PROGRAM SPECIALIST 2 SOCIAL HUMAN SERVICES DEFINITION:
Under the direction of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, Social/Human Services, or other supervisory officer in a State department or agency, 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/or evaluation of human or social services programs; does other related duties as required.
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 social/human services 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.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Takes the lead and performs various administrative, analytical and professional work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of social/human service program areas designed to improve the medical, social or other circumstances of the client population served
Researches funding sources, develops grant applications, and writes proposals; negotiates and monitors contracts or grants
Conducts onsite evaluations or audits to monitor compliance with federal or State regulations
Conducts surveys or other studies to help identify program needs
Participates in the implementation of department/agency initiatives
Provides operational support, information and assistance to agency staff for their dissemination to community groups, local provider agencies, various citizen groups, etc.
Takes the lead over professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; under supervisory direction, assumes responsibility for assigning tasks and reviewing the work of other employees
Participates in developing program budgets, locating funding sources, and drafting applications for funding
Participates in the development and implementation of treatment and service delivery plans
Researches, collects, and disseminates information on social/human service programs
Establishes business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry
Develops and monitors program evaluation strategies
Provides technical advice to participating sponsors in the completion of all required forms and documents
Provides funding organizations with grant proposals which clearly state program objectives and sets forth a plan and budget for the program activities
Responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements
Serves as a program liaison to a variety of parties including federal, State and local government officials and providers
Prepares and recommends changes to existing operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively
Analyzes financial reports for compliance with funding requests for funding (RFP) proposals
May train staff involved in program activities
Reviews, analyzes and prepares written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions
Maintains 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.
Six (6) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying and/or evaluating a social or human services program.
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 Social/Human services specialty area, Public or Business Administration, Child Advocacy and Policy, or Child Advocacy and Policy with a concentration in Public Child Welfare; 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 and procedures used in planning, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating human or social services 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 techniques
Knowledge of the various types of human/social service programs likely to be needed by the client population served
Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract compliance monitoring
Ability to conduct surveys, independent studies, research and field investigations
Ability to participate in the development of treatment and service delivery plans
Ability to identify the social/human service needs of the client population served.
Ability to serve as a program liaison to a variety of parties including federal, State and local government officials and providers
Ability to provide advice and assistance to institutional and community agency staff as required
Ability to establish business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry
Ability to conduct periodic evaluations of programs, and provide recommendations for improvement
Ability to read, interpret and apply federal and State laws and regulations
Ability to analyze financial reports for compliance with funding requests for funding (RFP) proposals
Ability to review, analyze and prepare written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions
Ability to participate in conferences, meetings and other events as required
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, groups and others involved in the operation of the program
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports
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.
