[N.J.S.A. 40:8-115 et seq.; A.C. 1969, 3.6(b)(7)]
The Local Assistance Board, shall be constituted and empowered by this Code. The Local Assistance Board shall, for budgetary purposes, be assigned to the Division of Welfare.[1]
[1]
Cross reference: As to the Division of Welfare, see Section 2:7-28 of this Code.
There shall be a Local Assistance Board to provide assistance to the persons eligible thereto, residing in the City or otherwise when so provided by law, which shall be administered by such Board according to law and in accordance with the General Public Assistance Law of the State of New Jersey and with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commissioner known as the Coordinator of the Department of Economic Development.[1]
[1]
State law reference: As to General Public Assistance Law, see N.J.S.A. 44:8-107 et seq.
(a) 
The Mayor with the advice and consent of Council shall appoint five (5) persons as members of the Local Assistance Board and at least one (1) of them shall be a woman.
(b) 
The members of the Board shall serve without compensation and shall be allowed their necessary and actual expenses.
(a) 
A member of the Council may be appointed as a member of the Local Assistance Board for a term of one (1) year and the terms of the other members thereof shall be for four (4) years each, one term expiring each year.
(b) 
The term of each member of the Board shall begin on the first day of January, and each member shall continue in office until his successor shall be appointed and shall qualify.
(c) 
Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms only.
The Local Assistance Board shall organize annually and select a chairman and secretary.
(a) 
The Local Assistance Board shall appoint a Director of Welfare who shall be the executive and administrative officer of the Board.
(b) 
Such Director shall be appointed for a term of five (5) years from the date of his appointment.
(c) 
Such Director shall be paid such salary as may be fixed by the Local Assistance Board subject to the approval of Council.
(d) 
In case of vacancy in the Office of Director of Welfare, a temporary or acting director may be appointed by the Board to serve for not more than ninety (90) days.
[1]
Cross reference: As to the Director of Welfare, see Section 2:7-28 of this Code.
The Director of Welfare shall:
(a) 
Supervise by periodic investigation every person receiving public assistance, such investigation to be made by visitation at least once a month;
(b) 
Reconsider from month to month the amount and nature of public assistance given and alter, amend or suspend such assistance when the circumstances so require;
(c) 
Devise ways and means for bringing persons unable to maintain themselves to self-support or to the support of any other person or agency able and willing to do so;
(d) 
Keep full and complete records of such investigation, supervision, assistance and rehabilitation, and all certifications of persons for employment or benefits and cancellation thereof, in such manner and form as required by the Commissioner; and,
(e) 
Bring about appropriate action for commitment to any State or County institution when the best interests of the needy persons would be served.
(a) 
Employees (excluding the Director of Welfare) including assistants, clerks, investigators, and nurses in such number as may be necessary to properly administer public assistance shall be appointed by the Director with the approval of the City Administrator.
(b) 
No employee of the Division of Welfare of the City whose compensation is paid from funds received or appropriated for public assistance or the administration thereof in any manner shall hold any office in any political party.[1]
[1]
State law reference: As to regulation, administration, aid and assistance, see "General Public Assistance Law" N.J.S.A. 44:8-107 to 145.