YOUTH OPPORTUNITY COORDINATOR
Youth Opportunity Coordinator is a competitive local-government title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead.
How to apply
-
Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
-
Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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.
Definition
Under direction, has charge of and is responsible for the development, implementation, and coordination of programs in the areas of employment, education, and recreation designed to serve the interests and needs of the youth of the jurisdiction; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
In conjunction with other staff members, determines needs and interests of the youth of the jurisdiction in the areas of employment, education, and recreation. Participates with staff members and other public and private agencies in cooperative planning to meet these needs. Investigates sources of funds and resources which may be used. Prepares proposals and develops youth programs to service the needs of the youth. Negotiates with government agencies for funds to implement programs. Works closely with business persons, union officials, and other community representatives to seek their cooperation in establishing training programs. Works to secure employment for youth and to provide volunteer manpower and resources for youth programs. Meets with representatives of voluntary organizations to brief them on available resources, learn of their plans, and encourage program coordination. Advises the public of needs and accomplishments of youth programs. Solicits cooperation of government agencies for assistance in operating these programs. Develops local funding sources from the private and business community. Meets with municipal department heads and officials to encourage the use of recreational and educational facilities. Prepares essential reports. Supervises and assigns work to personnel, and evaluates their work performance. Recruits, trains, and orients volunteers as to goals, objectives, programs, activities, policies, and procedures of the agency. Develops and coordinates activities using volunteers, and counsels them in working with youth and other staff members. Trains and assigns college students assigned to the agency for field service experience. Speaks before community groups and organizations, and maintains rapport with a variety of community resources. Prepares reports and maintains 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 purposes, policies, standards, and procedures involved in community relations and social service programs. Knowledge of problems and methods to be followed in developing and supervising youth orientated programs. Knowledge of objectives and activities of varied types of social agencies and their relationship to youth activities, interests, and problems. Ability to organize, develop, and supervise a variety of youth oriented programs. Ability to give assignments and instructions to employees. Ability to provide employees with advice and assistance. Ability to check staff work to ensure proper procedures are followed, reasonable standards of job performance are maintained, and desired objectives are achieved. Ability to work harmoniously with associates, subordinates, and other agencies and groups active in the social service field. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The 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. Seven (7) years of professional experience in planning and directing youth activity programs in a community service organization. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "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 judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.