N.J. Admin. Code § 10:37-5.78

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 10:37-5.78 - Services

(a) Services to be provided may include, but shall not be limited to:

1. Service planning: Including, at a minimum, participation in preparation of Individual Service Plans, for specified clients.

2. Personal advocacy:

i. Monitoring of Individual Service Plan (see 10:37-5.78(b)5 ).

ii. Assisting when necessary, or requested by client, in service procurement (see 10:37-5.78(b)2 ).

iii. Assisting, when requested by client, in the initiation of both internal (see 10:37-4.6 ) and external grievance procedures.

iv. Ensuring, and where necessary or requested by client, assisting in the utilization of the least restrictive, most normative setting/support system.

3. Legal services and procurement of public entitlements.

4. Companionship (see 10:37-5.78(b)4 ).

5. Service coordination and monitoring (see 10:37-5.78(b)2 and 3).

6. Outreach services: At a minimum, this shall include efforts to contact boarding homes and other residential facilities, in order to familiarize potential clients with the above services.

7. Information and referral services.

(b) Service approaches:

1. The SA worker shall act as a companion, advocate, supporter, and/or representative for clients. The client's expressed interest is paramount in deciding what role the SA worker will pursue. These roles may include that of:

i. Broker/service procurer;

ii. Mediator/negotiator for client with agency: to reach consensus as to the desirability of specific services.

iii. Advocate: to request that client receives services to which he/she is entitled.

2. When a mental health agency or program is, for some reason, unable to assist in service procurement, or if the client so request, the SA program shall fulfill service procurement functions, for non-mental health services, as required by the client (for example: housing, welfare, medical assistance, employment, etc.). This function shall be performed in close conjunction with the involved mental health agency(ies) and their internal Primary Service Procures who have been identified for each client as required by 10:37-5.1.

3. The SA worker shall help assess the client's interest in and ability to live independently. An important function of the SA worker in assisting the client to achieving independent living is through the coordination of systems (Institutional, organized community resources, and natural supports) that might not normally or regularly interact with one another. Companion advocates shall encourage clients to take advantage of available services.

4. Current involvement by client with a funded mental health agency or program is not a necessary condition for SA services. An SA worker may maintain a relationship, upon request, with a former mental health client after formal mental health services have been terminated. In cases when an individual requests help, but refuses formal mental health services, the SA worker may provide companionship, service procurement, legal representation, etc.

5. A function of a SA worker may be to monitor the implementation of completed Individual Service Plans for a specific group of targeted clients, as determined necessary by the Division.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10:37-5.78