PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST TRAINEE
Program Support Specialist Trainee is a non-competitive state civil service title, so there is no ranked exam. You qualify by meeting the stated education and experience.
The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $63,663 and $66,592, and state payroll currently lists about 19 people in the title, most of them at Human Services.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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
Program Support Specialist Trainee appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Department of Human Services. It is also used at one independent authority, New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Human Services | 18 |
| Veterans Affairs | 1 |
Independent authorities
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| New Jersey Economic Development Authority | 2 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 19 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $61,510. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (18)
- Veterans Affairs (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 the close supervision of a Program Support Specialist 3, Quality Control, Program Support Specialist 3, Assistance Programs, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, as a trainee and productive worker, receives on-the-job training while assisting in the professional, administrative, and analytical work to maintain, monitor, and/or implement client services/assistance programs; does other related duties required.
Examples of work
Under close supervision, as a trainee and productive worker: Receives training in the principles of monitoring, maintaining, and/or implementing client services/assistance programs. Learns to review and analyze 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. Learns to review and monitor specific program activities administered by the agency and make appropriate recommendations to ensure that standards and procedures are followed, and that the quality of the program meets acceptable standards. Learns to review, analyze, and comment on legislation, field, management, and fiscal reports which relate to specific program areas to identify problematic areas. Learns to monitor federal and state policies, regulations, laws, rules, and administrative orders for changes and compliance. Learns to respond to and coordinate requests from internal units, individuals, and other agencies to provide information concerning program activities. Learns to render technical assistance in specialized program areas to internal units and external agencies to facilitate, promote, and coordinate services and minimize errors. Learns to prepare letters, memos, instructions, transmittals, and other information for approval and signature and sends to appropriate recipients. Learns to conduct site visits, studies, and investigations, and prepare reports thereon. Learns to review and evaluate personal or financial data to determine client eligibility. Learns to gather and review information from clients. Learns to determine initial or continuing eligibility for clients for a specific assistance program(s). Learns to explain eligibility criteria for program services. Learns to identify potential fraud or abuse. Learns to review reimbursements. Learns to perform executive support duties as required. Learns to represent the agency in public meetings and conferences. May learn to develop and analyze quality control samples to monitor division and local office eligibility determination decisions for client services/assistance programs. May learn to develop and implement efficient quality control measures to ensure that rules, regulations, and procedures are being followed and to reduce fraud. Assists in the preparation of detailed reports, correspondence, and statistical material needed to carry out assigned tasks. Maintains essential records and files, including client files. 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 the methods used to gather and analyze data. Knowledge of research methods and techniques. Ability to learn the objectives and guidelines of human support service programs. Ability to analyze laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures, and learn to apply them to programs and specific situations. Ability to learn to participate in the development of interagency and division procedures and policies. Ability to assist with gathering and analyzing data. Ability to interpret the purpose and programs of services provided to clients, other state agencies, and community organizations. Ability to learn to review and/or evaluate personal or financial data to determine eligibility for an assistance program. Ability to learn to provide guidance and technical assistance to clients. Ability to learn to identify potential fraud or abuse. Ability to learn to collect, compile, and accurately interpret factual information relating to specific program activities. Ability to work cooperatively with the staff of the agency and other state agencies. Ability to learn to act as a representative of the department, division, office, and/or unit for County Welfare Agencies, other state agencies, or division offices. Ability to analyze work assignments and develop effective work methods. Ability to learn to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain 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. ADVANCEMENT: Appointees who successfully complete the twelve (12) month training period will be eligible for advancement to one of the following titles: Program Support Specialist 1, Assistance Programs or Program Support Specialist 1, Quality Control in accordance with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in this trainee title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to one of the titles listed above shall be considered as a cause for separation.
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. Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position. Please refer to the Advancement section located at the bottom of this title specification for a comprehensive list of approved journeyman titles connected to this trainee title. Experience must be related to the journeyman title associated with the position. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. "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.