VOCATIONAL ASSISTANT, COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY
Vocational Assistant, Commission for the Blind and Visually 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.
Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $46,215 to $66,786, and state payroll currently lists 7 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 7 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $58,565. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (7)
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 direction of supervisory staff in the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Department of Human Services, performs various supportive functions for counseling, supervisory and/or instruction staff; does other related duties. 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.
Examples of work
Schedules and arranges appointments for clients with various counseling and service programs provided by the Commission and other agencies. Provides outreach services to the visually impaired by providing information concerning various programs and arranging appointments for direct referral. Performs follow-up activities to determine the physical, mental and employment status of clients; arranges, referrals to the appropriate Vocational Counselor or Instructor for additional services when required. Participates in group sessions and conferences to discuss rehabilitation services and special programs to enhance the employability of the blind or visually impaired. Reviews rehabilitation case forms to determine client eligibility for programs and compliance with Federal, State and agency regulations. Acts as liaison with public and private community agencies, anti- poverty programs, and other interested organizations to identify disabled persons requiring the services of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. As authorized, signs documents and acts in place of immediate supervisor. Conducts job development activities and verifies the employment of vocationally rehabilitated workers. Prepares and submits reports concerning field visits, the family background of clients, follow-up studies, medical records and other activities directly affecting the clients. Maintains records, reports and files regarding clients' status and services provided by the Commission. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Successful completion of 60 (sixty) semester hour credits in an accredited college or university including or supplemented by 12 college credits in psychology, sociology, education or any combination thereof. NOTE: Successful completion of 30 (thirty) semester hours credits including or supplemented by 12 credit hours in psychology, sociology, education or any combination thereof and two (2) years experience in a program concerned with the rehabilitation of persons with physical disabilities may be substituted for the above education requirement.
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 vocational, social, economic and other problems likely to be encountered by the blind or visually impaired. Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze data. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those involved with or providing support for Commission services and programs. Ability to assist visually impaired persons in identifying their needs and motivating them to consider appropriate rehabilitation and training services for employment. Ability to provide referrals for services within the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and to other social agencies as required. Ability to determine client eligibility for services. Ability to prepare reports regarding field and home visits, and local office activities. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules and regulations. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to learn 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, or 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 as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.