PROGRAM SPECIALIST, RESEARCH AND PLANNING
In the unclassified service, Program Specialist, Research and Planning is appointed rather than examined for, and its pay is often negotiated case by case.
On paper it calls for a master's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $87,507 to $128,719.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →The statute this title cites
This specification cites N.J.S.A. 11A:4-4 (u), eligible lists and certifications.
The specification names a paragraph (u) that this section does not have, so we link the section and leave the paragraph alone.
Who employs this title
Program Specialist, Research and Planning is used at one independent authority, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
Independent authorities
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | 13 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
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 Associate Assistant Director, Research and Planning, Department of Higher Education, has general responsibility for the field of health care systems, planning needs and educational programs including information systems development: coordination of programming and utilization of computers for this purpose: analyzing data and relating it to present and proposed educational programs: assisting in establishing qualitative and quantitative goals for higher education institutions offering curriculums in this field: and assisting in maintaining liaison between the Department and institutions involved in medical and allied health education; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Is responsible for the establishment of a necessary data base to support coherent planning and evaluation of New Jersey's medical and allied health professions educational programs; assists in developing necessary data systems, programming techniques, and computer utilization methods. Evaluates current studies, trends and literature in the field of health care delivery and related personnel training programs for Departmental use in promoting the development of an efficient and highly productive medical and allied health professions educational system. Participates in the development and evaluation of academic master plans and policies for colleges and universities conducting programs in medical and allied health fields, including the review of all proposed programs, and coordination with the Department's master plan for the entire system of higher education in New Jersey. Conducts comprehensive annual evaluations of the progress New Jersey's medical and allied health educational system is making in meeting the total health needs of the population. Maintains liaison with medical and allied health educational programs throughout the State. Participates in the analysis of annual budget requests for these programs and coordinates their inclusion in the development of a planning, programming and budgeting system for the State system of higher education institutions. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Participates in the analysis of administrative and faculty personnel patterns in the public institutions offering medical and dental education in the State. Prepares official correspondence and reports. Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records, reports and files.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college with a Master's degree in social sciences, higher education administration or its equivalent. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated on a year for year basis.
Experience
Four years of broad experience in research and planning of a science-oriented system.
License
Appointee 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
Thorough knowledge of the theories and practices of health care delivery and economics, and contemporary approaches for the related educational preparation of practitioners in this field. Ability to acquire considerable understanding of the history, organization, practices and problems of New Jersey's programs in medical and allied health education. Ability to acquire considerable knowledge of the laws of New Jersey and Federal laws and regulations governing or pertaining to institutions and programs in medical and allied health education. Considerable knowledge of the theories, techniques and literature pertaining to the collection and presentation of data in the field of health services delivery and medical and allied health education, including the use of programming systems and computerized techniques for this purpose. Basic knowledge of the theories and techniques of public finance, and ability to apply this knowledge to public institutions of higher education offering programs in medical and allied health education. Ability to deal with and coordinate the deliberations and actions of the highly educated and qualified persons normally encountered in the health care and medical and allied health education fields. Ability to write and speak clear, precise English. Ability to prepare official correspondence. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and informative statistical, financial and other related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of essential records, reports and files. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. Communication may include such forms as American Sign Language or Braille. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.