ASSISTANT PUBLIC ADVOCATE
Assistant Public Advocate is an unclassified role, so it is appointed at the discretion of the hiring authority and does not carry the usual exam-and-tenure track.
The one gate is 5 years of relevant experience. Its salary schedule (frozen at an older rate) lists $117,078 to $163,912, though managerial and exempt titles like this are usually paid individually rather than on the step schedule.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →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.
Examples of work
- When required, acts as the Public Advocate, or any other position assumed by the Public Advocate in the department as provided by law.
- Gives general direction and specific direction, when required, to the Division Heads in the department and to other key staff members.
- Recommends departmental policies or changes thereto and assists in their execution.
- Attends meetings of the Governor's Cabinet or other important meetings in place of the Public Advocate in his absence or at this direction.
- Assists the Public Advocate in appointing or removing such deputies, officers, investigators, stenographic and clerical assistants and other departmental personnel as may be required for the proper conduct of the department.
- Assists the Public Advocate in formulating, issuing and promulgating, in the name of the department, such rules and regulations as may be authorized or stipulated by law.
- Assists the Public Advocate in formulating rules and regulations for the efficient conduct of the work and general administration of the department, its officers and employees; takes the lead in surveillance and enforcement of such rules and regulations.
- Assists the public Advocate in instituting such legal proceedings or processes consistent with the rules governing the courts of New Jersey and the practice of law therein as may be necessary to properly enforce and give effect to the Public Advocate's powers or duties.
- Assists the Public Advocate in the preparation of rates to be paid for services rendered other than by the department staff.
- Assists in preparing or prepares departmental reports as required by the Governor, the Legislature or other competent authority.
- Assists in organizing, integrating and coordinating the work of the department.
- Assists in soliciting grants of funds from the Federal Government and from private sources and assists in administering such funds.
- Assists the Public Advocate in general responsibility for the department's operation::
- Directs the preparation of and prepares extensive correspondence in the course of official duties.
- Gives speeches to interested groups as required concerning the operations and responsibilities of the department or any part thereof.
- Directs the preparation of or prepares clear, technically sound, accurate and informative statistical, legal, progress and other reports containing findings, conclusion and/or recommendations.
- Assists in preparing and reviewing new and amended legislation pertinent to department activities and programs.
- Schedules and conducts meeting and conferences with representatives of Federal, State, county, local and private agencies as indicated or directed.
- 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.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a law degree.
Experience
Five (5) years of high level legal and administrative experience in government or the private sector, or equivalent skills.
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 local, state and federal laws and regulations in the fields of law, public advocacy and consumer protection.
- Knowledge of judicial procedures.
- Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret laws and to develop policy, regulations and programs therefrom.
- Ability to assign, instruct and direct a large and varied staff.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the Governor; other Department Heads and key staff in the State government; key local, state and federal -members of the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and of the legal profession.
- Ability to present speeches to varied groups on subjects pertinent to the department.
- 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 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.
Admission to the bar of the State of New Jersey.