<p>General Job Information</p> <p>Job Summary</p> <p>This position is located in the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of the Director (OD). The mission of the D.C. Department of Human Services is to provide meaningful and equitable services, supports, and access to resources for District residents to realize their goals. The incumbent in this role is responsible for developing informational material that inform appropriate publics of the organization's policies, programs, services and activities; advising management on the formulation and articulation of organization policy; and designing, executing, and evaluating the information programs that communicate organization policies, programs, and actions to various pertinent publics.</p> <p>This position conducts the public affairs program for an organization with responsibilities for planning, developing and communicating the organization's programs, policies, and activities to the public; participating with management in policy formulation, advising on the potential public reaction to proposed policies; and planning, organizing, and evaluating communication strategies, programs and materials</p> <p>About DHS</p> <p>The mission of the DHS is to provide meaningful and equitable services, support, and access to resources for District residents to realize their goals. Our approach to preventing homelessness and supporting individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness is focused both on systems-level reforms and on the quality of the programs and supports within that system. These efforts include creating economic opportunity, making our neighborhoods safer, and providing more effective and efficient government services.</p> <p>Duties and Responsibilities</p> <p>As the Public Affairs Specialist the incumbent will plan, initiate, and implement comprehensive public affairs campaigns to enhance the understanding of the organization's programs in achieving greater understanding of the organization's mission and functions. Evaluate information problems encountered in communicating the organization's programs. Advise on and recommend specific information activities designed to meet these problems. Analyzes information needs in terms of the public needs to be met and provides advice on program information problems to program staff. Advises the organization's top management officials on the possible public and media reactions to proposed policy statements or organization's actions. Formulates and recommends policies, programs and procedures governing information functions related to the work of the organization. Represents the organization in a variety of community outreach activities, meetings, and public forums; speaks to groups and individuals regarding activities and services; and participates as an active member of designated community organizations and/or committees. Arranges and conduct workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various organizations in stimulating participation in organization activities.</p> <p>The Public Affairs Specialist Incumbent develops and disseminates a wide range of information and data concerning the nature and objectives of organization programs, employing all types of media outlets. Prepares newsletters or other communications for distribution to the components within the organization to keep them acquainted with programs at organization headquarters. Prepares and/or drafts content for press releases, speeches, blog articles, internet or other outlets which convey to the general public or specific stakeholder groups information about programs and/or services, testimonies or comments for proposed local and federal regulations, and/or recommendations impacting the delivery of programs and services. Develops appropriate communication channels, techniques and strategies for use by others in disseminating information to hard-to-reach audiences. Implement strategies, as necessary, for assessing the performance and effectiveness of public information programs, and social media activities that evaluate organization's goals.</p> <p>Qualifications and Education</p> <p>Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.</p> <p>Licenses and Certifications</p> <p>None</p> <p>Working Conditions/Environment</p> <p>The work environment includes an office setting and the work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.</p> <p>Other Significant Facts</p> <p>Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm</p> <p>Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1035-13</p> <p>Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential</p> <p>Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent</p> <p>Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining unit.</p> <p>Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations, Suitability - Security.</p> <p>Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency pursuant to Chapter 12 of DC Personnel Regulations.</p> <p>Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona-fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7 year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.</p> <p>EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.</p>