Child Welfare Editor/Writer II

JBS International•North Bethesda, MD

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Writer/Editor II-Child Welfare is a versatile editor and writer on a highly collaborative, creative team. The role focuses on substantive editing, copyediting, and quality assurance for engaging, high-quality communications products that support project-specific child welfare priorities. The successful candidate will develop and refine evidence-based content that supports improved child welfare outcomes and resonates with audiences such as state and federal policymakers and child welfare professionals. The role requires child welfare knowledge, extensive writing and editing experience, and comfort working in an agile, deadline-driven environment. The position is remote eligible. Candidates who live within 50 miles of the North Bethesda, Maryland, or San Mateo, California, offices will be expected to work in a hybrid capacity. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Public Trust as a condition of employment. The role is subject to availability of funds and restrictions in the contracts that provide its funding.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in English, Communications, Comparative Literature, Journalism, or a child welfare- or public health-related field.
At least 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, including substantial hands-on experience in substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
Experience editing and writing content in child welfare, public health, social science, or behavioral health.
Experience in digital-first communications and adapting writing style for digital channels.
Working knowledge of the Styles function in Microsoft Word.
Experience responsibly incorporating artificial intelligence into editorial workflows.
Ability to independently edit others’ work for clarity, organization, consistency, and style while preserving intended meaning, and to write clear, concise original copy with minimal supervision and revision.
Demonstrated ability to tailor messaging to specific audiences.
Experience collaborating in small and cross-functional teams.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing requirements and guidance.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage varied writing and editing projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to interact positively, courteously, and professionally with others.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent oral communication skills.
Demonstrated writing and editing skills, supported by work samples across a range of formats and publication channels.
Superior command of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax, and ability to apply common industry style guides such as AMA, AP, APA, Chicago, and GPO.
Working knowledge of federal plain language guidelines.
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and PowerPoint.
Experience with Microsoft SharePoint or similar document-sharing platforms that support simultaneous access, editing, and revision tracking.
Working knowledge of the Section 508 compliance review process.
Working knowledge of project or publication tracking and management software such as Monday.com, MS Project, or Smartsheet.
Familiarity with plagiarism detection platforms or software.
Working knowledge of content revision functions in Adobe Acrobat.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Public Trust.
Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse.
Ability to see and read computer screens and printed materials.
Dexterity to use hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform precision tasks.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to stand, walk, reach, and bend frequently to access office equipment and attend meetings.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds for short distances.
Ability to perceive and interact with the environment using hearing and speaking skills.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in the Section 508 compliance review process.

Responsibilities

Perform substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, and quality control reviews of new and existing content to improve clarity, organization, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to project style guides, with minimal oversight.
Write and revise content about priority child welfare topics in multiple formats, tailoring content to specified audiences.
Collaborate with clients, reviewers, subject matter experts, and other contributors to obtain and incorporate feedback and verify the accuracy of final documents.
Track editorial processes and help identify and project timelines for drafting, reviewing, revising, editing, formatting, quality control, and final content production.
Prepare content for internal and external review.
Post approved resources to the content management system.
Update published content to reflect research advances, new guidance, evolving best practices and industry standards, and legislative and regulatory changes.
Assist with developing, updating, and expanding project style guides.
Ensure client needs are reflected in products and consistent voice and language are used across materials.
Contribute to discussions about process and quality improvement, workflow efficiency, and editorial and content development best practices.
Engage in professional development to stay current with industry trends and innovations in content development.
Collaborate on research to support content development, including creating substantive, well-cited outlines for product proposals.
Assist with Section 508 compliance review.
Perform other related duties as required by the supervisor.