PROGRAM SPECIALIST 4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROGRAMS

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 direction of a supervisory official in a State department or agency, supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; performs the most difficult 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 staff engaged in program activities and oversees program activities and operations; performs very complex and sensitive administrative, analytical and professional work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of socio-economic programs designed to meet the needs of the elderly, low income families and/or other specified client population. Plans, develops and supervises the implementation of program goals, policies, procedures and objectives. Reviews proposed legislation and regulations as to its potential impact on the administration of the program and may recommend changes in operational policies or procedures to comply with changes in legal mandates. Supervises the assessment of program needs. Identifies program deficiencies and develops corrective action strategies in support of established goals. Designs, reviews and prepares proposals for implementing new programs, and revising or modifying existing programs; supervises a program. 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. Oversees administrative and other studies/surveys related to the assigned program. Reviews staff prepared program resources to ensure accuracy of content. Participates in the 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 employees. 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. Organizes and conducts education/training workshops. Oversees the training of 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. Supervises the maintenance of essential records 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 oversee administrative and/or other studies and surveys. Ability to prepare training plans and projects. 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 coordinate special planning studies. 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 oversee the training of staff involved in program activities. Ability to prepare informational materials. Ability to supervise the review, analysis and preparation of written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions. Ability to supervise the maintenance of 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, supervises the review of program proposals, supervises program evaluation and monitoring 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 very complex and sensitive program issues and act as a subject matter expert. Must supervise and evaluate staff, and oversees program activities and operations. 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. Eight (8) 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, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity over professional or technical staff. 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 over professional or technical staff. 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 three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity over professional or technical staff. "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.