center. Incumbent will determine their effectiveness and develop necessary refinements to
eliminate problem areas. Incumbent will coordinate all phases of safety and security through presence and response.
Incumbent will be responsible for all County assets within the Center. Incumbent will report directly to the Finance Director.
Incumbent facilitates system wide the understanding of safety and security policies to 100+ staff through orientation and
periodic training to encourage a positive and cooperative attitude towards safety and security. Incumbent will be the prime
interface with contracted security company, cleaning company and numerous outside vendors.
Security Guard II Position responsible for maintaining a secure, safe environment for clients, visitors and staff. Routinely
observes security and safety deficiencies and arranges for corrective action; coordinates all phases of safety and security
education (in-service training, drills, inspections, etc.) Position is responsible for control of all county assets within the
Center, including vehicles and collection and destruction of confidential data. Position transports cash deposit daily and
clients as needed to PESS. Position requires a physical reserve, both real and potential for various unpredictable situations;
prime interface in emergency and combative situations. Position promotes/motivates a positive safety/security attitude
system wide. Position requires multi-tasking due to personnel limitation of one safety/security officer for entire center.
Position is subject to long hours. Position has continuous contact with mental health consumers and their families under a
wide variety of circumstances.
P/T Administrative Assistant Incumbent will assist in keeping accurate billing accounts for all clients and maximize
revenue collection. Incumbent will verify insurance information for clients who change plan; maintain up-to-date
demographics as required. Incumbent will deliver all services as trauma informed, wellness and recovery and personcentered in accordance with the Mission and Vision Statement of the Center.
P/T Substance Abuse Counselor Provides counseling and case management as appropriate to primarily Somerset County
Jail inmates to help them clarify and resolve problems associated with co-occurring alcohol or other drug abuse/dependence
and a diagnosable psychiatric condition. Documents clinical activity per policy. Contributes to agency performance
improvement efforts to assure ethical and effective treatment in accordance with state regulations and accrediting body
standards. Adheres to jail protocols and coordinates with other jail based agency personnel and jail staff, as appropriate, in
providing services.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Program Coordinator: Plans, implements and evaluates educational events and programs for Family and Community
Health Sciences (FCHS) under direction of the FCHS Educator. The incumbent teaches adults and youth, manages multiple
priorities and tasks, works with minimal supervision and has strong interpersonal skills. The person collaborates with
community groups, creates educational lessons and activities; writes educational articles and/or publications and recruits
and trains volunteers for FCHS & RCE programs.
For qualification requirements, compensation information, and job responsibilities please
visit the Somerset County website.
Our Staff
Help us in welcoming the following new additions to the Human
Services Team
Marie DiIorio– Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center
Jill Esposito– Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Katelynn Patronick– Office of Youth Services
Onya Williamson– Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center
Luis Zegarra– Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center
Human Services Public Meetings
October 3– 9:30am: Professional Advisory Council
October 6– 5pm: Mental Health Board
October 11- 6:30pm: Freeholder Meeting
October 12 – 9:30am: Local Advisory Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse /County Alliance Steering
Subcommittee
October 25– 12pm: Youth Services Commission
October 25– 1:30pm: Children's’ Interagency Coordinating Council
October 25– 6:30pm: Freeholder Meeting
October 26– 1:30pm: Human Services Advisory Council
November 3- 5pm: Mental Health Board
November 9– 1:30pm: Advisory Council on Disability Issues
November 10– 10am: Continuum of Care
November 14– 9:30am: Professional Advisory Council
For more information regarding these meetings or how to get involved with a committee
email Julie at [email protected] or call 908-704-6335.