Human Services Communications Specialist - Promotional

Responsibilities
The Human Services Communications Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, creating, and producing internal and external communications and strategic outreach related to HSD programs and services, including ongoing press and media outreach and response in collaboration with County communications staff. The Communications Specialist will also coordinate the development of communications projects and campaigns, including budget estimates and timelines in collaboration with administrative and division staff.

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

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

Education and Experience

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would provide possession of the stated knowledge and abilities; normally includes 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 in public/media relations, marketing, or a closely related field including experience developing communication strategies.

Licensing and Other Requirements
Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level may be required depending upon assignment; the advertised position does not require a California driver’s license. Bilingual designation may be required for certain positions.

Considerable Knowledge
Principles, tools, techniques, and methods of preparing information, news releases, press conferences, and instructional materials, including graphics and written copy; principles and techniques of preparing and disseminating information, including use of relevant social media channels; techniques and methods used in composing and preparing correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, reports, and similar materials; desktop publishing, web content design and development, graphics preparation/presentation, video/photography, and the operation of related applications and equipment; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work; and generally accepted rules of English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.

Working Knowledge
Methods and techniques used in evaluating public attitudes and needs; County program activities and operations, and the relationship of federal and state programs with local government programs.

Ability
Effectively communicate County policies and services to community groups, committees, other agencies and the general public; demonstrate resourcefulness and judgment in the analysis and solution of complex public relations matters; speak publicly and effectively to a variety of diverse community groups; write effectively and edit the writing of others; develop effective marketing and outreach programs to reach diverse target markets; prepare complete, accurate, concise public information materials; select the proper medium to deliver and gather effective public information and feedback; stay abreast of organizational issues and priorities; strategize, develop, and implement a comprehensive media and public relations program for departmental assignments; research and analyze problems; establish and maintain effective relationships; and effectively use computer software such as desktop publishers, presentation software, graphic design, spreadsheets, and databases; develop and manage web pages; compile and analyze statistical information; develop creative and effective verbal and visual presentations; research and prepare technical reports.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will provide employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. 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.

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