Human Services Communications Specialist - Promotional

This recruitment is promotional only. You must presently be a full or part-time regular or probationary County of Sonoma, Community Development Commission, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, or Sonoma County Water Agency employee in order to apply for this position.

The Human Services Department (HSD) has requested a county-wide promotional certification to fill a Human Services Communications Specialist position. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary County employees on the eligible list may be eligible for referral to the department for the advertised positions. This employment list may also be used to fill future full‑time or part‑time positions as they occur during the active status of the list. The Civil Service title for this position is County Communications Specialist.

Responsibilities

Drafting press releases on department and division updates

Responding to Public Records Act (PRA) requests and coordinating the collection of data from division staff

Drafting a monthly HSD Insider E‑Newsletter and gathering content from contributors

Managing and updating the HSD Website and staff portal intranet

Developing social media content and posting with regular frequency across HSD media channels

Handling crisis and incident communications, including disaster and emergency management

Managing staff meetings, assisting in agenda development, speaker line‑ups, technical assistance, and meeting facilitation

Supporting the Planning, Research, Evaluation, and Engagement (PREE) Unit through disseminating surveys and department‑wide communications

Coordinating with the County on press and media campaigns, among a broad array of other marketing and communication‑related duties

Working closely with the HSD Assistant Director and Department Director to help craft strategic messaging and communications for the Department

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess many of the following:

Experience distilling complex information about social services policies, programs, and initiatives

The ability to maintain professionalism in high‑stress situations

Experience crafting press releases, speeches, newsletters, video content for social media, and other communication materials

The ability to create and execute social media strategies to engage the community and promote agency initiatives

Experience processing Public Records Act requests and the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crisis situations, including coordinating messaging and managing public perception

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present in group settings and meetings

The ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently

Experience creating content for internal communications staff

The ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and address cultural nuances in messaging and outreach efforts

Sensitivity to cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion issues

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher, and experience using Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or InDesign

Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are highly desired but not required

Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide for possession of the stated knowledge and abilities. Normally this would include a Bachelor’s degree in public and/or business administration, communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field, and three years of professional‑level experience working in public/media relations, marketing, or a closely related field including experience developing communication strategies.

License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements as required by the State of California may be required depending on assignment. The position advertised does not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Bilingual Designation: Designated positions may require the ability to speak, read, and write a language in addition to English.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Preparing informational materials for news releases, press conferences, and newsletters, including graphics and written copy.

Advanced desktop publishing, web content design, graphics preparation, and video/photography applications.

Modern office practices and computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe creative tools.

Communicating effectively with diverse populations and addressing cultural nuances in messaging.

Researching and analyzing public attitudes and needs, and preparing data‑driven reports.

Developing and implementing comprehensive media and public relations programs.

Managing multiple projects simultaneously, setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and allocating resources efficiently.

Additional Requirements

Background investigation required prior to employment with authorized release forms.

Physical examination, drug screening, and other pre‑employment screenings may be required.

EEO Statement
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

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