PROGRAM MANAGER HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of a division director or other supervisory official in the Department of Health or the Department of Human Services, is responsible for the management of all phases of an assigned program including planning, organizing, and developing methods and procedures, directing and coordinating program activities, exercising control over specific functions or phases of a program including control of expenditures; does related work as required.

Examples of work

Manages program to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accord with specified objectives. Reviews and provides interpretation of applicable laws and monitors program compliance. Plans and develops methods and procedures for implementing a program which includes the preparation of detailed protocols for research projects, literature reviews, methodology, statistical analyses, identification of resources, procedures for participant notification, and budgetary utilization and constraints. Oversees and provides managerial assistance and guidance to in the coordination of program activities with other department, state, and public agencies and facilities. Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of employees. Confers with division and/or department staff to explain the program and to coordinate individual responsibilities, functions, and phases of the program. Directs, coordinates, or delegates to supervisory personnel activities concerned with program implementation and monitoring objectives. Reviews reports and records of activities to ensure progress is being accomplished toward specified program objectives. Prepares program reports and studies including findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Develops and updates program priority plans and policies to accommodate new statutory and/or contract responsibilities. Recommends modifications and changes in methodology to redirect activities to attain program objectives. Plans and supervises the collection of data for the preparation of state and/or federal budget requests. Makes decisions concerning program expenditures in accord with budget allocations. Confers with program personnel to provide technical advice and to assist in solving problems. Develops and maintains liaison with government and nongovernment agencies for the purpose of coordinating and obtaining maximum financial support, administrative guidance, and to promote the objectives of the program. Represents the department and division at conferences, seminars, and meetings. Plans and initiates conferences, seminars, and workshops. Assists in developing training programs with the cooperation and support of other department, government, and nongovernment agencies to promote program objectives. Prepares and supervises the preparation of correspondence and reports. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of principles of management and administration and program and policy development and implementation. Knowledge of procedures involved in the development, collection, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data toward specific program objectives. Knowledge of problems involved in organizing and managing an assigned program in accord with specified objectives. Ability to understand and apply the aims, standards, policies, and procedures of the Department and of the federal and state laws, rules, and regulations applicable to an assigned program. Ability to utilize various department program objectives. Ability to understand problems involved in coordinating activities of department programs and to promote cooperative, effective working relationships and efficient service. Ability to organize, direct, and manage program personnel and resources to accomplish objectives of the department. Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals pertaining to program activities. Ability to develop standards, guidelines, procedures, and systems to further program goals and objectives. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of articles for publication and direct the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to collect, tabulate, and interpret statistical data and to provide technical information pertaining to the program. Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and informational system used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communications. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in any of the following areas: program management and administration, program research and development, resource planning, and budgeting and staffing, two (2) years which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a Master's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related health area; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.