OMBUDSPERSON HEALTH 1
Career Family: OMBUDSPERSON HEALTH
Ombudsperson Health 1 is an unclassified role, so it is appointed at the discretion of the hiring authority and does not carry the usual exam-and-tenure track.
On pay it sits at the foot of the Ombudsperson Health ladder. One promotion up is Ombudsperson Health 2, whose band tops out about $13,286 higher. 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 $91,628 to $134,900.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Why this title is unclassified
This specification cites N.J.S.A. 11A:3-4, state unclassified service.
A title in the State unclassified service sits outside Title 11A unless a provision says otherwise. In practice that means no competitive examination to get the job, and none of the career service protections that come with it: no permanent status after a working test period, and no right of appeal to the Civil Service Commission from a removal. Appointment and removal rest with the appointing authority.
The rule that allocates a title to this service is N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.3.
Pay ladder: Ombudsperson Health series
- Ombudsperson Health 1 — $91,628 – $134,900 (this title)
- Ombudsperson Health 2 — $100,498 – $148,187
Promoting to Ombudsperson Health 2 raises the top of the band by about $13,286. Its top salary lands around the 80th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
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 direction of an Ombudsperson Health 2 or other supervisory official in the Ombudsperson Program, Department of Labor & Workforce Development, acts as a centralized resource/subject matter expert for public employees by providing education and counseling on State of New Jersey health benefit plans and options; elicits, receives, processes, and resolves employee healthcare complaints/issues; coordinates and conducts outreach activities designed to expand awareness of the Ombudsperson Program; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Publicizes the purpose and operation of the Ombudsperson Program. Develops training materials to acquaint and educate public employees on the various State of New Jersey health benefit plans and options available to them. Attends open enrollment fairs and makes presentations to various groups and committees as requested; answers technical inquiries regarding health benefits and provides advice to external constituents. Provides employees with individual assistance in reviewing healthcare options based on their specific needs; maintains confidentiality of all employees seeking assistance. Attends State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee meetings and State Health Benefit Commission meetings to stay current on changes and issues regarding the administration of the New Jersey State Health Benefit Plan. Researches and analyzes in and out of network utilization, access to mental health services, and other health benefit related topics. Analyzes new laws, regulations, and contract trends to determine potential impacts on assigned health benefits programs. Receives and responds to telephone and email health benefit related inquiries from employees and collective bargaining unit officials; logs and responds to inquires in a timely and helpful manner. Attends meetings with providers such as Direct Primary Care Medical Home, pilot project facility openings, and meetings with potential participants for medical home/primary care initiative and projects. Serves as a liaison between employees and health benefits staff of the Division of Pensions and Benefits to address billing and coverage problems. Conducts employee satisfaction surveys to gather information on employee healthcare needs and obtain feedback on changes to healthcare plans. Interfaces with collective bargaining unit officials, local presidents, and shop stewards to identify, investigate, and resolve employee health benefit issues/complaints. Prepares correspondence. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative monthly reports which identify the unit's goals and objectives, and statistical and/or narrative information on current issues, orientation sessions, workplace meetings, surveys, and accomplishments of the previous month. Maintains confidential records, files, and documentation in a secured area and in accordance with program requirements. 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 State of New Jersey Health Benefits Program and its various plans. Knowledge of current laws, rules, and regulations applicable to public sector health benefits systems and plans. Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data. Knowledge of research methods and techniques. Knowledge of statistical methods and procedures and their use in the presentation of factual data related to health benefit plans and systems. Knowledge of investigation techniques. Knowledge of effective interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to interpret and explain the State of New Jersey Health Benefits Program provisions to employees, officials, and external constituents. Ability to read and interpret rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to understand the difficulties and challenges encountered by employees related to their healthcare plans and provide them with guidance/advice. Ability to analyze information. Ability to resolve employee healthcare complaints and problems. Ability to work independently and with integrity. Ability to establish rapport and maintain cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of individuals. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to prepare correspondence. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports. Ability to maintain confidential records, files, and documentation. 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. 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 health or social service program which shall have included responsibility for program development, public relations, training, complaint resolution, advocacy, and/or customer service. 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 in public health, health advocacy, healthcare administration, business administration, public administration, or closely related field; 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.