SENIOR COMMUNITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST DEFINITION:
Under limited supervision of the Principal Community Program Specialist or other supervisory official in the Department of Human Services, is responsible for the development, implementation, and/or evaluation of social services, education and/or training programs and support services for people with developmental disabilities; may take the lead over lower level staff; does other related work as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A 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
Plans, assesses, develops, implements and evaluates, sponsors people with developmental disabilities and programs and agencies providing services to people with disabilities.
Works as a member of the community services team in developing programs and services, assessing the needs of people with developmental disabilities, discussing observations and documenting program changes.
May take the lead over lower level staff and approved outside agencies and guide them through the standard work procedures of the division.
Facilitates training and awareness related to community programs, support services, and other division units.
Coordinates activities between developmental centers and community services, visits developmental centers, and assists in selecting individuals with developmental disabilities to be placed in the community.
Prepares and maintains essential records, reports, evaluations and other correspondence during official duties.
Participates in various duties as a member of the community services team through participation in meetings, orienting new team members, serving on committees, and serving as a resource to the team.
Investigates eligibility of potential sponsors and provides assistance and services to people with developmental disabilities in the intake process.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other agencies within the division and the community, and establishes a positive public image of community services within the division and the community.
Will be required to learn how 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.
Six (6) years of professional experience in program delivery experience in providing education, habilitative, or social services in programs for people with developmental disabilities.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in the field of Social Work, Public or Business Administration, Education, Psychology, Nursing, or other related areas; and one (1) year 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 judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
SPECIAL NOTE: May be required to engage in lifting a person when working in a setting which provides direct services to people who require assistance to ambulate.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ 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 theory, principles, methods, equipment and modern techniques of social services training systems for people with developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of federal rules and regulations which pertain to the provision of services for people with developmental disabilities and the ability to apply these in accordance with state requirements.
Knowledge of the typical services and support programs which are utilized in providing services to the people with developmental disabilities in the community, such as day programs, community care residence and group home programs.
Knowledge of the methods and processes involved in assessing individual's needs, goals, outcomes, programs, and residential changes.
Knowledge of techniques necessary for training.
Knowledge of the interviewing and selection process.
Ability to apply modern theories, methods, equipment and training techniques for people with developmental disabilities.
Ability to work effectively with staff, other state agencies and the public.
Ability to prepare complex correspondence, reports, and studies.
Ability to interpret, implement, and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, procedures and directives.
Ability to analyze individual and general programmatic needs and to make recommendations based on this analysis.
Ability to physically lift, move and position a person as needed.
Ability to learn how 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, and 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 if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
