COMM LIAISON/RELA COORD (DCYF)

State of careers Rhode Island • Providence, RI

18h • $93,088 - $105,427 • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the Public Information Officer for the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Responsibilities include working with DCYF leadership and the Department’s Public Engagement team to create and oversee a multichannel strategic communications plan for the agency and its divisions. The Public Information Officer is the official spokesperson for DCYF and regularly interacts with members of the media, internal and external stakeholders and the public. This position also works closely with the state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services and other State agency communications teams and the Governor’s communications team to ensure coordinated communications. Responsibilities include the creation and dissemination of internal and external communications, including press releases; responses to media inquiries; presentations; fliers and brochures; website and employee intranet content; reports; social media; and internal and external newsletters. The PIO supports the DCYF Director in preparation for media interviews and speaking engagements, including drafting remarks and speeches, and staffs the Director at events where media are present. Candidates should have strong writing, reporting, editing and proofreading skills and experience distilling complex information into relevant, timely and easily digestible messaging on deadline. Previous experience with photography, video and/or intermediate graphic design will be considered.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, practices and procedures for the dissemination of compelling information.
• Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to evaluate and assess the attitudes and need for change and modification in the organizational culture of children and family services system as identified by the community as well as various public and private organizations interested in human services.
• Thorough knowledge and sensitivity to cultural issues.
• Thorough knowledge of community resources and the ability to utilize them effectively.
• Working knowledge of automation systems and related software.
• Through knowledge of the operation of a personal computer and the ability to apply such knowledge.
• Ability to write, edit and develop various written materials including written correspondences, brochures, as well as news releases.
• Ability to develop and evaluate reports and to present these in written and verbal presentations.
• Ability to accept direction and work under the supervision of a superior.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse clients, staff, superiors and associates, other public and private agencies, and the community.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Public Administration, Public Relations or other related degree with concentration in mediation and/or conflict resolution.
• Full-time employment in community organizing, public relations or responding to constituents’ concerns.
• Strong writing, reporting, editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience distilling complex information into relevant, timely and easily digestible messaging on deadline.
• Must undergo a national fingerprint background screening.
• Must have employment eligibility validated through E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with photography, video and/or intermediate graphic design.

Responsibilities

• Development, implementation and maintenance of the Office of Community Relations responsible for timely communications, outreach, conflict resolution and public information.
• Collection and dissemination of information to improve the department's effectiveness, efficiency and accountability, by strengthening both external and internal support systems.
• Provide outreach and liaison with community agencies, religious institutions, advocacy groups and individuals for on-going productive dialogue.
• Respond, in a timely manner, to calls and letters where individuals raise concerns or have questions regarding cases.
• Track all letters and calls received and ensure timely and respectful response or status report.
• Assist the department in its understanding and improving cultural competence.
• Develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive staff communications program.
• Coordinate community education about the department including speakers’ bureau.
• Coordinate the publication of brochures, pamphlets and newsletters directed toward the public and clients of the department.
• Assist outside individuals in their understanding of federal and state law, regulation and best social work practice for the safety and well-being of children.
• Develop a client’s rights form, which will apprise clients of their rights and of the availability of staff who will hear, investigate and respond to their concerns.
• Act as liaison between assigned department staff person and concerned individual to ensure individual understands what is occurring and help secure timely, respectful responses to questions.
• Act as liaison to Hearing Officer and hearing office re: scheduling of hearings and insurance of decisions.
• Respond to requests by the assigned department staff person to bring together community individuals who can assist in a particular situation.
• Submit quarterly written reports to the Director and Senior Executive Team detailing the types of concerns raised by the community and the resolution.
• Work with staff development and training and personnel offices to enhance diversity of workforce.
• Actively engage in recruitment for entry and other level positions within the agency.
• Assist in screening of candidates who may have non traditional skills and experiences.
• Work with department’s Multi-Cultural Consultation Team to enhance the recognition, appreciation and celebrate diversity among staff and our clientele.
• Work with department’s ADA coordinator to explore options for disabled staff to contribute meaningfully as part of a diverse workforce.
• Work with the department’s Affirmative Action Committee in recruitment, planning and implementation of Affirmative Action Plan.
• Work with the department’s Equal Employment Opportunity Officer in relation to planning and compliance and development of a diverse workforce.
• Create and oversee a multichannel strategic communications plan for the agency and its divisions.
• Serve as the official spokesperson for DCYF.
• Regularly interact with members of the media, internal and external stakeholders and the public.
• Work closely with the state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services and other State agency communications teams and the Governor’s communications team to ensure coordinated communications.
• Create and disseminate internal and external communications, including press releases; responses to media inquiries; presentations; fliers and brochures; website and employee intranet content; reports; social media; and internal and external newsletters.
• Support the DCYF Director in preparation for media interviews and speaking engagements, including drafting remarks and speeches.
• Staff the Director at events where media are present.

Benefits

• Information regarding benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees can be found on the Office of Employee Benefits' website.
• Direct deposit for all employees is required.
• Public service with purpose and impact.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level