CHIEF, FIELD OPERATIONS, COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Career Family: CHIEF
Chief, Field Operations, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 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 FY2026 schedule runs $97,100 to $143,176.
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 the administrative direction of the Deputy Executive Director, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is responsible for the overall activities for the Commission for the Blind District Offices and unit of State-wide services for the blind and visually impaired; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Administers and coordinates all field office operations and Statewide services. Consults with and advises the Deputy Executive Director on problems relating to the operation of these units. Manages goal achievement through performance indicators and analyzes problems identifying and defining alternatives, selecting viable options, and taking corrective actions within the constraints of the Commission's policy-making procedure and employee performance systemwhere ineffective performance is evident and within general department policy or in other instances. Authorizes the Purchase of Services for clients except for extraordinary expenditures which are referred to the Deputy Executive Director. Regularly travels to each district office within the State meeting with District Office Managers and subordinate staff to review local office operations, identify training and other needs, identify successful innovative practices by staff in order to share them with other offices in the State. Regularly works closely with District Office Managers to discuss their day to day problems, coaching and developing their supervisory proficiency by discussing alternatives to handling different situations, establishes for them his/her expectations of personal achievement/performance separate from and. in addition to the quantitative goals of the local office. Collaborates with supervisor of Policy and Planning Unit to develop policy and operations manuals for the Commission for the Blind and also identifies areas of policy gaps and inconsistencies with proposals for policy solutions. Collaborates with supervisor of Policy and Planning Unit in the development of the Commission's annual plans, goals, and objectives and related planning material. Collaborates with supervisor of Policy and Planning Unit in the development and monitoring of third party vendor agreements and purchase of service contracts such that these third party agreements meet the needs of clients in the various district offices throughout the State. Collaborates with supervisor of Management Information Systems Unit to develop and utilize Commission performance standards for district offices and individual employees as well as integration of these performance indicators into employee EPEIS. Also works with supervisor of Management Information Systems in the design and implementation of a Commission-wide program evaluation plan. Assists in the preparation of budgets for the unit under his/her jurisdiction. Makes budget analysis and interpretation for submission to the Deputy Executive Director, makes appropriate presentations on the spending plan and related matters and recommendations to the Deputy Executive Director, and exercises appropriate control over expenditures in accordance with the spending plan and policies established by the Deputy Executive Director. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Supervises the analysis of work programs for the various service components in order to determine the effectiveness of operational procedures and the efficiency of regional office functions; recommends the development of improved and/or alternative methods; directs the testing of procedures under geographic or a limited basis as may be appropriate; makes recommendations for such testing where the implementation of procedures has not previously been accomplished and/or where the specific procedural actions to be taken are not clear. Represents the Commission before various community action, civic, or professional groups having direct interest in or need for services available from the Commission. Prepares extensive correspondence in the course of official duties. Prepares and directs the preparation of reports as required. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential program records and files.
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
Ability to acquire knowledge of the various Federal and State laws, rules, regulations policies, practices, and procedures pertaining to the services and programs of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Thorough knowledge of the principles of administration and the varied problems involved in the planning and administrative aspects of a Statewide program. Ability to acquire knowledge of the internal organization, programs, policies, and procedures of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Department of Human Services, and pertinent State and Federal laws applicable to service delivery programs for the blind and visually impaired. Ability to acquire a wide knowledge of the theory, principles, methods, techniques of modern services to the blind and visually impaired to include rehabilitation teaching, orientation and mobility, medical eye care, etc. Wide knowledge of visual disorders and eye pathologies. Ability to acquire considerable knowledge of the standards and procedures which apply to the delivery of services geared to satisfy the needs of blind or visually impaired individuals through the services of the Commission or referral related to Human Service agencies. Ability to comprehend the various emotional, social, and adjustment problems of blind and visually impaired individuals. Ability to assist with the public relations aspect of the operations of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired so as to maintain effective relationships with the nearby community, and in general, to reflect credit on the Commission and the Department of Human Services. Ability to make decisions not requiring the attention of the Deputy Executive Director or Executive Director. Considerable knowledge of current social, economic, and administrative problems and resources. Considerable knowledge of budgeting practices and problems, personnel administration and the techniques and theories relating to services for the blind and visually impaired. Ability to develop appropriate service programs and working procedures. Ability to provide supervision and consultation to field supervisors and provide assistance when difficult and unusual problems arise. Ability to plan, organize, conduct, and participate in surveys, studies, and field investigations of varied types; and to prepare reports thereon. Ability to draft extensive correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to supervise, evaluate, and assign work to subordinate professionals. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative statistical, financial, and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and formal recommendations. Ability to keep abreast of trends in management and keep current with revisions of law regulations relative to service programs for the blind and visually impaired and related programs and with current literature on the broad aspects of administration. Ability to analyze, comprehend, interpret, and apply to specific situations the rules, regulations, and procedures of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Ability to review and analyze existing work procedures and recommend revisions to promote efficiency and effectiveness. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. 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. Nine (9) years of professional experience in work involving services to blind or visually impaired in the area of vocational rehabilitation education, or related area including a social services agency, 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 five (5) 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, public administration, guidance, rehabilitation counseling, or related field; and four (4) 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 judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.