PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Program Associate, Student Assistance is an unclassified role, so it is appointed at the discretion of the hiring authority and does not carry the usual exam-and-tenure track.
The spec names a bachelor's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree. The FY2027 range lands between $69,668 and $101,951.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Program Associate, Student Assistance is used at one independent authority, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
Independent authorities
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | 14 |
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 an Assistant Director or supervisory officer in the Department of Higher Education, has major responsibility for the effective administration, implementation and execution of procedures and systems that ensure timely communication between the office of Student Assistance and educational and ending institutions; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Assists management in the general administration of federal and State programs of student assistance; assists in the preparation of annual reports as required.
- Assists in the coordination and ongoing development of written procedures and reports to support current administrative functions and develops recommendations for improvements for new management systems.
- Supervises the maintenance of support files for student applicants as to current status; which includes periodic reorganization of records and retention regulations; planning and coordinating the installation of required peripheral equipment necessary for easy access of student files and other related data.
- Assists in the establishment of databases to support coherent planning and evaluation of New Jersey's educational program.
- Assists in the monitoring an analysis of available resource utilization with emphasis on accessibility to the data resources.
- Prepares official correspondence and reports.
- Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records, reports and files.
- May 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 with a Bachelor's degree.
Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated on a year for year basis.
Experience
Two years of experience in performing administrative functions in an educational institution or in student financial assistance.
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
- 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.