PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST YOUTH SERVICES DEFINITION:
Under direction, performs the moderately complex tasks involved in preparing plans for the development, promotion, and implementation of programs to meet the social needs of juvenile delinquents; does related work as required.
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. EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Using available information, conducts initial surveys to determine the social service and other needs of juvenile.
Carries on a continuing survey of existing services for juveniles, ascertains gaps in services, and initiates negotiations to expand existing services or to institute needed services not in existence.
Acts as coordinator between community groups, public and private agencies, and other groups in developing, maintaining, and/or expanding social service projects such as family counseling, educational programs, substance abuse counseling, career training, recreation/athletic, family advocacy, and so forth.
Collects and analyzes data to evaluate the practicality and feasibility of new and supplementary programs.
Using information from community organizations, county and municipal governments, and statistical data from field staff, develops plans to implement new programs to meet the needs of juveniles.
Organizes data and writes proposals following established guidelines for discussion and approval by all appropriate agencies and groups.
Identifies sponsoring organizations and assists them in the design and preparation of proposals for funding programs.
Reviews funding proposals to determine their eligibility, completeness, and technical content.
Recommends to the superior the approval, disapproval, or further exploration of the need for service indicated by the proposal as the result of proposal review.
Negotiates the preliminary grant and contract terms with appropriate funding agencies for development of programs when directed by supervisory officer.
Negotiates contractual arrangements with community based organizations who have been provided with federal or state funds to expand existing human service programs, and assists such organizations in the preparation of goals and objectives, determining levels of service to be provided, and budget preparation and provides them with ongoing technical assistance.
Works in cooperation with other agencies to isolate human service problem areas on the county and/orcommunity level with a view toward implementing new programs.
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: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.
Five (5) years of professional experience in the development of programs designed to solve the socioeconomic needs of the youths of the state and/or local communities, which shall have included responsibility for the research, negotiation, and/or writing of proposals for youth service programs.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree with a concentration in the field of human or social services from an accredited college or university.
NOTE:"Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
strong>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 AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of federal and state programs relating to the field of human and social services, community action, and other similar areas.
Knowledge of current programs offered by foundations and private organizations to deal with youth service projects.
Knowledge of methods and procedures used in submitting funding proposals to the federal government and/or private foundations.
Knowledge of the socioeconomic and other problems and needs of local youths.
Ability to do research in connection with and to assist in the submission of proposals for projects to assist communities in meeting the needs of their residents.
Ability to evaluate social service and other needs of youths.
Ability to analyze and evaluate community resources and available services designed to meet the needs of local youths.
Ability to assist in the preparation of application for federal grants.
Ability to collect information and develop plans to meet the human service needs of youths.
Ability to comprehend and interpret federal, state, and private foundation regulations for submitting applications.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with associates in the department and state and federal agencies involved in the human or social service fields.
Ability to assist in compiling studies and surveys and preparing first draft reports as foundations for assessing youth service needs.
Ability to prepare official correspondence and clear, technically sound, accurate outlines for reports.
Ability to maintain essential records 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.
Code: LG-07541 LJG/hw 3/18/97
The job specification is for local government use only.
