PROGRAM SPECIALIST 2 DEFINITION:
Under the limited supervision of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution or agency, or in a local jurisdiction, takes the lead over professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; performs professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment; conducts the research and field work necessary to meet the needs of the appropriate state and/or local public or private agencies; does other related work.
SPECIAL NOTE: An incumbent in this class conducts in-depth analysis, reviews program proposals, evaluates and monitors program activities, and prepares recommendations aimed at developing, implementing, or modifying programs. Tasks are assigned; incumbents at this level have greater responsibility and latitude to organize assignments and may recommend methods needed to achieve objectives. Incumbents may provide guidance to lower level staff
In state government, positions performing work specific to human/social services programs, socio-economic programs, or regulatory programs shall be classified within the respective variant series.
NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills.
64483P- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
SPECIAL SKILL - Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Takes the lead over professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; under supervision, assumes responsibility for assigning tasks and reviewing the work of other employees
Participates in the planning, coordinating, implementing and upgrading of existing programs in assigned area
Researches funding sources, develops and reviews grant applications, and writes proposals; negotiates and monitors contracts or grants
Conducts onsite evaluations or audits to monitor compliance with federal, State or local regulations; prepares related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
Negotiates and monitors contracts or grants
Responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements
Conducts surveys or other studies to help identify program needs
Researches, collects, and disseminates information regarding assigned program(s)
Performs work involving budget preparation and State aid requests for the assigned program
Establishes business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry
Serves as a program liaison to a variety of parties including federal, State and local government officials and providers
Prepares informational materials such as manuals, guides or handbooks
Participates in the implementation of department/agency initiatives
May develop and monitor program evaluation strategies
Plans and conducts program outreach and promotional activities
Provides guidance and assistance to lower level staff
May train staff involved in program activities
Assists in the performance of professional recruitment, admissions/ placement activities for the program
Organizes and may assist in conducting education/training workshops
Reviews, analyzes and prepares written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions
Prepares charts, tables, and/or other graphic representations needed for the planning, operation and implementation of program activities
Maintains essential records, reports 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.
Six (6) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying, and/or evaluating agency programs and services.
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 from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate to the position; 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.
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 the methods used to collect and analyze data
Knowledge of methods used to research and identify public and private funding sources
Knowledge of the methods and procedures used to prepare and submit proposals for funding
Knowledge of program evaluation and assessment techniques
Ability to conduct periodic evaluations of programs, and provide recommendations for improvement
Ability to conduct surveys, independent research and field investigations
Ability to research and identify public and private funding sources
Ability to prepare proposals for funding
Ability to prepare informational materials
Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies and apply them to specific situations
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, groups and others involved in the operation of the program
Ability to take the lead over entry level professional and support staff involved in program work
Ability to train staff involved in program activities
Ability to organize assigned work, analyze problems, and develop effective work methods
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
Ability to participate in conferences, meetings and other events as required
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 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.
