PROGRAM ASSISTANT CORRECTIONS
New Jersey treats Program Assistant Corrections as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
The spec names a master's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree. The FY2026 range lands between $77,144 and $113,264, and state payroll currently lists 7 people in the title, most of them at Corrections.
How to apply
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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.
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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.
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Agency posting
Department of Corrections's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 7 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $95,204. The agencies employing the most are:
- Corrections (7)
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 supervision in the Department of Corrections, confers with heads of operating units to review, analyze, and assist with development of proposed programs, operating procedures, and methods; reviews newly implemented programs; prepares recommendations for changes and revisions relative to programs, and does field work in connection therewith; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Confers with heads of operating units to review, analyze, and assist with development of proposed programs, operating procedures, and methods. Reviews newly implemented programs. Prepares recommendations for change and revision relative to programs and does the field work in connection therewith. Visits and inspects various department operating units, confers with staff, analyzes general and specific problems, and formulates tentative new and/or revised procedures as may be indicated. Reviews unit programs and procedures and evaluates their objectives, efficiency, effectiveness, and suitability to current conditions and standards. May assist operating units in development of organization structure and methods of operation necessary for performance of existing, new, or expanded functions. Investigates and develops solutions to problem areas in each operating unit. Identifies and works toward elimination of unnecessary and/or wasteful administrative practices. Determines whether program and/or administrative duplication may exist within operating units. Visits and talks with representatives of established social service, education, health, judicial, law enforcement, welfare, and civic organizations to enlist cooperation, promote understanding, and enlist interest in programs designed to assist the offender, and assists in developing methods for meeting needs of such programs. Prepares recommendations for policy development for revisions of the administrative plan as suggested by analysis and review. Coordinates printing and supervises distribution of new and revised standards, policy statements, and procedures. Prepares and distributes administrative instructions and procedures. May assist in analyzing offenders= work opportunities in the operation of several correctional institutions and in developing work programs and procedures. May assist in planning and developing programs to encourage and assist offenders to complete social and physical rehabilitation in as short a time as possible. May assist in initiating measures necessary for safety, custody, rehabilitation, training, and well being of offenders. Helps develop standards by which performance of operating units may be assessed, encourages development of management reporting system, and advises staff in preparation of manuals. Acts to stimulate and assess new ideas and approaches. Keeps operating units informed of advances, administrative practices, and developments. Analyzes operating problems, and compiles and interprets data from operating units. Appraises situations, and develops courses of action for more effective utilization of resources by operating units. May assist in installation of administrative improvements including work systems, organizational changes, and program procedures. Analyzes reports from operating units to determine work backlogs, substandard operations, and/or other unfavorable or potentially unfavorable conditions and situations. May assist in developing and standardizing design and format of forms, charts, and other printed or duplicated materials. Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties. Prepares statistical, progress, and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Maintains 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
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 and familiarity with theories, objectives, standards, procedures, and methods of correctional practices. Knowledge of and familiarity with laws, rules, and regulations covering correctional practice in New Jersey after a training period. Knowledge of and familiarity with problems encountered in making extensive studies and surveys in a large organization with many geographically separated units for the purpose of collecting and analyzing information needed in recommending and installing changes. Knowledge of methods in obtaining cooperation and acquiescence of heads of operating units when information is needed and changes in internal organization, operating procedures, record keeping, and reporting systems are to be effective. Ability to analyze and interpret federal and state statutes and regulations promulgated thereunder as they affect work of the department. Ability to comprehend and apply standards, policies, and procedures of the department. Ability to devise work plans and procedures. Ability to anticipate technical and personal relations problems likely to arise when extensive surveys and studies are undertaken and resulting changes and installations are to be made in order that opposition, delay, uncertainty, misunderstanding, and interference with normal operations may be prevented or minimized. Ability to select and complete studies, surveys, and installations. Ability to take and maintain a firm, correct stand when differences of opinion arise as to facts and conclusions. Ability to draw sound conclusions from available factual data. Ability to prepare drafts of administrative instructions and procedures manuals. Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability 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 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 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. CODES: 25/P25 - RKR/lz 11/17/97
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 work involving institutional care, custody, and training of persons deprived of their liberty, and/or work involving supervision in the community of parolees, probationers, or juvenile delinquents. 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 Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Public Administration, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, or a related field of study 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.