COMMUNITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST
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 FY 2027 schedule runs $60,876 to $88,743, and state payroll currently lists about 10 people in the title, most of them at Juvenile Justice Commission.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Community Program Specialist appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Juvenile Justice Commission. It is also used at one independent authority, New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Juvenile Justice Commission | 9 |
| Department of Human Services | 1 |
Independent authorities
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike Authority | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 10 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $73,626. The agencies employing the most are:
- Juvenile Justice Commission (9)
- Human Services (1)
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. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under close supervision of the Principal Community Program Specialist or other supervisory official in the Department of Human Services, assists in facilitating the development, implementation, and/or evaluation of social services, education and/or training programs and support services for people with developmental disabilities; does other related work as required.
Examples of work
Assists in planning, assessing, developing, implementing, and evaluating sponsors, people with developmental disabilities programs, and agencies providing services to people with disabilities. Works as a member of the community services team in developing programs and services, assessing the needs of people with developmental disabilities, discussing observations, and documenting program changes. Facilitates training and awareness related to community programs, and support services. Assists in coordinating activities between developmental centers and community services. Visits developmental centers and assists in selecting individuals with developmental disabilities to be placed in the community. Prepares and maintains records, reports, evaluations, and all other correspondence during official duties. Participates in various duties as a member of the community services team through participation in meetings, orienting new team members, serving on committees, and serving as a resource to the team. Investigates eligibility of potential sponsors and provides assistance and services to people with developmental disabilities in the intake process. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other agencies within the division and the community, and establishes a positive public image of community service within the division and the community. 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 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 for 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 residences, and group home programs. Knowledge of the methods and processes involved in assessing individual's needs, goals, outcomes, programs, and residential changes. Knowledge of techniques necessary for training. Knowledge of the interviewing and selection process. Ability to apply modern theories, methods, equipment, or training techniques for people with developmental disabilities. Ability to interpret, implement, and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, procedures and directives. Ability to work effectively with staff, other state agencies and the public. Ability to prepare complex correspondence, reports, and studies. Ability to analyze individual and general programmatic needs and to make recommendations based on this analysis. 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. Five (5) 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 one (1) year 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 area. "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. 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.