PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
In New Jersey, Program Administrator Children and Families is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The stated bar is a master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $87,507 and $128,719.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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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.
Definition
Under the direction of a supervisory official in the Department of Children and Families, serves as the department's program expert to providers, constituents, and other stakeholders and oversees the development and management of an evidence-based social service system consisting of multiple highly complex services and programs; serves as formal liaison between the department and the public and private social service program systems; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Manages the most costly, specialized department programs, including overseeing budget costs to support the quality of program operations. Reviews state and federal requirements and limitations to inform recommendations for potential leveraging of funding opportunities. Participates in budgetary reviews and makes determinations on the acceptance of program modifications and estimates for department administered programs, exercising sound judgement on behalf of the department. Tracks expenditure of budgeted funds. Reviews the purchase of new service contracts to ensure programs are efficient and consistent with department goals. Conducts reviews of department programs and activities identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing information about their implementation, effectiveness, cost, and fit with current priorities. Monitors providers' compliance with state and federal administrative requirements; and compliance with contractual requirements such as expenditure reports, completion of fiscal audits, maintenance of required staffing patterns, etc. Works with model developers, providers, constituents, and other stakeholders to develop program monitoring methods and tools, utilizing mixed-methods approaches including, as applicable to the service, client interview, staff interview, site visits, record review, analysis of programmatic and performance metrics, and reviews of administrative records (e.g., personnel files, fiscal audits). Coordinates and collaborates with model developers, contracted service providers, community members, clients, and/or internal and external stakeholders to integrate and sustain programs or interventions. Develops and recommends capacity building strategies to ensure the sustainability of department programs (e.g., communication strategies, succession planning, budgeting). Attends meetings and conferences. Establishes and maintains records and files. Prepares correspondence. Will be required to learn how 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 the evidence-based social service programs. Knowledge of social work theory, methods, and techniques, including Adverse Childhood Experiences. Knowledge of the problems encountered in inter-agency social service planning and integration. Knowledge of the principles of program development and evaluation. Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data. Ability to gather, interpret, and analyze information and data, and apply it accordingly. Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, manage, and integrate a social service system. Ability to develop effective social service programs, policies, and procedures. Ability to provide technical assistance and consultation. Ability to represent the department at meetings and conferences. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program. Ability to analyze complex social service issues and programs and provide sound decisions and advisement. Ability to identify and analyze the impact of budgetary decisions, policy directions, legislation, regulations, and procedures on the operation of an integrated human service system and provide recommendations. Ability to assess the program(s) strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, outputs, and goals. Ability to prepare correspondence and reports. Ability to establish and maintain records and files. Ability to learn how 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 if they can perform the 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 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 social service programs. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in social work, biology, criminology, mathematic disciplines, public administration, or other related field; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires and 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.