NJ Civil Service Navigator

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST 1 CORRECTIONS

Code: 08099 Local Competitive

Career Family: PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

To land Program Development Specialist 1 Corrections in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.

It is the top of the Program Development Specialist ladder, a grade above Program Development Specialist 2 Management and Finance. A master's degree is the listed credential, and extra years on the job can be traded for it. State payroll currently lists about 244 people in the title, led by Human Services.

How to get hired

  1. Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Program Development Specialist 1 Corrections on the NJ Civil Service Commission jobs portal. Announcements run for a fixed filing window.
  2. Apply during that window and sit the examination. Depending on the title, that can be a written test, a rating of your training and experience, or a mix of the two.
  3. Passing scores go onto a ranked eligible list. Veterans get preference points added on top of their score.
  4. When an agency has a vacancy it must appoint from the top of that list under the "Rule of Three." Many competitive jobs are first filled provisionally while the list is being built.

Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.

Pay ladder: Program Development Specialist series

  1. Program Development Specialist 2 Management and Finance — $64,340 – $94,062
  2. Program Development Specialist 1 Corrections — $80,756 – $118,678 (this title)

Rungs are ordered by FY2026 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 244 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $107,301. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Human Services (64)
  • Environmental Protection (42)
  • Health and Senior Services (41)
  • Children and Families (29)

Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.

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 of a supervisory official in the NJ Department of Corrections or local government agency, assists in the supervision of the development and implementation of social rehabilitative programs, including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development, for offenders and parolees to meet specific needs of the agency; coordinates the activities for program assistance, monitoring, and evaluation; does related duties.

Examples of work

Coordinates and supervises activities of assigned personnel in the administration of special programs, including programs in the areas of inmate and skill development, in the correctional field. may implement and supervise programs. Conducts research and maintains liaison with state and federal agencies to obtain available funds for special programs, including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development, and services. Compiles data and prepares draft proposals for program funding. Assists in the preparation of budget requests. Gathers and analyzes data for research on special programs, including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development. Plans and develops special studies of program problem areas. Assists in program improvement efforts. Supervises field investigations. Supervises the dissemination of information dealing with special programs, including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program. Conducts studies to analyze and evaluate effectiveness of correctional treatment services on inmates and parolees. Supervises the preparation of reports and correspondence. 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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the types of social and rehabilitative programs likely to be needed by the client population served. Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data. Knowledge of methods used to develop and assess program proposals. Knowledge of methods used to prepare budgets and funding requests. Ability to conduct research. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program. Ability to interpret Federal and State laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to design and implement programs. Ability to act as a representative of a program and participate in conferences, meetings, and other coordinating activities as related to specific programs. Ability to conduct surveys, studies, field investigations, and compile needed information. Ability to prepare correspondence and reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to conduct periodic evaluations of programs, draw conclusions, and provide recommendations. Ability to provide guidance and technical assistance on program activities. Ability to identify the resources likely to be needed by the client population served. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of records and files. 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, 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 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 the development, implementation, or evaluation of programs, or services designed for the rehabilitation and social adjustment of offenders or socially atypical persons including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development. 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 social work, psychology, guidance and counseling, sociology, criminal justice, political science, public administration or business administration 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 judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.