VOLUNTEER SERVICES ASSISTANT
New Jersey treats Volunteer Services Assistant 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 bachelor's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree. The FY2027 range lands between $58,222 and $84,763, and state payroll currently lists 2 people in the title, most of them at Military and Veterans Affairs.
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 Military and Veterans Affairs'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 2 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $78,050. The agencies employing the most are:
- Military and Veterans Affairs (2)
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 the direction of an administrative officer in a state institution or agency assists with or is responsible for planning, promoting, directing, and supervising the institutional or agency volunteer activities and programs; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Serves as liaison between the Medical Director, Superintendent, other executive officers or administrative staff and community, auxiliary, veterans' groups and/or other organizations on all matters pertaining to volunteer programs, services and workers. Determines, with the institutional or agency administrative staff, those needs which may be met by volunteer services in accordance with established institutional or agency and department policies and procedures. Interprets with the institutional or agency administrative staff, needs which can be met by volunteer groups to community and other groups and makes arrangements for such services and supplies. Works with and acts to coordinate the work of volunteer agencies in promoting community interest and participation in volunteer work, activities, and programs. Speaks before interested community groups on the work of the institution or agency and conducts tours. Recruits and screens prospective volunteers in order to attract desirable volunteers or groups of volunteers. Organizes, develops, and conducts orientation and training programs for volunteers, including institutional or agency tours and pre-service and in-service training; arranges for placement of volunteers. Makes surveys and confers with institutional or agency department heads to determine the specific areas in which volunteer services can be utilized and to which area volunteers may be assigned. In conjunction with institutional or agency department heads and/or administrative staff, prepares a statement of the exact duties for each volunteer assignment and assigns volunteers to specific duties on the basis of interest, ability and training. Makes periodic assignments of volunteers in order to sustain interest and to utilize specific abilities and training. Prepares manuals, handbooks, and guides covering policies, procedures and programs. In conjunction with institutional or agency department heads and/or administrative staff, evaluates the effectiveness of the volunteer program and of the work of individual volunteers. Receives and distributes supplies provided by the community. Promotes interest in the volunteer program by use of such devices as honor rolls, service awards, news releases and other methods. Establishes schedules. Prepares correspondence relating to the policies, activities and programs of the volunteer services. Prepares statistical and other reports of the volunteer services containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Maintains the essential records and files. May 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 the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, standards, objectives, and programs of the institution or agency and of the Department of Human Services after a period of training. Knowledge of the administrative and related programs encountered in applying the concepts, methods, and procedures of modern social case work, psychology, and mental hygiene to mentally and emotionally ill persons. Knowledge of the programs and objectives of the occupational, recreational, music and other therapy programs. Knowledge of local community civic and other organizations and resources which may be utilized in the institution or agency volunteer services program. Knowledge of the procedures and techniques useful in recruiting, screening, training and assigning institutional or agency volunteers. Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and supervise the agency programs and policies and to interpret same to community leaders and groups. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with volunteer agencies and volunteers. Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret institutional or agency rules, regulations, policies, standards and procedures. Ability to comprehend the problems of mentally and emotionally ill patients. Ability to work harmoniously with institutional or agency staff, volunteers and community leaders, and with those confined in residential facilities. Ability to select, survey, and analyze areas wherein volunteer services may be used advantageously and to assist in preparing statements of volunteer assignments. Ability to assist with planning, organizing, and carrying on appropriate orientation and training programs for volunteers. Ability to prepare news releases and other public relations material, to write articles, and to prepare correspondence. Ability to assign, instruct and supervise volunteers. Ability to prepare statistical and other reports of the volunteer services program. Ability to establish and maintain the essential 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. Code: P18- CAH 2/14/94
Note
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. Five (5) years of professional experience supervising an organized volunteer program. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.