CHIEF, GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UNIT
Career Family: CHIEF
Chief, General Assistance Program Unit is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
On paper it calls for a bachelor's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $101,708 to $150,105.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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.
Definition
Under direction, functions as a manager of an organizational unit; answers questions about application of regulations or policies; informs the responsible person or organization of difficulties, accomplishments, plans, or goals; settles disputes, conflicts or problems regarding program or services; mediates problems that cannot be resolved through other channels; and confers with administrators at policy-making level.
Examples of work
Answers questions about application of regulations or policies. Informs the responsible person or organization of difficulties, accomplishments, plans or goals. Consults with outside agencies or individuals about information necessary for job assignments. Informs individuals of procedures necessary for completion of forms or applications. Explains agency programs and services. Meets with groups at seminars, public meetings, or conventions as a representative of the agency. Settles disputes, conflicts or problems regarding program or services. Mediates problems that cannot be resolved through other channels. Confers with administrators at policy-making level. Interviews individuals for needed information. Meets (as a member) with various policy-making boards, academic councils, disciplinary boards, committees, or task forces. Advises (counsels) concerned individuals about agency programs. Monitors public assistance programs for compliance. Writes narrative letters or reports. Monitors programs, projects or grants for compliance. Authorizes policy. Monitors progress of work or projects. Writes notices, memoranda or news releases about policy changes, major events, or other information. Writes policy statements. Monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of programs or services. Operates a motor vehicle.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of principles and techniques of supervision. Knowledge of the needs of the client population. Knowledge of available programs, services, and eligibility requirements for client or case disposition or referral. Knowledge of the fundamentals of public speaking. Knowledge of principles of report writing. Knowledge of basic interviewing techniques. Knowledge of employee motivational theories such as reinforcement, incentives, satisfiers or job enrichment. Knowledge of the principles of public administration. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of program monitoring. Ability to coordinate work activities which have an impact on other organizational units. Ability to read and interpret laws, rules and regulations. Ability to comprehend, interpret and evaluate relevant information from various types of source materials. Ability to interact with various people who are in differing situations. Ability to schedule and organize work activities for others. Ability to apply laws, rules or regulations to given situations. Ability to establish goals and set priorities. Ability to identify problems in the administration or coordination of programs, plans or projects. Ability to synthesize facts to reach logical conclusions. Ability to resolve problems in the administration or coordination of programs, plans or projects. Ability to interpret and apply pertinent laws, regulations, procedures, and policies applicable to employment and training programs. Ability to evaluate information to determine conformance with program regulations and guidelines. Ability to interpret and apply pertinent laws, regulations, procedures, and policies applicable to information privacy and confidentiality.
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. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Twelve (12) years of professional experience in work involving the administration or coordination of programs and the identification of available programs, services, and eligibility requirements for client or case disposition, four (4) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and eight (8) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, four (4) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "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 judgment and make accurate and informed decisions. The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.
Study guides for this exam
- Management Test Battery (MTB) National Learning Corporation · $52.95
- Manager/Administrator Test National Learning Corporation · $49.95 · general prep, not specific to this title
The Civil Service Commission does not publish official study guides or release past tests. These are independent equivalency guides.