PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST 1 ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
DEFINITION:
Under the close supervision of a Supervising Program Support Specialist or other supervisory official in a state department or agency, or in a community or institutional setting, is responsible for performing activities to maintain, monitor and/or implement client services/assistance programs; does other related work as required.
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:
Reviews and analyzes proposed, new and current federal/state laws and regulations relating to specific client service/assistance programs administered by the agency to determine and evaluate the subsequent impact on operations.
Reviews and monitors specific program activities administered by the agency and makes appropriate recommendations to ensure that standards and procedures are followed, and that the quality of the program meets acceptable standards.
Reviews, analyzes, and comments on legislation, field, management and fiscal reports which relate to specific program areas to identify problematic areas; recommends corrective action.
Monitors Federal and State policies, regulations, laws, rules and administrative orders for changes and compliance.
Responds to, and coordinates requests from internal units, individuals and other agencies in order to provide information concerning program activities.
Renders technical assistance in specialized program areas to internal units and external agencies in order to facilitate, promote and coordinate services.
Prepares letters, memos, instructions, transmittals and other information for approval and signature and send to appropriate recipients.
Assists in the development of interagency and division policies and procedures.
As necessary, may conduct site visits, studies, and investigations, and prepare reports thereon.
Gathers and reviews information from clients.
Explains eligibility criteria for program services.
Determines initial or continuing eligibility for clients for specific assistance program(s).
May review and evaluate personal or financial data to determine client eligibility.
Identifies potential fraud or abuse.
Reviews and approves reimbursements.
Performs executive support duties as required.
Prepares detailed reports, correspondence, and statistical material, as requested, and needed to carry out assigned tasks.
Represents the agency in public meetings and conferences.
Maintains essential records and files, including client files.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system 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 a public or private agency having responsibility for analyzing, monitoring, maintaining or implementing social service, economic assistance, community service, sustenance (food), or any other human support/assistance program.
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 in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
CERTIFICATION:
Appointees to positions assigned to the Weatherization Assistance Program in the Department of Community Affairs will be required to complete training and obtain the following:
Certification as a Home Energ y Professional Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector both issued by the Building Performance Institute, accredited by the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), in conformance with USDOE Weatherization Assistance Program Memorandum, 036 and USDOE Weatherization Program Notice 14 respectively. Training is required to be successfully completed within the time frame established by the Appointing Authority, depending upon availability by the training provider.
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.
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 objectives of human support service programs.
Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze data.
Knowledge of research methods and techniques.
Ability to analyze laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures, to interpret their application to programs and specific situations.
Ability to participate in the development of interagency and division procedures and policies.
Ability to gather and analyze data.
Ability to interpret the purpose and programs of services provided to clients, other state agencies, and community organizations.
Ability to review and/or evaluate personal or financial data to determine eligibility for an assistance program.
Ability to provide guidance and technical assistance to clients.
Ability to identify potential fraud or abuse.
Ability to collect, compile, and accurately interpret factual information relating to specific program activities.
Ability to work cooperatively with the staff of the agency and other state agencies.
Ability to analyze work assignments and develop effective work methods.
Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to maintain essential records and files, including client files.
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.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
