PRINCIPAL INCOME MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
To land Principal Income Maintenance Technician 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 bachelor's degree is the listed credential, and extra years on the job can be traded for it. The FY2026 range lands between $56,253 and $81,897, and state payroll currently lists 3 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 3 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $81,897. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (3)
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 a supervisory officer in a state department or agency performs technical field and office work to determine client eligibility in complex cases according to state and federal laws rules and regulations; conducts research for complaints hearings and other inquiries, provides guidance to entry level staff; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Provides guidance and instructions to entry level employees pertaining to program procedures, internal policy requirements, mandated legislation and general procedures. Reviews eligibility determinations. Consults with supervisor on the interpretation of regulations of eligibility problems. Reviews applications to determine accuracy and completeness of information. Conducts field investigations to obtain or confirm information on clients. Conducts surveys to uncover possible fraudulent receipt of benefits. Reviews and /or evaluates applications for program benefits and verifies eligibility. Investigates problems with client applicant and beneficiaries, compiles case histories, and referrals to appropriate agencies. Provides advice to entry level employees on problem cases. Coordinates the collection and deposit of funds recovered from ineligible recipients. Identifies and reports problem areas or deficiencies within assigned unit. Researches cases and contacts clients in response to special referrals. Prepares case summaries of eligibility criteria. Prepares correspondence and reports. 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 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 interview and research techniques. Knowledge of the methods used to obtain financial and other resource information. Knowledge of the methods used to review and evaluate information. Knowledge of the eligibility requirements for Assistance Programs. Knowledge of problems encountered by individuals in financial need. Ability to obtain and confirm financial and other resource information. Ability to conduct interviews. Ability to compile case histories and summaries. Ability to establish cooperative work relationships with clients, staff and others. Ability to interpret laws, rules, regulations and procedures and apply them to specific situations with consistency. Ability to prepare reports. 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 eligibleif 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 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. Six (6) years of professional experience in examining, adjusting, determining, or authorizing eligibility or entitlement for cash awards or benefits in a public or private financial assistance program, or in the investigation of personal financial matters. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree 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.