SUPERVISOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Career Family: SUPERVISOR
Supervisor Housing Assistance Program is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
You can qualify with a master's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $87,507 to $128,719, and state payroll currently lists 3 people in the title, most of them at Community Affairs.
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 Community Affairs posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. 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 3 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $116,402. The agencies employing the most are:
- Community Affairs (3)
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 general direction of a manager in the Department of Community Affairs, directs and administers or participates in the supervision of activities and staff related to implementation of housing and community development projects and/or programs, included but not limited to the: Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Programs, NP Balanced Housing program, Community Development Block Grant (CDBD), Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) or other related housing and community development programs administered statewide by the Division of Housing and Community Resources; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Plans, directs, and supervises and/or participates in the supervision of work operations and supervisory/program staff of county field offices or housing programs involved in implementation of the Section 8 Housing Assistance Programs, NP Balanced Housing program, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) or other related housing and community development programs. Plans, directs, and supervises and/or participates in the supervision of work operations and staff involved in administering housing and community development program activities. May serve as regional supervisor for the Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program or Homelessness Prevention Program; or participate in the supervision of a major housing, community development or community services program, such as Neighborhood Preservation, NP Balanced Housing, Small Cities CDBG, CSBG, and/or Faith-Based Initiatives. Prepares and/or assists in the preparation of guidelines and materials to be used by municipalities/agencies to apply for funds and operate housing production, community development and/or community services programs. Assists municipalities meeting affordability control requirements of the Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.). Conducts interviews with pre-applicants for affordable housing, verifies all income and household information, certifies eligibility and provides assistance with referrals to eligible units. Provides housing counseling services to certificate holders that includes assistance with obtaining mortgages and insurance, understanding taxes, closing procedures, and home ownership responsibilities; makes calls and inquiries as necessary to resolve problems. Reviews and submits all unit inventory forms; assists in the preparation of reports and surveys; and provides information to municipalities on the status of municipal affordable housing inventories. Follows procedures for resale and re-rental of affordable housing units as defined in affordability rules published by the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (N.J.A.C. 5:80-26) and the Department of Community Affairs (N.J.A.C. 5:43). Provides assistance to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and developers requiring services associated with the occupancy of affordable housing units. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of the annual Division budget, program budgets, and operating budgets assigned for the Housing and Community Resources Program (s) and administers such budgets. Renders final technical decisions on program matters such as applicant eligibility or ineligibility, rent calculations, project feasibility, subsidy calculations, developer fees, and hardship waivers. Renders program decision on cancellation of Housing Assistance Payment contract and on cancellation of tenant certificates of participation where either party has failed to comply with program requirements. Conducts investigations of alleged or suspected program abuse and provides recommendations for legal action. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of regulations, amendments and changes to regulations pursuant to the authority in the Maintenance of Viable Neighborhood Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D- 142 et seq.), the Neighborhood Preservation Housing Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Act of 1975 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-152 et seq.), the Fair Housing Act of 1985 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-178 et seq.), the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1990, the Public Housing and Development Authority Act, and the Federal Housing Act of 1937. Conducts field monitoring visits and reviews reports for compliance and adherence to prescribed department contract/grant policies and procedures and federal and state regulations. Supervises review of documents including rental assistance applications, leases, developer contracts, Balanced Housing agreements, for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with federal regulations. Establishes procedures for preparation of housing quality inspection documentation according to state and federal regulations, rules, and statutes, and supervises activities; makes final determination on waiving particular Housing Quality Standards. Establishes procedures and policies the applicant outreach, application intake, and renewal activities of each program and/or field office and supervises activities. Assigns and supervises the compilation of a listing of social support agencies in the areas in which the program operates. Develops and/or coordinates with other state, federal, and county offices to provide support services to Section 8 Existing Housing Program and Community Action Agency program participants including disabled, elderly, and displaced persons. Researches, analyzes, and/or supervises research, analysis, and dissemination of information concerning modification or revisions to Section 8 Existing Housing Program regulations and procedures. Prepares and/or assigns and supervises preparation of reports submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; Energy; and Health and Human Services; State Office of Management and Budgeting, the Department of Human Services and the DCA Fiscal Office. Acts as a hearing officer and renders decisions to resolve disputes. Prepares, conducts, and/or supervises development of proposals to provide housing assistance and related services to the handicapped and disabled population. Represents the department at local, state, and national conferences and meetings concerning programs administered by the Department. Manages or participates in the management of work operations and/or functional programs, and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Prepares and/or supervises preparation of reports of field visits and other program activities containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Prepares correspondence. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of files. 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.
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 essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of methods of verifying eligibility requirements including income, disability, and vital statistics. Knowledge of various forms of public assistance, social security, welfare, disability, and medical assistance. Knowledge of the methods used to obtain assistance resources for eligible clients. Knowledge of follow-up systems for deinstitutionalized clients. Knowledge of the rental housing market situation including fair market rentals, availability of vacancies, and utilities costs and services statewide. Knowledge of applicable housing laws for residential rental units including residential landlord/tenant laws and relocation laws. Knowledge of the various agencies and departments providing services to low income, disabled, and elderly persons at the federal, state, and local levels. Knowledge of program planning and management techniques. Knowledge of certification requirements for housing assistance program. Knowledge of techniques used to inspect and evaluate rental apartment units. Knowledge of legal terms used in leases. Knowledge of the management practices for rental housing units. Ability to provide assignments and instruction to staff and supervise their performance. Ability to determine completeness, accuracy, and technical validity of housing evaluation reports and documentation required for program eligibility determinations. Ability to provide technical assistance to other state/local agencies concerning the Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program or Homelessness Prevention Program; or a related housing, community development or community services program, such as Neighborhood Preservation, NP Balanced Housing, Small Cities CDBG, and/or Faith-Based Initiatives. Ability to maintain a control system to ensure that all required actions such as housing evaluations, lease renewals, and contract negotiations are completed on a timely basis. Ability to plan, initiate, and execute projects within the Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program or Homelessness Prevention Program; or a related housing, community development or community services program, such as Neighborhood Preservation, NP Balanced Housing, Small Cities CDBG, CSBG, and/or Faith-Based Initiatives. Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and procedures established for administration of the Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program or Homelessness Prevention Program; or a related housing, community development or community services program, such as, Neighborhood Preservation, NP Balanced Housing, Small Cities CDBG, CSBG, and/or Faith-Based Initiatives. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with associates, subordinates, and representatives of other government and private agencies. Ability to use basic information to develop standards for the administration of the Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program or Homelessness Prevention Program; or a related housing, community development or community services program, such as, Neighborhood Preservation, NP Balanced Housing, Small Cities CDBG, CSBG, and/or Faith-Based Initiatives. Ability to plan, conduct and supervise investigations, surveys, studies, and research activities. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of records and files. Ability 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 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 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 program development and/or management of a federal or state sponsored housing subsidy or community service program for low and moderate income individuals/families in a public or private agency, one (1) year 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, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a master's degree in business or public administration, urban and community development, or related field; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, one (1) year 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.
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.