Technical Writer III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

26d

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. Performs advanced (senior-level) technical writing work involving composing, organizing, and editing compiled information. Works under limited supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbott Executive Order GA-48.
• Knowledge of the techniques and methods of planning, organizing, and writing various types of materials; research methodology; and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Skill in writing technical and business documents, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to conduct research; to compose, review, illustrate, and edit technical documents, materials, and reports; and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to edit in an html-based content management system such as Drupal, WordPress, or Dreamweaver
• Ability to work in a modern email design client such as GovDelivery, MailChimp, Constant Contant, Emma, or similar system.
• Skill in copy editing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the use of writing style guides such as the Associated Press Style Guide.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to diplomatically edit the work of others, negotiating changes while maintaining strong, collaborative relationships. Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in English, communications, journalism, technical writing, business administration, education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years of full-time experience in technical writing, documentation, journalism, communications, or content development, with 5–7 years of experience preferred.
• Experience may be substituted for education on a one-to-one basis.
• Experience writing content for specialized and general audiences.
• Experience using a writing style guide.
• Experience editing the work of others.
• Experience working in an html-based content management system and in a modern email design client.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite products.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a government agency or health and human services environment.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508 compliance).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and refine technical material for speeches and public presentations.
• Review and evaluate materials for consistency with quality standards and documentation policies and procedures.
• Provide training and guidance to agency staff on best practices for technical writing, including translating complex concepts into easily understandable content.
• Manage the documentation lifecycle, including the creation, version control, and delivery of documentation.
• Develop, prepare, and disseminate policies and procedures for written documents.
• Consult with staff in the development of formats, graphics, and publication layouts.
• Research and evaluate new documentation tools and methods.
• Review edited materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, and content.
• Plan and schedule documentation delivery.
• Composes, reviews, and edits technical documents, materials, and reports, including training or user manuals, how-to guides, policy and procedure documentation, and other technical documentation. Add job duties
• Researches, develops, and disseminates information on techniques for organizing and presenting information for clarity and accessibility.
• Arranges for the duplication and distribution of documents, publications, and reports.
• Consults with staff on the development of materials by gathering accurate information and translating technical content, including descriptions of concepts, process, and systems, into clear, user-friendly language.
• Prepares responses to correspondence, reports, surveys, questionnaires, and other requests for information.
• Reviews, analyzes, and summarizes documents.
• Maintains records and files of work and revisions.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees