PROGRAM ASSISTANT DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
To land Program Assistant Division of Developmental Disabilities in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.
A master's degree is the listed credential, and extra years on the job can be traded for it. The FY2026 range lands between $77,144 and $113,264, and state payroll currently lists 2 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 2 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $100,622. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (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 the Superintendent or a designee in a facility for the developmentally disabled, under the jurisdiction of the Department of Human Services, monitors the facets of the regulations for Intermediate Care Facilities as established by Federal Regulations, implements mandated programs and corrects noted deficiencies in existing programs, supervises staff involved in the development or individual habilitation plans; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Supervises staff involved in the development and/or implementation of individual habilitation plans and reviews work performance. Coordinates and monitors the implementation of staff training and development programs. Establishes schedules for Individual Habilitation Plan Evaluation Team meetings. Evaluates Individual Habilitation Plan implementation efficiency and effectiveness. Takes responsibility for the timely completion of Individual Habilitation Plan reviews. Acts as resident's advocate. Takes responsibility for compilation and submission of individual Habilitation Plan statistical data for Institutional, and divisional use. Annually issues "Determinations of Mental Deficiency/Disability" on adult residents. Takes responsibility for compliance with Division Policies and standards, Federal Developmental Disability statutes, thorough efficient legislation, State statutes and Intermediate Care Facility requirements. Assists in the design and implementation of new resident training programs. Insures that parents/guardians are notified of opportunity to participate in the development and review of each resident's Human Rights to the committee. Interprets administrative regulations and policies as required within the Department or Division. Reviews and/or prepares correspondence. Supervises the maintenance of 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 Departmental and divisional rules, regulations, methods and operating procedures. Knowledge of theory and practices of personnel administration and of the principles, methods and devices used in the analysis, development, installation and revision of institutional programs. Knowledge of In-Service training techniques. Knowledge of Federal Developmental Disability statutes, legislation, applicable State statutes, and Intermediate Care Facility regulations and requirements. Ability to organize assigned technical work and develop an appropriate work program. Ability to analyze problem areas in programs of the units within the Institution, develop tentative plans for the improvement of programs and recommend changes in programs as may be necessary. Ability to draft, analyze and evaluate remedial, educational and recreational programs. Ability to represent the Institution on Divisional and departmental committees. Ability to work effectively with associates, subordinates, superior officers, operating officers, parents or guardians, and members of the public involved with the Intermediate Care Facility program. Ability to draft correspondence. Ability to prepare concise, accurate and informative statistical, financial or other reports. Ability to supervise the maintenance of reports, records and files. Ability to provide guidance and instruction to staff and supervise their work performance. 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/R25 - MER 3/29/08
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. Eight (8) years of professional experience in the operation of programs designed to meet the treatment needs of the developmentally disabled. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university; and three (3) 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.