PROGRAM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES DEAF LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
Deaf Language Specialist
To land Program Planning and Development Specialist Vocational Rehabilitation Services Deaf Language Specialist in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.
To be eligible you bring a master's degree and 4 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $87,507 and $128,719.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →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 direction of the Chief Rehabilitation Services or other supervisory official in a state department or agency, provides comprehensive technical consultation and services; provides professional skills training to field and office staff; designs and implements one or more primary program areas; monitors statistical and operational results to recommend changes and/or develop new programs; analyzes and recommends changes in policy and operations to improve delivery of services; does other related duties.
Examples of work
(These examples of work are to be performed by utilizing the language of the deaf, particularly American Sign Language). Identifies new knowledge and program innovation to increase the employability of program clients. Develops and monitors federal grants, evaluates progress toward stated goals, provides training resources, and acts as liaison to federal grantees. Takes the lead in overseeing one or more major program areas to ensure delivery of services to clients. Determines the need for technological innovations that impact on successful vocational rehabilitation of clients. Develops marketing programs in major areas that meet the needs of both employers and agency clientele. Takes the lead in negotiating, drafting, and finalizing interagency cooperative agreements consistent with federal mandates. Delivers consultation and training services to the business and industry community to increase the employability of program clients in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Represents the agency on advisory committees to identify new resources financial and programmatic resources. Audits and provides consultation to private vocational rehabilitation facilities to ensure proper use of federal and state funds; recommends operational changes to ensure quality services to clients and cost- effective fiscal policies. Periodically reviews and evaluates the status of program clients placed in rehabilitation facilities to determine their employability in the competitive labor market. Develops, coordinates, and provides training to enhance the service delivery system and technical and professional skills. Takes the lead in evaluating programs to determine conformance to plans, service delivery, and other factors used to gauge success. Collects, analyzes, and interprets program data to assess service delivery, program outcomes, long range impact of services on consumers, efficiency of program management, future resource needs, and program objectives. Prepares reports and correspondence. 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.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, education, social work, counseling, special education, school guidance, sociology, or psychology.
Experience
Four (4) years of experience in planning, developing, monitoring, and evaluating employment or training programs in a vocational rehabilitation facility or agency, social insurance program, or other employment and training agency, one (1) year of which must have been performing counseling work at the level of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 2 or Supervising Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. SPECIAL SKILLS: Appointees must be able to communicate effectively in the language of the deaf, American Sign Language, sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Appointees must have a proficiency level of at least an intermediate level and must be able to reach the Advanced or higher-level rating on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) within two years of appointment. The responsibility for ensuring appointees possess the appropriate proficiency level rests with the Appointing Authority.
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 problems entailed in the coordination of a service delivery system. Knowledge of program design and evaluation methods. Knowledge of the needs of disabled persons and the impact of these needs on their employability. Knowledge of group dynamics and problem-solving interventions. Knowledge of the role and functions of rehabilitation facilities and workshops in the rehabilitation process. Knowledge of theories and practices in the field of vocational rehabilitation. Knowledge of training techniques and dynamics. Knowledge of the psychological, economic, social, and vocational problems of disabled persons; and of their vocational possibilities and limitations. Ability to identify funding sources available to disabled persons. Ability to read, interpret, and apply applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding the vocational rehabilitation programs. Ability to analyze national labor market information. Ability to work effectively with various levels of staff in an advisory and consultative capacity. Ability to develop, plan, and coordinate, informational workshops, conferences, and meetings. Ability to prepare applications for federal funding and to develop and prepare proposals to provide services for program clients. Ability to interpret, evaluate, and administer contracts with private consulting firms providing assistance in development of programs. Ability to develop, coordinate, and provide training. Ability to prepare extensive correspondence during official duties. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports containing recommendations. 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 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 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. A current and valid certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the master's degree. A bachelor's degree in in rehabilitation counseling, education, social work, counseling, special education, school guidance, sociology, psychology, business administration, human resources, or economics and two (2) years of professional work experience with individuals with disabilities or performing direct counseling or advocacy activities for individuals with disabilities in a rehabilitation agency, facility or other social program designed to increase the employability of persons with disabilities, may be substituted for the above education.