DIRECTOR OFFICE OF THE HANDICAPPED

Code: 05667 Local Competitive

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 plans, organizes, directs, promotes, and implements programs and activities intended to provide services to and address the concerns of disabled and handicapped persons; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Is responsible for the implementation and adherence to program guidelines. Organizes, assigns work, and supervises activities of the staff and various aspects of the programs offered. Prepares informational releases and promotional material concerning the services available. Is responsible for the acquisition, storage, and use of equipment and supplies. Plans and coordinates special events for the disabled or handicapped of all ages including entertainment, summer recreational programs, handicapped children's after school programs, adult recreational programs for the handicapped, and social and civic functions as needed. Has input in the preparation of routes/schedules for buses to follow to provide transportation to clients to and from hospitals, doctors, dentists, therapists, chemotherapy, special events, and so forth. Works with handicapped people on any and all problems they might have. Creates and maintains effective public relations and serves as liaison with the public, community groups, and other agencies. Evaluates services provided, identifies problem areas/needs, and provides alternatives for effective utilization of available resources. Provides technical assistance and serves as resource to organizations, agencies, businesses, and the general public in the interest of increasing awareness on issues affecting the handicapped and disabled and in addressing their needs adequately. Conducts research and keeps informed of the latest development in the provision of services for handicapped and disabled persons. Serves as an advocate to provide for a more coordinated/effective/efficient delivery of social, housing, transportation, and other services to the handicapped and disabled population. Maintains a continuous inventory of resources/services available to the handicapped and disabled population. Assesses the adequacy of existing services, identifies gaps and provides for alternative solutions to problems affecting this population. Plans and implements an education and public information program in order to develop better knowledge and understanding of the areas affecting the handicapped and disabled population. 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

Appointee 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 problems and limitations affecting the handicapped or disabled population and the existing options available to address them effectively. Knowledge of community agencies/resources available for the handicapped and disabled population. Ability to organize, develop, coordinate, and promote special event programs. Ability to give assignments and instruction to subordinates and supervise their work. Ability to enlist the interest of concerned people and encourage their participation in organized programs. Ability to establish and maintain helpful and cooperative relationships with associates and the public. Ability to utilize available media for the dissemination of information and promotion of special events. Ability to give talks and promote participation in special event programs. 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 providing social, health, vocational, training, educational, recreational, housing, transportation, and/or other services to the handicapped or disabled persons. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university; and two (2) 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.