PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3 DEFINITION:
Under the general supervision of a Program Specialist 4 or other supervisory officer in a state department, institution or agency, or in a local jurisdiction, directly supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; performs the more complex and sensitive 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; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related work.
SPECIAL NOTE: An incumbent in this class conducts in-depth analysis, reviews program proposals, evaluates and monitors program activities, and/or prepares recommendations aimed at developing, implementing, or modifying programs. Incumbents review proposed draft regulatory changes for fiscal or programmatic impact and make recommendations regarding the development and revision of agency policies based on changes to State and federal laws and regulations. Incumbents handle the more sensitive and complex program issues and act as a subject matter expert. Assignments at this level are broadly defined; incumbents are expected to determine the methods needed to achieve objectives. May supervise staff engaged in program activities.
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.
64485X - 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:
Supervises or performs the more complex and sensitive administrative, analytical and professional work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment
Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs, evaluate employee performance and conduct, and have responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of subordinates
Identifies program deficiencies and develops corrective action strategies in support of established goals
Plans, coordinates, implements and upgrades existing programs in assigned area
Develops rule proposals and adoption documents to implement programs in assigned area
Researches and identifies available funding sources, develop and reviews grant applications, and writes proposals; negotiates and monitors contracts or grants
Responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements
Provides guidance and technical assistance regarding program activities to agencies and program clients
Researches, collects, and disseminates information regarding assigned program(s)
Handles sensitive and complex program issues and acts as a subject matter expert
Monitors expenditure of budgeted funds
Reviews proposed/existing legislation and administrative/operational procedures, and submits recommendations for changes
Supervises and/or conducts surveys or other studies to help identify program needs
Participates in the development and implementation of department/agency initiatives
Establishes business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry
Develops and monitors program evaluation strategies
Supervises and/or conducts the more difficult onsite evaluations or audits to ensure compliance with regulations and/or contract terms; prepares related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
Supervises the preparation of, and/or prepares informational materials such as manuals, guides and handbooks
Plans and conducts program outreach and promotional activities
Organizes and conducts education/training workshops
Trains staff involved in program activities
Assists in the performance of professional recruitment, admissions/ placement activities for the program
Serves as a program liaison to a variety of parties including federal, State and local government officials and providers
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other State and local code enforcement officials
Prepares charts, tables and other graphic representations needed for the planning, operation and implementation of program activities
Reviews, analyzes and prepares written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions
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.
Seven (7) 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 three (3) 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 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 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 and procedures used in planning, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and/or implementing programs
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
Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract compliance monitoring
Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit
Ability to conduct periodic evaluations of programs, and provide recommendations for improvement
Ability to handle sensitive and complex program issues and act as a subject matter expert
Ability to organize assigned tasks, provide instruction to employees and review their work
Ability to conduct surveys, independent research and field investigations
Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies and apply them to specific situations
Ability to research and identify public and private funding sources
Ability to prepare proposals for funding
Ability to prepare informational materials
Ability to train staff involved in program activities
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, groups and others involved in the operation of the program
Ability to establish business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry
Ability to review, analyze and prepare written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
Ability to represent the department or agency at conferences, meetings and other events
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.
