N.J. Stat. § 44:1-85

An overseer may appoint resident helpers without pay or fees to aid in the temporary relief of poor persons under his direction, preferably by district, in a municipality, in order that such helpers may observe, ascertain and assist the overseer or deputy in ascertaining the cause or causes of dependency, obtain employment for poor persons when needed, and assist and advise the overseer or deputy in instituting and prosecuting to a determination such proceedings as may be necessary through other agencies of the state, or its political subdivisions, for the relief of the poor, or the admission of them or their lawful dependents to such institution or agency as may be provided for mental or physical disability or otherwise. Disbursements of helpers shall be paid, on the approval of the overseer, by the governing body or district welfare board. Helpers shall be registered on appointment at the office of the overseer, and shall be furnished and supplied with such evidence of their appointment and authority as the overseer, with the approval of the governing body, shall determine.