Writer/Editor II-Child Welfare Job at JBS International in Rockville

The Writer/Editor II - Child Welfare is a versatile writer and editor on a highly collaborative, creative team that is committed to supporting project-specific child welfare priorities through the delivery of engaging, high-quality communications products. The Writer/Editor II is a critical thinker who is adept at creating and revising evidence-based content that drives improvements in child welfare outcomes and resonates with audiences that include state/federal policy makers and child welfare professionals. The Writer/Editor II has knowledge of child welfare, extensive writing and editing experience, and is comfortable in an agile, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Write and revise content about priority child welfare topics in multiple formats for specified audiences, tailoring approaches to meet audience needs.
• Proofread, copyedit, and conduct quality control reviews for new and existing content, performing substantive editing with minimal oversight from supervisor and/or subject matter experts.
• Collaborate with clients, reviewers, subject matter experts, and other contributors to obtain feedback, incorporate it into revised drafts, and verify the accuracy of final documents.
• Track a range of editorial processes; help identify and project timelines for content development milestones related to drafting, reviewing, and revising content; edit; format; perform quality control; and produce final content.
• Prepare content for various stages of internal and external review.
• Post approved resources to the content management system.
• Update published content to reflect research advances, new guidance, evolving best practices and industry standards, legislative and regulatory changes, etc.
• Assist with developing, updating, and expanding project style guides.
• Ensure that the needs of the client are reflected in all products and that consistent voice and language are applied to all materials.
• Actively contribute to discussions around process and quality improvement, workflow efficiencies, and editorial and content development best practices.
• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay abreast of industry trends and innovations in content development.
• Collaborate to conduct research to support ongoing content development, including creation of substantive, well-cited outlines to support product proposals.
• Assist with 508 compliance review.

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher in English, Communications, Comparative Literature, Journalism, or a child welfare- or public health-related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years professional writing and editing.
• Experience successfully applying writing/editing skills in a specific project content area (e.g., child welfare, public health, social science, behavioral health).
• Experience in digital-first communications as well as adapting writing style for digital channels (an ability to customize content as needed across channels) and working knowledge of the Styles function in Word.

Competencies

• Ability to write clear and concise copy with minimal supervision and revision.
• Proven success at tailoring messaging to specific audiences.
• Experience collaborating within small and cross-functional teams.
• Self‑motivated and proactive to work independently; adaptable and flexible to cope with changing requirements and guidance.
• Strong problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated expertise and agility managing a variety of writing and editing projects in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to interact well with others in a positive, courteous, and professional manner.
• Superb organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills as proven through work samples showcasing content across a range of formats and publication channels.

Technical Knowledge

• Superior command of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax; proven ability to apply this knowledge in alignment with common industry style guides (e.g., AMA, AP, APA, Chicago, GPO) and working knowledge of federal plain language guidelines.
• Proficiency in the full Microsoft Office suite of applications, especially MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with MS SharePoint or similar document‑sharing platforms that enable multiple users to access, edit, and track revisions to a live document in real time.
• Working knowledge of the 508‑compliance review process; proficiency preferred.
• Working knowledge of project/publication tracking and management software, such as Monday.com, MS Project, or Smartsheet.
• Familiarity with plagiarism detection platforms/software.
• Working knowledge of content revision functions in Adobe Acrobat.

Physical Requirements

• Extended computer use: Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Vision: Must be able to see and read computer screens and printed materials.
• Dexterity: Capable of using hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring precision.
• Communication: Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders.
• Mobility: Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, and bend to access office equipment and attend meetings.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds for short distances.
• Sensory abilities: Must be able to perceive and interact with the environment using hearing and speaking skills.
• Work environment: Primarily works in a typical office environment, with exposure to computer screens and moderate noise levels.

Location

Hybrid telework/onsite at JBS's North Bethesda, MD, headquarters. Fully remote work may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance (federal government background check).

Other Duties as Assigned

This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

Application Information

If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include cover letter, resume, and at least (3) professional references.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.