SUPERVISING PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Assistance Programs
Supervising Program Support Specialist Assistance Programs sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It lists a master's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $95,955 to $141,386.
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.
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 direction, in a state department or agency, or in a community or institutional setting, supervises the work of a professional unit responsible for performing activities to maintain, monitor and/or implement client services/assistance programs; acts as a liaison between the agency and other public and/or private organizations; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related work as required.
Examples of work
Reviews and analyzes proposed, new and current federal/state laws and regulations relating to specific client service/assistance programs administered by the agency to determine and evaluate the subsequent impact on operations. Drafts, analyzes and interprets pending legislation, policies and procedures; identifies problematic areas and recommends corrective action. Reviews and monitors specific program activities administered by the agency and makes appropriate recommendations to ensure that standards and procedures are followed, and that the quality of the program meets acceptable standards. Identifies and resolves problems in the delivery, administration, implementation or integration of program activities. Monitors Federal and State policies, regulations, laws, rules and administrative orders for changes and compliance. Responds to, and coordinates requests from internal units, individuals and other agencies to provide information concerning program activities. Renders technical assistance in specialized program areas to internal units and external agencies in order to facilitate, promote and coordinate services. Oversees federal programs that provide funding for certain activities; develops and maintains comprehensive reporting systems in order to maximize the state claim for federal dollars. Determines new program initiatives in order to improve service delivery. Supervises, evaluates, and trains assigned staff in the performance of their work. Assesses the effectiveness of program services. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Develops, implements, coordinates, and monitors grants which have statewide impact in order to ensure compliance with grant requirements. Supervises and oversees site visits, studies, and investigations as necessary. Acts as a liaison between the agency and other public and/or private organizations. Determines initial or continuing eligibility for clients for specific assistance program(s). Oversees the review and evaluation of personal or financial data to determine client eligibility. Identifies potential fraud or abuse. Supervises the review and approval of reimbursements. Makes presentations at meetings, conferences, and training sessions. Prepares detailed reports, correspondence, and statistical material, as requested, and needed to carry out assigned tasks. Represents the agency in public meetings and conferences. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files, including client files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system 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 the objectives of human support service programs. Knowledge of accepted policies and procedures related to sound management techniques and their application. Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze data. Knowledge of research methods and techniques. Ability to draft, analyze and interpret pending legislation, policies and procedures; identify problematic areas and recommend corrective action. Ability to monitor Federal and State policies, regulations, laws, rules and administrative orders for changes and compliance. Ability to identify and resolve problems in the delivery, administration, implementation or integration of program activities. Ability to interpret the purpose and programs of services provided to clients, other state agencies, and community organizations. Ability to review and evaluate personal or financial data to determine eligibility for an assistance program. Ability to provide guidance and technical assistance to clients. Ability to identify potential fraud or abuse. Ability to act as a liaison between the agency and other public and/or private organizations. Ability to determine new program initiatives in order to improve service delivery. Ability to assign, instruct and supervise the work performance of staff. Ability to collect, compile, and accurately interpret factual information relating to specific program activities. Ability to supervise site visits, studies, and investigations. Ability to work cooperatively with the staff of the agency and other state agencies. Ability to represent the agency in public meetings and conferences. Ability to analyze work assignments and develop effective work methods. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files, including client files. 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 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 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 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. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. 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 a public or private agency having responsibility for analyzing, monitoring, maintaining or implementing social service, economic assistance, community service, sustenance (food), or any other human support/assistance program, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a master's degree in social work, psychology, education, public administration, business administration, or a related field; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "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.
CERTIFICATION
Appointees to positions assigned to the Weatherization Assistance Program in the Department of Community Affairs will be required to complete training and obtain the following: Certification as a Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector both issued by the Building Performance Institute, accredited by the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), in conformance with USDOE Weatherization Assistance Program Memorandum, 036 and USDOE Weatherization Program Notice 14-4 respectively. Training is required to be successfully completed within the time frame established by the Appointing Authority, depending upon availability by the training provider.
Study guides for this exam
- Supervisory Test Battery (STB) National Learning Corporation · $56.99
- General Supervisor National Learning Corporation · $49.90 · general prep, not specific to this title
The Civil Service Commission does not publish official study guides or release past tests. These are independent equivalency guides.