PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST 1 CORRECTIONS DEFINITION:
Under direction of a supervisory official in the NJ Department of Corrections or local government agency, assists in the supervision of the development and implementation of social rehabilitative programs, including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development, for offenders and parolees to meet specific needs of the agency; coordinates the activities for program assistance, monitoring, and evaluation; does related duties.
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.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Coordinates and supervises activities of assigned personnel in the administration of special programs, including programs in the areas of inmate and skill development, in the correctional field. may implement and supervise programs.
Conducts research and maintains liaison with state and federal agencies to obtain available funds for special programs, including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development, and services.
Compiles data and prepares draft proposals for program funding.
Assists in the preparation of budget requests.
Gathers and analyzes data for research on special programs, including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development.
Plans and develops special studies of program problem areas.
Assists in program improvement efforts.
Supervises field investigations.
Supervises the dissemination of information dealing with special programs, including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program.
Conducts studies to analyze and evaluate effectiveness of correctional treatment services on inmates and parolees.
Supervises the preparation of reports and correspondence.
Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential records 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.
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.
Seven (7) years of professional experience in the development, implementation, or evaluation of programs, or services designed for the rehabilitation and social adjustment of offenders or socially atypical persons including programs in the areas of inmate work and skill development.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in social work, psychology, guidance and counseling, sociology, criminal justice, political science, public administration or business administration from an accredited college or university ; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: " 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 judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees 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 AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the types of social and rehabilitative programs likely to be needed by the client population served.
Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data.
Knowledge of methods used to develop and assess program proposals.
Knowledge of methods used to prepare budgets and funding requests.
Ability to conduct research.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program.
Ability to interpret Federal and State laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
Ability to design and implement programs.
Ability to act as a representative of a program and participate in conferences, meetings, and other coordinating activities as related to specific programs.
Ability to conduct surveys, studies, field investigations, and compile needed information.
Ability to prepare correspondence and reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to conduct periodic evaluations of programs, draw conclusions, and provide recommendations.
Ability to provide guidance and technical assistance on program activities.
Ability to identify the resources likely to be needed by the client population served.
Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of 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.
