4. a. The Commissioner of Corrections shall designate a staff member as Coordinator for Reentry and Rehabilitative Services. The coordinator shall be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of this position. The coordinator may be chosen by the commissioner from among the current employees of the department and the chosen employee may continue the duties and responsibilities of the current position in addition to the duties and responsibilities of the coordinator position as provided in this section.

b. The coordinator shall compile and disseminate to inmates information concerning organizations and programs, whether faith-based or secular programs, which provide assistance and services to inmates reentering society after a period of incarceration. In compiling this information, the coordinator shall consult with non-profit entities, including but not limited to the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, that provide informational services concerning reentry, and the Executive Director of the Office of Faith-based Initiatives in the Department of State, and the Corrections Ombudsperson in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury.

c. The coordinator shall ensure that inmates are made aware of and referred to organizations which provide services in the county where the inmate is to reside after being released from incarceration. The coordinator shall assist inmates in gaining access to programs and procuring the appropriate services.

d. The coordinator may employ professional and clerical staff as necessary within the limits of available appropriations.

L.2009, c.329, s.4; amended 2010, c.34, s.6.