PROGRAM SPECIALIST 2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROGRAMS

Code: 64483C State Competitive Range: P21 (FY 2027) Work week NE: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $66,592.01 - $97,353.91/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

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 limited supervision of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, Socio-Economic Programs, or other supervisory official in a State department or agency, takes the lead over professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; performs professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs designed to meet the socio-economic needs of a specified client population, typically the elderly or low-income families, in areas such as energy, utility, or housing assistance; does related work as required.

Examples of work

Takes the lead and performs various administrative, analytical and professional work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of socio-economic programs designed to meet the needs of elderly, low income families and/or other specified client population. Takes the lead over professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; under supervision, assumes responsibility for assigning tasks and reviewing the work of other employees. Researches, collects, and disseminates information regarding the assigned program. Participates in the planning, coordinating, implementing and upgrading of existing programs in assigned area. Researches funding sources, develops and reviews grant applications, and writes proposals; negotiates and monitors contracts or grants. Responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements. Conducts surveys or other studies to help identify program needs. Participates in the implementation of department/agency initiatives. Establishes business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry. May develop and monitor program evaluation strategies. Conducts onsite evaluations or audits to ensure compliance with regulations and/or contract terms; prepares related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Prepares informational materials such as manuals, guides or handbooks. Plans and conducts program outreach and promotional activities. Organizes and may assist in conducting education/training workshops. May train staff involved in program activities. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other State and local code enforcement officials. Prepares charts, tables, and other graphic representations needed for the planning, operation and implementation of program activities. Reviews, analyzes and prepares written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions. Maintains essential records, reports and 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 and procedures used in planning, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and/or implementing socio-economic programs. Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data. Knowledge of methods used to research and identify public and private funding sources. Knowledge of the methods and procedures used to prepare and submit proposals for funding. Knowledge of program evaluation and assessment techniques. Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract compliance monitoring. Ability to conduct periodic evaluations of programs, and provide recommendations for improvement. Ability to conduct surveys, independent research and field investigations. Ability to establish business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry. Ability to read, interpret and apply federal and State laws and regulations. Ability to participate in conferences, meetings and other events as required. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, groups and others involved in the operation of the program. Ability to train staff involved in program activities. Ability to prepare informational materials. Ability to review, analyze and prepare written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions. Ability to maintain essential records and 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.

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. SPECIAL NOTE: An incumbent in this class conducts in-depth analysis, reviews program proposals, evaluates and monitors program activities, and prepares recommendations aimed at developing, implementing, or modifying socio-economic programs. Tasks are assigned; incumbents at this level have greater responsibility and latitude to organize assignments and may recommend methods needed to achieve objectives. Incumbents may provide guidance to lower level staff. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. 2 - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Applicants must meet one of the following or combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying and/or evaluating programs designed to meet the socio-economic needs of the elderly or low-income families. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, one of the social sciences, or other discipline appropriate to the position; and one (1) year 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 judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.

CERTIFICATION

Appointees to positions assigned to the Weatherization Assistance Program in the Department of Community Affairs will be required to complete training and obtain the following: Certification as a Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector both issued by the Building Performance Institute, accredited by the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), in conformance with USDOE Weatherization Assistance Program Memorandum, 036 and USDOE Weatherization Program Notice 14-4 respectively. Training is required to be successfully completed within the time frame established by the Appointing Authority, depending upon availability by the training provider.