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NJLAP Seeks New Director

By NJSBA Staff posted 04-20-2021 04:00 PM

  

The New Jersey Lawyers’ Assistance Program has a national reputation for excellence. It is a free, independent and confidential resources assisting all New Jersey lawyers, judges, law students and law graduates struggling with alcohol and substance use disorders, gambling addiction, stress, depression, and other mental health and behavioral issues. The program also broadened to take a proactive approach to well-being. 

It now seeks a new director, as William Kane has announced his retirement.  

Read on to find out more about NJLAP, the position’s responsibilities and how to apply.  

Summary 

The New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program is a free, independent and confidential resource assisting all New Jersey lawyers, judges, law students, and law graduates with substance use and mental health issues affecting personal and professional well-being. The program offers assessments, referrals to substance use disorder and mental health resources if necessary, and ongoing support. The director reports to the NJLAP Board of Trustees and NJSBA Executive Director.  

Through an agreement between the Supreme Court and the NJSBA, the NJLAP provides the following services:  

  • An 800 helpline that responds to calls from lawyers, judges and law students; 

  • Confidential consultation, treatment needs assessments, and evaluation by experienced staff specialists;  
  • Follow-up consultations concentrating on support and encouragement during early stages of treatment and recovery, and relapse prevention with tracking of treatment experience; 
  • Introduction to a network of recovered attorney peer counselors who are trained in helping techniques and referral to Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers statewide support groups;  
  • Statewide publicity to the entire legal profession with presentations, educational materials personal meetings and other special outreach efforts to increase awareness of the resources provided by the program;  

Overview of responsibilities: 

The Director reports to the NJLAP Board of Trustees and NJSBA Executive Director.  The Director’s responsibilities include administration and oversight of the NJLAP program; development of programs and initiatives to raise awareness of NJLAP within the legal community; supervision of staff; preparation of annual budget, maintenance of standards for confidentiality; analysis of statistics to assess the effectiveness of the program and its components; and providing vision, leadership and strategic planning to the Board  to ensure that intervention and assistance are provided to legal professionals in need of services.    

Key Tasks (will include but not limited to the following): 

Program services 

  • Daily management and active involvement and oversight of all client services ensuring confidential and high-quality services for the intervention and treatment of behavior health disorders and substance abuse issues;   
  • Affirmatively seek out opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders in the state’s legal profession to advance and promote the program, such as the state, local and affinity bar associations, the courts, law schools and legal employers.  
  • Develop educational strategy to make the legal community aware of the assistance available through NJLAP;  
  • Provide education and training to promote wellness and prevention to judges, lawyers, law students, and others when possible including social media campaigns, articles, seminars, presentations, newsletters, and other communication vehicles; 
  • Coordinate with law schools to engage law students in discussion about stress management, mental health and wellness, and substance use issues, and provide support to students in need; 
  • Work with Court staff and the Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness to receive information about and coordinate confidential assistance to attorneys, and attorney applicants who may be confronting substance abuse disorder and/or mental health issues; 
  • Provide evaluations and counseling for clients when clinical staff are unavailable;  
  • Coordinate the Judges Assistance component of NJLAP, including managing communications and outreach to the judiciary to promote the program and presenting at judiciary-run conferences and events; 
  • Work closely with NJSBA and other entities on programs related to wellness and other preventative measures as it relates to stress in the legal profession;  
  • Oversee the coordination of support groups currently including men, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, among others and ensure the provision of networking support to clients through these groups; 
  • Educate and provide resources for senior attorneys about end-of-legal career opportunities, including succession planning, regulatory issues, transitioning out of practice with dignity, lifestyle modification, and mental health and addiction issues.  

 Office administration  

  • Assure that all office infrastructure functions to support clinical and administrative staff in doing their jobs;  
  • Develop an annual budget for review by the NJSBA, the NJLAP Board of Trustees and the Supreme Court, and ensure that NJLAP operates in accordance with the approved budget;  
  • Strategically plan and prioritize goals for NJLAP to advance its mission and purpose; 
  • Draft quarterly reports to the NJLAP Board and the Supreme Court 
  • Draft supporting documents for NJSBA submission of reimbursement requests to the Administrative Office of the Courts.  

 Requirements: 

  1. Practiced law in New Jersey or have a master’s degree or equivalent with training in assessing and treating mental health conditions including addiction.  
  2.  Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
  3. Understanding of, and compliance with, confidentiality and ethical mandates. 
  4. Adaptability and problem-solving skills. 
  5. Ability to maintain a high level of integrity, personal ethics, dedication to service and utmost confidentiality. 
  6. Ability to provide own transportation to occasional off-site meetings. 
  7. Has an understanding and command of technology, and is able to fully integrate technology into the day-to-day functions of NJLAP. 
  8. Capable of hiring and training clinical and support staff as needed.
  9. Ability to successfully motivate staff and provide appropriate staff supervision. 
  10. Has an in-depth knowledge of local and national resources such as: 
      1. Twelve step programs 
      2. Family resources 
      3. EAPs 
      4. Drug treatment programs 
      5. Gambling treatment programs 
      6. Resources for prevention 
      7. Mental health treatment and resources 

    Position is a full-time, exempt position in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Salary based on background, experience and demonstrated skills. Candidate should be sensitive to professionals presenting personal problems.  

    The NJSBA is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, national origin, religion or creed, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital status, disability, veteran status or genetic information.  

    Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:                                                      

    Angela C. Scheck 

    [email protected] 

     

     

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