PROGRAM SPECIALIST, STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Program Specialist, Student Assistance sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It lists a bachelor's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $83,582 to $122,832.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Program Specialist, Student Assistance is used at one independent authority, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
Independent authorities
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | 12 |
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 general direction of an Assistant Director, Educational Opportunity Fund or other supervisory official, has general responsibility for the compilation, analysis, and presentation of complex data, program monitoring, evaluation, communications, and correspondence relative to Educational Opportunity Fund Programs; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Is responsible for performing analysis and budget review at participating institutions including review of campus policies and activities which affect students, adherence to financial aid regulations, and program support guidelines.
- Is responsible for maintaining a schedule of offsite program visitations and appointments for the purpose of program review, technical assistance, and resolution of specific campus programmatic concerns.
- Develops a list of standard criteria for program evaluation, and interviews and collects specific data from offices and personnel who are responsible for program planning and implementation.
- Develops detailed reports assessing the administration, academic programs, and appropriate modifications for improvement after field visits.
- Reviews institutional progress toward addressing specific modifications for improvement on subsequent field visits.
- Is responsible for training campus staff in program and fiscal operations required by the central office, provides technical assistance to aid in completion of program and fiscal reports, and maintains an annual report submission calendar.
- Maintains liaison between institutions and central office regarding program concerns including budget analysis and review, program monitoring, evaluation, communications, and correspondence; such liaison activities encompass multisector assignments for four year public, two year public, Rutgers University, independent colleges, and graduate schools.
- Is responsible for answering inquiries from the public, legislators, and college officials including guidelines interpretation, responses to budget requests, fiscal transactions, eligibility questions, graduate requests, and so forth.
- Is responsible for the review of annual budget proposals from participating institutions, and develops funding recommendations based on program guidelines and programmatic criteria.
- Assists program directors with the administration and management of campus-based programs by implementing various management systems for the delivery of services to students and the retrieval of data for reporting purposes.
- Develops and participates in planning of training institutes and workshops for staff on campus, and is assigned to a series of statewide high school guidance counselors training series. Coordinates special projects designed for the recruitment, support, and placement of students in specific fields.
- Interprets state and federal regulations regarding student aid programs, and instructs staff as to their application.
- Evaluates vocational/technical education programs in conjunction with community college offices, and assesses effectiveness of occupational education programs as well as support services provided for these programs.
- Plans, coordinates, and facilitates annual evaluation and planning committees to develop assigned tasks and implement activities that support goals and objectives established for the annual operation of the central office.
- Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
- Conducts special studies and analysis.
- Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, financial, progress, and other program reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records, reports, and files.
- Will be required to learn 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 Bachelor's degree.
Experience
Four (4) years of experience in student financial aid program management.
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 essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the educational, social, and cultural needs of the disadvantaged.
- Knowledge of New Jersey institutions of higher education after a period of training.
- Knowledge of policies, procedures, and issues germane to higher education sectors.
- Knowledge of financial aid program management.
- Ability to make decisions based on substantial information, experience, and knowledge. Ability to interpret state and federal regulations as they apply to student aid programs.
- Ability to instruct and train employees in the performance of their duties.
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals in both written and oral language.
- Ability to prepare 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 learn 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, or 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 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.
- CODES: 26/R26- MCK 12/23/06
Note
The definition and 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.
Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated below on a year- for-year basis with thirty (3) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.