Overview
Program Specialist 2
The Department of Health received various Civil Service Commission decisions approving interim appointments for Unclassified Service positions within the Department of Health. The interim appointments under various grants have been established and may remain funded through December 30, 2027.
Functional Title: Specific Populations Program Ambassadors
Under general direction of a Public Health Consultant 1 or other supervising authority within the Office of Minority and Cultural Health, the Program Specialist 2 will support groups that have been marginalized, including people from racial and ethnic minority groups, by connecting their health and wellness needs to resources from the NJ Department of Health and other state agencies.
This role focuses on reducing disparities, increasing access to health and wellness services, and establishing strong partnerships with organizations that serve specific populations. Each Specialist will be assigned to work with a specific population, which may include Black populations, Latino/Hispanic populations, Asian/Pacific Islander populations, LGBTQ+ populations, Senior population, and People Experiencing Homelessness. Ambassadors will conduct a deep dive into the assigned population includes gaining a better understanding of the social determinants of health and their impact on the community. Identifies and creates partnerships with organizations and key contacts within the state who serve the assigned population.
Maintains a detailed contact database, coordinating follow-up communications, and documenting all interactions. Identifies the top barriers to accessing health and wellness services for the assigned population. Coordinates listening sessions with community members from the assigned population to understand their needs. Collaborates with internal teams and partners to brainstorm, develop, and implement solutions to these barriers, tracking their effectiveness. Compiles and maintains records for all interactions, meetings, and collaborations in the shared folder. Prepares regular reports on partnership activities, community needs, and program outcomes to share with supervisor and team to evaluate effectiveness of the program.
This position may be eligible to participate in the Department’s pilot telework program, which offers eligible employees the opportunity to work remotely for up to two (2) days per week, as approved by management.
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.
State as a Model Employer of People with Disabilities (SAME) SAME APPLICANTS: The SAME program applies to unclassified and non competitive titles only. If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at 609) 292-4144, option 3.
PHEL Candidates: If you are a candidate for a position in our Public Health and Environmental Laboratories, you may be subject to pre- and /or post-employment alcohol and drug testing.
Direct Client Care: If you are a candidate for a position that involves direct client care in one of the State facilities/programs, you may be subject to pre-and/or post- employment drug testing/screening. The cost of any pre-employment testing will be at the candidate’s expense. Candidates with a positive drug test result, or those who refuse to be tested and/or cooperate with the testing requirement, will not be hired.
New Jersey First Act: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7, the “New Jersey First Act”, all employees must reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under the law. If you do not live in New Jersey, you have one year after you begin employment to relocate your residence to New Jersey.
Resume Note: Applicants who possess foreign degrees (degrees earned outside of the U.S.) are required to provide an evaluation indicating the U.S. equivalency prior to the closing date. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility.
Authorization to Work: Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the Unite States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Regulations. The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorships for citizenships to the United States.
Note: Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting.
The New Jersey Department of Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer
