Program Specialist 3 SY (NBOE)

PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3 Office of Food & Nutrition DEFINITION Under the general supervision of a Program Specialist 4 or other supervisory officer in the state department, institution, or agency, or in a local jurisdiction, the incumbent directly supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; performs 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 office performance evaluations for subordinate staff; and performs 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; reviews proposed draft regulatory changes for fiscal or programmatic impact and makes recommendations regarding agency policies based on changes in State and Federal laws and regulations; handles sensitive and complex program issues and acts as a subject matter expert; and may supervise staff engaged in program activities. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 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 an appropriate discipline and two (2) years of the above‑mentioned professional experience. Professional experience requires creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive work performed with authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate, informed decisions. Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if operating a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties. BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Supervises or performs 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 work operations and/or functional programs, evaluates employee performance and conduct, and is responsible for recommending hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining subordinates. Identifies program deficiencies and develops corrective action strategies in support of established goals. Plans, coordinates, implements, and upgrades existing programs in the assigned area. Develops rule proposals and adoption documents to implement programs in the assigned area. Researches and identifies available funding sources, develops and reviews grant applications, writes proposals, negotiates, and monitors contracts or grants. Responds to requests for information 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, visit, and/or letter of inquiry. Develops and monitors program evaluation strategies. Supervises and/or conducts 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 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 planning, operation, and implementation of program activities. Reviews, analyzes, and prepares written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence, and other documents related to 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. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of methods used to maintain laboratory facilities and equipment. Knowledge of methods and procedures used in planning, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating, and/or implementing programs. Knowledge of methods used to collect and analyze data. Knowledge of methods used to research and identify public and private funding sources. Knowledge of methods and procedures used to prepare and submit proposals for funding. Knowledge of program evaluation and assessment techniques. Knowledge of 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 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 operations of the program. Ability to establish business relationships with potential funding sources via phone, visit, and/or letter of inquiry. Ability to review, analyze, and prepare written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence, and other documents related to 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 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 accommodations; if accommodation cannot be made because it would cause undue hardship, the person may not be eligible. REPORTS TO Department Head SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PERIOD AND UNION AFFILIATION Salary: $76,497 – $96,286 Employment Period: Twelve (12) months Union Affiliation: Local 32 BENEFITS In an effort to attract and retain staff, the Norton Board of Education offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full‑time staff, including medical and prescription drug plans, employer‑paid dental and vision coverage, a range of wellness and voluntary benefits, and paid time off. All employees receive paid personal and sick days, as well as vacation days for 12‑month employees. For details, visit HOW TO APPLY The Norton Board of Education only accepts electronic applications. OPENING AND CLOSING DATE Opening Date: February5,2026 Closing Date: February19,2026 or until filled EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER The Norton Board of Education is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr