N.J. Stat. Ann. § 44:1-83

In municipalities, other than counties, having not less than five thousand inhabitants, or where the overseer has jurisdiction in more than one municipality, the governing body or bodies may appoint a deputy overseer. A deputy overseer shall have resided in the state for at least one year and shall have other qualifications like those necessary for overseers. He shall be under the direction of the overseer, and be vested on the approval of the overseer with the same power in the distribution of relief and like authority for prosecution or defense in court proceedings.