Existential Observations About Growing Old(er)

Old friends, old friends
Sat on their park bench like bookends
Falls on the round toes
Of the high shoes of the old friends

Old friends, winter companions, the old men
Lost in their overcoats, waiting for the sunset
The sounds of the city sifting through trees
Settle like dust on the shoulders of the old friends

Can you imagine us years from today
Sharing a park bench quietly?
How terribly strange to be 70

Old friends, memory brushes the same years
Silently sharing the same fears

--Paul Simon (1968)

Singer/songwriter Simon wrote this song (“Old Friends”) when he was not quite 26 years old.  He is now in his early 80’s and I’m guessing he might think differently about the “strangeness of 70” these days.

In 1968 (in the United States) the average life expectancy of a male was 66.6 years and 74 for females.  In 2022 that had shifted to 77 for men and 81 for women.  That juxtaposition alone helped me better understand why 70 seemed “strange” for a 26-year-old.  I surely feel differently about the “strangeness of 70” as that page (unbelievably) turns for me later this month.  It’s “strange” for sure (in my mind I’m still much younger) but not nearly as odd as it would have felt to me in 1968.

Context is critical, and perhaps nowhere more than when human beings contemplate the breadth and duration of their own existence. As I’ve written before, we in this country have a distinct ambivalence about aging.  While we publicly venerate the “attractive” parts of aging (wisdom, perspective, etc.) we continue to indulge in various “old people” tropes and promote “youth and beauty” as values to champion.  Aging itself is, of course, counterintuitive; as we learn more about ourselves and those around us, we often become far more savvy, as we have a learned sense of what works and what doesn’t. At the same time, our bodies begin to betray us and our cognitive challenges increase.  Former Yankees 1950’s/60’s icon Mickey Mantle once famously quipped “If I knew I was going to live this long I’d have taken better care of my body.”  Robert Louis Stevenson put the same thought this way: “if youth only knew and age only could.”

I think of this juxtaposition as existential irony.  It’s often the things young folks (as we all were once) don’t give much thought to (hearing, vision, skin protection) that which we notice failing us first, followed by a natural slowdown of our reflexes and memory. One last quote other “boomers” will we familiar with, from Joni Mitchell: “you don’t know what you’ve gone ‘til it’s gone.” That’s certainly true for this boomer – in many ways that seem to reveal themselves with increasing regularity.

For myself, I’ve concluded that while we cannot (or at least perhaps should not) tinker with our own biology too much, we certainly can shine a light on the relatively little support we give to families hoping to care at home for someone in the last stretch of their life.  In-home care is prohibitively expensive and for most seniors is simply not a possibility.  We have pathways for those who are wealthy, and, after all resources and savings are drained, we have a limited pathway (Medicaid) for those without means.  For those in the great “in-between” – not much.  For many folks, that means facing either the end of life in a nursing home or an existence fraught with constant worry and anxiety about running out of money and resources.  Is this really the best we can do?

I’m trying to make a few points here, the primary one being that seniors are the fastest growing cohort in the country (and that is fully reflected here in Somerset County).  In the 2022 census, the percentage of residents over 65 was 17.3%.   If we include those over 60 the percentage is almost a quarter of the county population.  We need to lobby and legislate for policies that allow us to be proud of the options for seniors, rather than be either embarrassed by them or outraged at how limited they are.

We in Somerset County are indeed fortunate to have the county supported senior center network available for use by residents.  On the non-profit side, agencies like the Adult Day Center provide uniquely specialized care to seniors who need extra support and nurturance during the day, but they, like many other non-profits, fight an uphill battle against low reimbursement rates and burgeoning programming and staffing costs. 

This was, for most of my life, a professional concern.  The loss of my father-in-law in the last decade and the loss of my father last year drove all this home in a visceral “non-academic” way.  The balding and wrinkled face I now see staring back at me when I look in the mirror has made this issue a personal one as well.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Submitted by Julianne Minor, MSW, LCSW, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

September was Suicide Prevention Month, a month dedicated to spreading awareness and information about suicide which is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the CDC, the number of deaths by suicide increased 2.6% from 2021 to 2022, and it was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34. Death by suicide is a public health concern which can have lasting effects on individual, families, and communities. By sharing resources and information, we can help individuals, families, and communities recognize the warning signs for suicide and increase knowledge on how they can access help for a loved one or themselves.

The word suicide can be surrounded with stigma and dismantling the shame that surrounds topics including mental health and suicide is an important, growing movement for our world. Everyone can play a vital role in suicide prevention and awareness, and we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health and suicide. By breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health and suicide, communities can come together to create meaningful connections and conversations with those who may be struggling.

The month of September was vital in spreading information and hope. However, awareness and resources can be shared 365 days of the year. Educating yourself and others about suicide prevention includes learning the warning signs and risk factors for suicide and increasing knowledge of how to support someone who may be considering suicide or is in a mental health crisis. Evidence shows that providing supportive services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means for self- harm, and connecting with a loved one are just some of the actions we can all take to support and help others.

A visit to Lifeline (988lifeline.org), www.nami.org, www.samhsa.gov, www.cdc.gov/suicide/, Suicide Prevention Resource Center (sprc.org) can provide additional information and resources for those who want to learn more about how to spread awareness and hope.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance use or gambling challenges, please call our ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165. If this is a psychiatric emergency call Bridgeway PESS at 908-526-4100 OR

CALL the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

To Celebrate October as Substance Use Prevention Month 2023 and Red Ribbon Week, the Addiction Services Coordinator, Ebeny J. Torres (Pictured Center), stands with community partner Jerri Collevechio, Senior Development Director of Hunterdon/Somerset Safe Communities Coalition (Pictured far right), to accept the proclamation of Red Ribbon Week (Presented by Commissioner Singleterry, Far Left) on behalf of the Somerset County Municipal Alliance Network. This proclamation recognizes the exceptional prevention initiatives the Municipal Alliance Network and partners are committed to demonstrating during the month of October with Red Ribbon Week as well as throughout the year. Click here to learn more about prevention and hard reduction initiatives near you.

Addiction Services Updates 

Submitted by Lisa Federico, Addiction Services Director

The Somerset County Department of Human Services has partnered with Prevention Resources on a prevention initiative that focuses on promoting open conversations about alternatives to opioid pain medication.

The bench is an art installation, a creative way to spread education and provide resources to residents through a QR code that that directs people to the following page on the Prevention Resources website. It will be located on the Somerset County Courthouse lawn for approximately two weeks.

This bench also promotes Red Ribbon Week in Somerset County, which is a national campaign that hopes to spread awareness, advocacy, and resources on substance use prevention.

• On 10/24/2023 the Board of County Commissioners adopted the new County Naloxone Policy. This policy hopes to promote harm reduction, provide education, reduce the risk of overdose deaths, and reduce stigma on opiate use disorders, while also offering training to county staff on Naloxone deployment. The first training will be held December 18th at 11am at 27 Warren Street, Somerville, NJ through a collaboration with RWJ.

• The Department of Human Services will be hosting an Opiate Settlement Subdivision meeting on November 15^th at 1pm at 27 Warren Street, Somerville, NJ. This meeting is open to community stakeholders and any personnel from any subdivision in Somerset County that is receiving National Opiate Abatement Funds. Please contact etorrres@co.somerset.nj.us for more information.

• Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center is now registered and authorized, by the NJ Department oh Health, to offer harm reduction services in Somerset County. “While abstinence-only approaches to drug use focus on the cessation of all drug use, harm reduction prioritizes community wellbeing and quality-of-life. This may include abstinence for some people, based on what works best for them. But, because drug use is also about so much more than the substance itself, policies, and programs to address drug use also have to be about much more than the drug in question.” (NJ Harm Reduction Coalition) Research shows that people who people who have access to harm reduction services in their community are five times more likely to enter treatment for their drug or alcohol use than those without access; are 50 percent less likely to contract HIV and Hepatitis; and are three times more likely to stop use that is problematic to their quality of life. 

Somerset County 4-H Wreath Sale:

The holiday season is approaching and there is no better way to celebrate family and community than with a beautiful wreath. This year the Somerset County 4-H Association is selling both plain and decorated wreaths  with all proceeds going towards supporting the Somerset County 4-H Association which manages The Ted Blum 4-H Center and Somerset County 4-H Fair.

Plain wreaths are a 12” ring with double-faced balsam that makes the wreath 22”-24” across the middle - $16.00

Decorated wreaths include 3 groups of 3 pinecones and a ribbon - $20.00

If you are interested in purchasing a wreath, please direct all orders to the Somerset County 4-H office at 908-526-6644.  Payment will be accepted at pick up.

ALL WREATH ORDERS ARE DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2023

4-H Science-sational Day:

For children in grades 1 – 5: Join Somerset County 4-H for a “science-sational” day of learning! Focused on hands-on and interactive learning, Science-sational Day explores a wide variety of science topics, all presented by volunteers with a passion for sharing their love of science.

Registration required, registration due November 3, 2023. For more information, please visit https://4histops.org/events/sci-day.

Welcome, Alyssa!

Please welcome Alyssa Preziosi to her new role as Somerset County 4-H Program Coordinator!

Alyssa served as Director of Youth Development for the Greater Somerset County YMCA where she organized and ran the before and after care program, summer camp, and youth and family programs. Alyssa’s credentials include a Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both from Clemson University. Alyssa’s programming will be focused on planning, coordinating, and implementing the Somerset County 4-H Fair, 4-H Open House, and developing additional educational events and programs for Somerset County 4-H. Alyssa’s professional experiences will be a tremendous asset as she joins Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County.

Holiday Craft Festival:

FCHS of Somerset County

• Tune in to the Facebook Live videos from Somerset County Family & Community Health Sciences (RCE) this November! By doing so, you can earn up to 5 LiveWell points (Metric 14)! Be sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/SCNJFCHS/ for updates and videos

• FCHS of Somerset County and New Jersey Empower to Prevent program are enrolling new members for 2024! For more information on the New Jersey Empower to Prevent Program, or for eligibility information, please contact Mikaela Kane at kanem@co.somerset.nj.us.

This program has been graciously funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health.

Somerset County Agriculture & Natural Resources/Rutgers Master Gardeners 

• Rutgers Master Gardener applications will open in November for the class beginning in January 2024. For more information, please contact Ashley Higgins at higgins@co.somerset.nj.us, or Nick Polanin at polanin@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Crisis Intervention Training Recap 

This years Crisis Intervention Training took place from October 23 - October 27 at the Emergency Services Training Academy in Hillsborough, NJ. This week long training provides law enforcement personnel the education and skills to successfully navigate mental health crises they might encounter while on duty. Participants got to hear from various mental health organizations such as Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) and the Division of Children and Families - Child Protection & Permanency (DCF - CP&P) and had the opportunity to participate in a firearms preparedness simulation as an exercise on firearm safety. 

Please contact Meg Isbitski for more information at isbitski@co.somerset.nj.us and look out for the next CIT class coming to Somerset County!

The Disability Advocate Service Awards were presented to individuals, organizations or businesses in Somerset County that provide exemplary support for people with disabilities through advocacy by providing services that foster inclusion, independence and empowerment. Winners were honored at the Somerset County Board of Commissioners meeting in Somerville on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Winners: William Liberatore and Patricia McMurtry

Honorable Mentions: Karen Zubulake, Lea Sargiotto, Heather Lily, Nancy Llanos

Did you File for your ANCHOR Rebate Yet?

Submitted by Kimberly Cowart, Community Development Director

As residents of NJ, I am sure that most of us would agree that property taxes are high here, and the facts bear that out.  Data at States With the Highest Property Taxes (yahoo.com) reports that New Jersey has the highest property taxes not only in property tax rate, but in the actual dollars spent on property taxes.  According to smartasset.com, the average effective property tax rate in New Jersey is 2.26% , more than double the national average of .99% . According to the NJ Division of Taxation, the average property tax rate in Somerset County in 2022 was 2.374% and the average property tax bill was $10,504.  All of this has an impact on affordability and contributes to the fact that NJ is a very expensive place to live, whether you rent or own your residence. 

Thankfully, the  Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters, or ANCHOR program, provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who own or rent property in New Jersey as their principal residence and meet certain income limits. The current filing season for the ANCHOR benefit is based on 2020 residency, income, and age.

If you applied for and received a payment last year, you are automatically considered for payment this year.  Payments will be issued on a rolling basis and if you are a returning applicant, it could be that you already received your ANCHOR payment via direct deposit.  Most new applicants can expect to receive their payment approximately 90 days after filing the application, unless program representatives request additional information to process your claim.

Surprisingly, many eligible households have not applied.  This is such a concern that the Department of the Treasury is launching the ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Outreach Team to conduct door-to-door outreach and application assistance to residents across the state. Canvassers will provide information and help complete applications for those who need assistance filing for ANCHOR. The Community Outreach Team began going door-to-door daily throughout the state beginning September 26th, from the hours of 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Members of the ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Outreach Team will be credentialed with identification badges as the “ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Outreach Team.” They will wear blue safety vests while working in the community. The canvasser will ask questions regarding eligibility and use the information to assist residents with their property tax application. Please take a moment and answer the questions when someone knocks on your door from the ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Outreach Team. All answers are confidential and can help you access up to $1,750 in property tax relief.

There is still plenty of time to file and to encourage others to file.  The deadline to file is Friday, December 29, 2023.  For more information, visit NJ Division of Taxation - ANCHOR Program.

On October 20, 2023, a Meet-and-Greet was held at the Bound Brook Municipal Courtroom to introduce Victor Flores-Lopez, the new Community Police Alliance Coordinator (CPAC). After a successful two years of having the CPAC program in Bridgewater, administered by Dameon Stackhouse, Somerset County has expanded the program to reach the Bound Brook Community. Victor Flores-Lopez is a licensed social worker who is embedded into the Bound Brook Police Department. Here, Victor will help identify individuals and families who are in need of mental health, substance use, and other social support assistance, while reducing law enforcement interactions with for non-criminal related incidents. 

“I am excited to support Bound Brook’s residents and police as the new Community Police Alliance Coordinator, and look forward to making a difference in the lives of local families and individuals,” said Victor. “So often all that is needed to bring positive change to a situation is an open mind, knowledge of local resources, and regular follow up to be sure the help is delivered.”

To learn more about the CPAC program, click here.

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

FREE HOUSING COUNSELING

WHY CONSIDER BUYING IN NJ’s AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM?

1. A 30-year mortgage payment may be the same or even a little less than renting.
2. By owning, you have stability of not worrying about rent increases or the landlord selling the property.
3. Most homeowners usually see the value of their home increase over time.
4. You build equity with each mortgage payment.

What is the best first step? Complete homeownership counseling and earn a Counseling Certificate from a local HUD Agency like Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC)

What are the benefits of counseling? Knowledge -  and you will feel better prepared for the complex process of homeownership.  Many lenders give First Time Homebuyers reduced mortgage rates if they have a certificate.  Participants are often eligible for some grant programs for down payment and closing costs if they meet the grant criteria and have a certificate showing they completed homebuyer education in the last 12 months. 

When is the next FREE counseling webinar CJHRC offers?

Click below to register (you MUST register & attend both days and submit simple forms to get a certificate) 

November 14, 2023 & November 16, 2023

5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Click here to register

For more information, contact CJHRC at (908) 446-0036

DOWN PAYMENT FUNDS AVAILABLE

A significant challenge for many first time homebuyers is saving enough money to cover down payment and closing cost expenses.  Rental prices are exorbitantly high, along with food, gas, utilities and basic living costs.  If you are seeking funds to help you purchase a home, CJHRC is offering a FREE Down Payment Resources webinar on December 12, 2023.  The 75-minute webinar will cover various assistance grants that you may be eligible to apply for.  Click below to register.  If this is not convenient for you, contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 to learn about possible assistance grants.

December 12, 2023

6:00 pm to 7:15 pm

Click here to register

CJHRC is a non-profit that has been helping the community for over 36 years and never charges clients a fee.  Counseling services offered include: financial literacy, pre- and post-purchase, rental, mortgage default/foreclosure, Fair Housing issues/questions and homeless counseling.  Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 or visit our website at www.cjhrc.org to view resources.  Appointments are required to meet in person with CJHRC staff.

CJHRC posts weekly on our social media accounts helpful and important information so please like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or follow us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing).

The Adult Day Center of Somerset County is thrilled to announce their 2023 Steve Kalafer Community Leadership Award will be bestowed upon Michael Frost, Somerset County’s Human Services Director. The award is most fitting for Michael as he enters his tenth year as the Director and celebrates a 40 year career of promoting social justice and civil rights to the benefit of the diverse citizens of Somerset County.  The Adult Day Center will be celebrating an “Evening of Gratitude” on November 16th to thank Michael for his outstanding service to the community.   

Please join us to commemorate this well-deserved honor.

The memory of former Board of Social Services Director Dom Crisall is honored in a service at the Board last month (planting of a tree in his memory) and a dedication plaque.

Learn from veterans Maria and Mark how the Somerset County, New Jersey, Veterans Services team helped them access the benefits they were due through the Veterans Administration. Over the last five years, Somerset County veterans have received $14 million in VA benefits. Helping them with their applications is one of the most important ways we show our appreciation for the service of veterans to our nation and our community. For more information, visit: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/governm... or contact the Veterans Service Department directly at veterans@co.somerset.nj.us

Get to Know the Franklin Food Bank

About the Franklin Food Bank

The Franklin Food Bank has a mission to “serve the food needs of [their] local community in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.” This mission fully backs their Client Choice Program, a program where clients can shop up to twice a week in an environment that emulates a grocery store. When you walk into the Franklin Food Bank Market, you see shelves and refrigerators stocked from floor to ceiling with not only dry goods, fresh produce, and refrigerated and frozen items, but pet food and beauty products as well. As if the variety of options and the location itself were not impressive enough, the people who run the Franklin Food Bank truly make the clients feel welcome and at home. Derek Smith, the Executive Director, is a prime example of a community leader, who is invested in the wellbeing of the greater Franklin community.

The Franklin Food Bank was founded in 1975 in a church basement. Almost 50 years later, the Food Bank has grown to serve up to 90 families per day, and over 450 families per week. Currently located at a warehouse on Churchill Avenue in Somerset, NJ, the Franklin Food Bank offers not only food distribution, but nutrition classes, and other supportive services for their clients and community.

Take A Look

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How often can I visit the market? Residents of Franklin Township are entitled to up to two visits per month to our Market. Shop for the items you want to feed your loved ones!
• When can I “shop” in the market? It is required to have an appointment. Please call for an appointment at 732-246-0009
• How much food can I take home? A certain number of points are assigned to families based on the size of the household. Zero point items are available every day.
• When can I visit? We have daytime, evening, and weekend hours available for all kinds of schedules.
• When is the Food Bank open to ask questions? Our Hours Of Operation are as follows, you can visit our Reception desk during these hours only. All other questions should be left on our voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible.

• Monday – Wednesday 9:30am-1:30pm
• Thursday 1:30-6:30pm
• Saturdays 9:00-11:30am

• Do I have to be a Franklin Township resident? Yes, you have to live within Franklin Township which includes:

• Somerset
• Franklin Park
• Little Rocky Hill
• Zarephath
• East Millstone, Griggstown
• Kingston
• Middlebush

How to Help

You can support the mission of the Franklin Food Bank by 1. Making a Donation, 2. Volunteering, and 3. Hosting a Food Drive

Connect with the Franklin Food Bank

Website – Facebook – Instagram – Linkedin - Tik Tok

THANK YOU to the Franklin Food Bank Community for supporting our Somerset County Residents!

 Community Police Alliance Coordinator (CPAC)

Office Phone (908) 704-6312

Cell Phone:    (908) 421-7212

Email: Vfloreslopez@co.somerset.nj.us

Languages: English/Spanish

Victor is a licensed social worker with a master's degree from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to assisting children, families, and communities in need of mental health and addiction services. His experience spans various settings, including schools, nonprofit organizations, and individual and family counseling.

Recently, Victor assumed the role of the Community Police Alliance Coordinator (CPAC) for the municipality of Bound Brook, a program provided through the Somerset County Department of Human Services (this is the second CPAC, joining a colleague/supervisor who was the first SCDHS CPAC, based in Bridgewater).  The CPAC's mission is to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement, particularly in responding to mental health crises alongside the Bound Brook Police Department (BBPD). Victor is enthusiastic about joining the CPAC team, working closely with BBPD, and helping residents access vital community-based services in Somerset County.

When Victor is not working, Victor finds peace in hiking and exploring the outdoors, often with his loyal Jack Russell terrier dog, Jackie. Beyond outdoor pursuits, Victor takes pleasure in quiet evenings at home getting lost in reality TV shows such as “Big Brother” and “Survivor”.   Victor is also a true enthusiast of the performing arts, with particular passion for off Broadway and Broadway shows.

To learn more about the CPAC program, click here.

Operations Coordinator

• Duties include, but are not limited to:
  Manage all aspects of the backend of the grant making process including processing applications, performing due diligence, overseeing the equivalency determination process, tracking grants, processing wire transfers and documenting disbursements.
• Respond to grantee partners on questions and needs about their grants in a manner that is timely, accurate and respectful.
• Assist in developing program policies and procedures with oversight from the Executive Director.
• Provide logistical support for the annual ~200-person regional gathering.

Click here for full job description

https://www.focuscentralamerica.org/

Bridgewater, NJ

*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*

Responsibilities

• Assist families in obtaining and retaining housing in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties
• Responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the in-home program
• 24/7 on call back-up crisis coverage

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure required
• LCSW or LPC preferred
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience providing treatment services to families and knowledge of housing first philosophy
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Flemington/Phillipsburg

*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*

Responsibilities

• Day to day and clinical operations of intensive in-home counseling for CP&P-referred families and youth in Hunterdon and Warren Counties
• Staff supervision, record reviews, directing staff, keen crisis management skills and supporting the clinical needs of the program
• Case conference w/ CP&P and other providers
• 24/7 backup cell phone coverage

Requirements

•  Supervision/Training of staff
• Work in a diverse fast paced environment
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure in that field as required by degree
• Valid driver’s license in good standing required

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org  

Flemington/Phillipsburg

*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*

Responsibilities

• Day to day and clinical operations of intensive in-home counseling for CP&P-referred families and youth in Hunterdon and Warren Counties
• Staff supervision, record reviews, directing staff, keen crisis management skills and supporting the clinical needs of the program
• Case conference w/ CP&P and other providers
• 24/7 backup cell phone coverage

Requirements

• Supervision/Training of staff
• Work in a diverse fast paced environment
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure in that field as required by degree
• Valid driver’s license in good standing required

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org  

Bridgewater, NJ

*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*

Responsibilities

• Assist families in obtaining and retaining housing in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties
• Responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the in-home program
• 24/7 on call back-up crisis coverage

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure required
• LCSW or LPC preferred
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience providing treatment services to families and knowledge of housing first philosophy
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Flemington, NJ

Responsibilities

• Seeking qualified individual, LAC preferred ( LSW accepted), to provide in home treatment and support to Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) and community referred families residing in Hunterdon County
• This candidate will also provide outpatient therapy in our Family Service Office
• Familiar with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, be solution focused, well versed in motivational interviewing
• Candidate should be familiar DSM 5(TR) for diagnosis criteria

Requirements

• Good organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of best parenting practices and healthy family dynamics
• Evening hours required
• Driver’s license with clean driving history required.

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org  

Bridgewater, NJ

100% telehealth or in office or hybrid

Fee for Service

Responsibilities

• Part-time (24 hours, biweekly)
• Clinician needed to conduct thorough clinical assessments
• Provide individual/family counseling for the mental health/substance abuse population at an outpatient level
• Work with clients referred by IDRC and do random drug screens
• Completion of comprehensive treatment plans every 90 days and discharge plans when appropriate
• Must have a flexible schedule to work evenings as needed

Requirements

• LCADC and/or LCSW required, with minimum one year of substance abuse and mental health counseling experience.
• Must be familiar with NJSAMS

Bridgewater, NJ

Responsibilities

• Include establishing trusting relationships with families and working with them to identify their service goals
• Using a holistic planning approach to assist families with connecting and coordinating needed health and social services
• Rotating 24/7 coverage is required
• Case management and case documentation are essential, along with case conferences with CP&P and other providers

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a minimum of two (2) years related experience
• Flexible schedule, including availability on nights and weekends
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Bridgewater

Sign On Bonus: $2,500

Responsibilities

• Provide supervised visitation and therapeutic interventions to biological parents and their children who are working toward family reunification
• Work with a DCP&P contracted caseload of children placed in relative or non-relative Resource Homes
• Visits take place in-home, in-community and in-offices
• Attend & participate in agency trainings
• Enter electronic records, including NJ SPIRIT, detailed case documentation skills are necessary

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history, travel throughout Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org