PRINCIPAL COMMUNITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Principal Community Program Specialist is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
On paper it calls for a master's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $77,144 to $113,264, and state payroll currently lists about 66 people in the title, most of them at Human Services.
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 Human Services'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 66 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $106,040. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (64)
- Juvenile Justice Commission (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 general supervision of the Supervising Community Program Specialist or other higher-level supervisory official in the Department of Human Services, plans, supervises and coordinates the activities and staff involved in the development, implementation, and/or evaluation of social services, education and/or training programs and support services for people with developmental disabilities. Supervises staff and work activities, prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related work as required.
Examples of work
Coordinates and supervises the implementation and monitoring of components of Individual Service plans by staff, collating and finalizing the data obtained, and monitoring the service plan according to division policy and procedures. Supervises or reviews the planning of support services for in-home community care residences, group homes and apartments according to division policy, procedures and standards. Supervises members of the community services staff in developing program ideas, assessing an individual's needs and goals, discussing observations, documenting and recommending program and residential changes. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or discipline of employees. Review reports concerning local service administration, operations, and procedures to ensure that division policy, procedures, and standards are being properly implemented. Implements rules, regulations, policies, and directives for area staff in the division's community services or central office to provide accurate and uniform dissemination of information to county agencies, division, and department offices. Provides assistance in the development of recommendations for the formulation of policies and procedures. Plans and coordinates ongoing staff training on standards, strategies, methodology, and techniques relating to the provision of support program and services for people with developmental disabilities Prepares and supervises the preparations of detailed and technical field services and other reports relating to social services programs and educational activities. Establishes and supervises the maintenance of essential records and files as mandated and/or required guidelines. Prepares and supervises the preparation of correspondence. Develops and maintains cooperative working relationship with officials and representatives of other public/private agencies. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ 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 theory, principles, methods, equipment, and modern techniques of social services and training systems for people with developmental disabilities. Knowledge of federal rules and regulations which pertain to the provision of services to people with developmental disabilities and the ability to apply these in accordance with state requirements. Knowledge of the typical services and support programs which are utilized in providing services to people with developmental disabilities in the community, such as day programs, community care residence and, group home programs. Knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules, regulations, directives, goals and objectives of the program. Knowledge of the Individual Support Plan process. Knowledge of the methods and processes involved in assessing individual's needs, outcomes, goals, programs, and residential changes. Knowledge of techniques necessary for training staff. Knowledge of the methods used to plan and conduct research. Knowledge of program evaluation methods. Knowledge of the interviewing and selection process used in hiring of professional and direct care staff. Ability to supervise and coordinate the implementation of an Individual's Service Plan and programs. Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize and implement projects within the unit. Ability to assess and provide recommendations based on an individual's needs and progress. Ability to interpret, implement, and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, procedures and directives. Ability to supervise the application of modern theories, methods, equipment, and techniques of social services and training programs for people with developmental disabilities. Ability to plan and coordinate appropriate staff training. Ability to analyze individual and general programmatic needs and to make recommendations based upon this analysis. Ability to work effectively with staff, other state agencies, and the public. Ability to prepare correspondence, reports, studies, and make appropriate recommendations. Ability to establish and supervise the maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to physically lift, move and position a person as needed. 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 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 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 program delivery experience in providing education, habilitative, or social services in programs for people with developmental disabilities. 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 the field of Social Work, Public or Business Administration, Education, Psychology, Nursing, or other related areas; 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 judgment and make accurate and informed decisions. SPECIAL NOTE: May be required to engage in lifting a person when working in a setting which provides direct services to people who require assistance to ambulate.