The Hoboken Office of Constituent Services has hired their first two social workers: Lori Hetzel and Bianca Hoffer, who will worker under director Nora Martínez DeBenedetto.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to bring to Hoboken my experience of connecting families with community resources and government programs,” said Hetzel.
“As a proud graduate of Hoboken High School, I’m honored to have the opportunity to give back to the community that raised me,” said Hoffer.
Hoffer and Hetzel will support Hobokenites experiencing homelessness, facing food and housing insecurity, and needing mental health support services by connecting them with established care providers and resources.
Hoffer will earn an annual salary of $80,000, while Hetzel will receive $75,000 a year, a city spokeswoman said.
“Connecting our residents in need of food, shelter, and mental health services to existing programs is needed more than ever after the pandemic,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“Creating the new social worker roles is critical to providing them with the support that will help our residents get back on their feet. I look forward to working with Lori and Bianca as they begin to bridge the gap between residents in need and the programs that are available to them.”
Additionally, the two new hires will provide advice and counsel to clients, referred by the Hoboken Police Department, on topics like abuse, family disputes, and juvenile delinquency, among others.
The constituent services office, which was reestablished about a year ago, coordinates inquiries and requests with city departments and agencies on behalf of residents on a variety of topics.
Those include the handling of counseling and referrals for social services, tenant assistance, housing and employment inquiries, violations of City codes, and general questions regarding available city services.
The Office of Constituent Services is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To make an appointment, call (201) 420 – 2000 ext. 1311 or email ndebenedetto@hobokennj.gov.