PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROGRAMS
Socio-Economic Programs
Career Family: PROGRAM SPECIALIST
In New Jersey, Program Specialist 3 Socio-Economic Programs is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The stated bar is a master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $83,582 and $122,832, and state payroll currently lists about 244 people in the title, led by Human Services.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 15 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 15 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Program Specialist 3 Socio-Economic Programs appears on the State payroll at 19 departments, most of them at Department of Human Services.
State departments
Showing the largest 8 of 19 departments. All agencies.
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Program Specialist series
- Program Specialist 1 — $60,876 – $88,743
- Program Specialist 2 — $69,668 – $101,951
- Program Specialist 3 — $87,507 – $128,719
- Program Specialist 4 — $100,498 – $148,187
Its top salary lands around the 69th 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.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 244 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $107,301. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (64)
- Health and Senior Services (43)
- Environmental Protection (42)
- Children and Families (29)
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. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the general supervision of a Program Specialist 4, Socio-Economic Programs, or other supervisory officer in a State department or agency, directly supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; performs the more complex and sensitive professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or 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; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Supervises or performs the more complex and sensitive administrative, analytical and professional work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of socio-economic programs designed to meet the needs of the elderly, low income families, or other specified client population. Plans, develops, and supervises the implementation of program goals, policies, procedures and objectives. Reviews proposed/existing legislation and administrative/operational procedures, and submits recommendations for changes. Identifies program deficiencies and develops corrective action strategies in support of established goals. Researches, collects, and disseminates information regarding the assigned program. Plans, coordinates, implements and upgrades existing programs in assigned area. Develops rule proposals and adoption documents to implement programs in assigned area. Researches and identifies available funding sources, develops and reviews grant applications, and writes proposals; negotiates and monitors contracts or grants. Provides guidance and technical assistance regarding program activities to agencies and program clients. Handles sensitive and complex program issues and acts as a subject matter expert. Monitors expenditure of budgeted funds. Supervises and/or conducts surveys or other studies to help identify program needs. Participates in the development and implementation of department/agency initiatives. Establishes business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry. Develops and monitors program evaluation strategies. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs, evaluates employee performance and conduct, and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of subordinates. Supervises and/or conducts the more difficult onsite evaluations or audits to ensure compliance with regulations and/or contract terms; prepares related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other State and local code enforcement officials. Supervises the preparation of, and/or prepares informational materials such as manuals, guides and handbooks. Plans and conducts program outreach and promotional activities. Organizes and conducts education/training workshops. Trains staff involved in program activities. 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 supervisory techniques and practices. 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 supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit. Ability to conduct periodic evaluations of programs, and provide recommendations for improvement. Ability to handle sensitive and complex program issues and act as a subject matter expert. Ability to oversee program activities and supervise staff. Ability to research and identify public and private funding sources. Ability to organize assigned tasks, provide instruction to employees and review their work. 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 represent the department or agency at conferences, meetings and other events. 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/or prepares recommendations aimed at developing, implementing, or modifying socio-economic programs. Incumbents review proposed draft regulatory changes for fiscal or programmatic impact and make recommendations regarding the development and revision of agency policies based on changes to State and federal laws and regulations. Incumbents handle the more sensitive and complex program issues and act as a subject matter expert. Assignments at this level are broadly defined; incumbents are expected to determine the methods needed to achieve objectives. May supervise staff engaged in program activities. 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. Seven (7) 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 three (3) 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 disciplines appropriate to the position; and two (2) 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 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.