PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSOCIATE

Los Angeles County (CA)•Los Angeles, CA

48d

About The Position

The LA County Board of Supervisors recently declared a local state of emergency for homelessness, and the County is working to revise and expand our response to help all who are affected. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of addressing issues like housing, mental health, and substance use. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Public Information Associate vacancies related to the homelessness crisis. Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment. Before the end of your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%. Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Public Information Associate. CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS: Under general direction, positions allocable to this class report to a higher-level supervisor or higher-level Public Information class and are responsible for advising and assisting in the overall administration of public information programs, services, or activities, utilizing various media channels. Incumbents participate in writing and editing releases and articles, researching departmental programs and identifying opportunities for potential media coverage or content development, and coordinating relations with the media. Positions in this class must possess good verbal and written communication skills applying communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques to engage local media and to convey information to the public through various media channels. Incumbents must demonstrate awareness of current events, especially those involving the County, and have a working knowledge of local media outlets, social media platforms, and the Public Records Act. This class may serve as the sole public information representative for a small department. Incumbents must seek professional development opportunities and continually update their skills.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Public Relations, English or a closely-related field -AND- Two years in a staff capacity in public relations administering a public information program or professional experience as a journalist within a media organization.
One additional year of the required experience will be accepted for each year of college.
A valid California Class C Driver License is required.

Responsibilities

Develops digital media content for web and social media platforms.
Develops and maintains contact lists for various media outlets, including hyperlocal and ethnic media outlets.
Coordinates and assists with public information-related special projects, research, events, and programs requiring knowledge of community and/or department concerns and issues.
Researches and reviews new and emerging media as an avenue for use in community outreach and public communications.
Establishes, develops, and maintains interactions with the media, community groups, and department managers to proactively provide information on departmental affairs.
Receives and responds to public information inquiries from the public regarding available services; prepares correspondence in response to inquiries, general complaints, and recommendations relative to the County's various programs and activities; and consults with appropriate staff members to secure pertinent facts and information.
Handles intake and response to media requests for information under the California Public Records Act, in coordination with departmental management, County Counsel and the department's Public Records Act coordinator.
Assists in analyzing and evaluating data to develop appropriate communications recommendations for management.
Assists in developing and maintaining internal communication projects.
Prepares releases, web and social media posts, and related materials that may be delivered through press conferences or other communication channels.
Serves as liaison between the department and media representatives.
Monitors and tracks issues affecting the department, monitors media channels, and informs management accordingly.
Assists in assessing effectiveness of communication efforts.
Assists in maintaining departmental website's public information content.
Manage a photo archive of key word-searchable photos, as necessary.
Staff public information booth and make presentations to community groups, as necessary.
Assist with emergency and crisis communications, as necessary.
Drive to different sites, as necessary.