EXAM TITLE: Senior Public Information Specialist

EXAM NUMBER: EW1609A-EA

JOB TYPE: PERMANENT

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT: OPEN COMPETITIVE - EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT

FILING DATES:
Applications will be accepted starting at 8:00 a.m. (PT) on September 4, 2024, until the needs of the service are met. The application filing period is subject to closure without notice.

ABOUT THIS EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT:
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.

Department of Economic Opportunity is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Senior Public Information Specialist vacancy.

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 Senior Public Information Specialist.

WORK LOCATION:
Economic Opportunity Headquarters
510 S Vermont Ave 11th Fl
Los Angeles CA 90020

Economic Opportunity offers a hybrid telework schedule subject to the needs of the department.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is LA County’s central economic and workforce development hub helping residents connect to new career pathways, start and certify a business, and access life-changing opportunities. We’re working to advance equity and inclusive, sustainable growth through all DEO programs and services by targeting economic benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalized communities, small businesses and residents in LA County.

Our Vision: An equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all.

Our Mission: DEO creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant local communities and spaces.

Essential Job Functions

Serves as a key resource to executive management, advising on media relations, strategic communications, procedures, and processes.
Provides technical guidance or supervises a team of lower-level public information staff.
Establishes the objectives of the department’s public information program and develops strategies and tactics to accomplish these objectives.
Organizes and assigns work (as needed), sets priorities, and follows-up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work.
Participates in or supervises (as needed) the development and execution of communication strategies, tactics and deliverables, through various communication channels such as web and social media content, email newsletters, and print collateral such as brochures, annual reports, and other content.
Oversees the coordination and execution of videography, photography, and graphic design services, as needed.
Researches and oversees research of departmental projects for proactive media outreach.
Develops procedures, standards, and guidelines for the collection, review, and presentation of information to be communicated to the public through the various media channels and platforms.
Coordinates releases and distribution to the media; organizes and arranges public information campaigns and press conferences.
Identifies, develops, and maintains key communication channels, adapting and improving them in line with external trends and business needs.
Manages and responds 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.
Attends and participates in meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations related to the field of public information and media relations.
Serves as liaison between the department and media representatives and develops effective relationships with media outlets.
Monitors and tracks issues affecting the department, monitors media channels and informs management accordingly.
Works with department representatives to develop communications such as an annual report, annual budget, mission and vision, and other critical documents.
Serves as an information conduit to Board staff and Board Deputies and alerts them of inquiries regarding high-profile or controversial issues affecting the department and provides opportunities to generate accurate media coverage to highlight departmental activities to the public.
Responds to newsworthy events and media inquiries, which may include emergencies as a result of an epidemic or following the occurrence of natural or other disaster by providing contacts and immediate responsiveness to inquiries including receiving and assessing information, tailoring releases to the audience, cooperating with the Board Office, Chief Executive Office, communications media, and advising appropriate personnel.
Develops and maintains internal communication projects.
Assesses effectiveness of digital content using online metrics.
Maintains departmental website’s public information content.
Manages a photo archive of key word-searchable photos as needed.
Staffs public information booth and makes presentations to community groups as needed.
Develops and manages annual operating budget and provides fiscal direction to the unit(s) supervised as needed.
Attends off-site events, as needed.

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-

Four years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County’s class of Public Information Specialist initiating, planning, developing, maintaining, evaluating, implementing, and coordinating a public information program,

-OR-

Four years of professional experience as a journalist within a media organization.

Each additional year of such experience may be substituted for one year of college, to a maximum of four years.

A closely related field is defined as a degree that has a direct correlation to the Senior Public Information Specialist job functions.

The Public Information Specialist assists in the initiation, planning, development, maintenance, evaluation, implementation, and coordination of a public information and engagement program for a County department.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:
To receive credit for the required education, a legible copy of the diploma or official transcript for each degree that displays the degree awarded and date conferred must be submitted as proof of meeting the educational requirement. The official diploma or transcript can be attached to the application or emailed to DEORecruitment@opportunity.lacounty.gov. Please reference exam number EW1609A-EA in the subject line. International degrees in a foreign language must be translated to English and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards.

LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS II - LIGHT:
This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Additional Information

EXAMINATION CONTENT:

Performance Evaluation weighted 100%. Those who achieve a passing score on this evaluation will be considered for permanent appointment.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:

Applications must be filed online only.

Apply online by clicking on the "APPLY" button for this posting. You can also track the status of your application using this website. All information is subject to verification. We may reject your application at any time during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Fill out your application completely. The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly shown that you meet the requirements.

Provide all relevant training and experience in the spaces provided to assist in evaluating your qualifications for the job. For each job held, give the name and address of your employer, your job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week and description of work performed.

Applicants must provide a legible copy of the diploma or official transcript from an accredited institution (the transcript must display the degree awarded and date conferred). If you are not able to submit the required copy of your diploma or official transcript with your application at the time of filing, you may email a copy to DEORecruitment@opportunity.lacounty.gov. Please reference exam number EW1609A-EA in the subject line.

If your application is incomplete, it will be rejected.

Many important notifications will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application, so it is important to provide a valid email address. Please add DEORecruitment@opportunity.lacounty.gov as well as noreply@governmentjobs.com, and info@governmentjobs.com to your list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. You may opt out of emails from LA County. However, if you unsubscribe, you will not receive any email notification for any examination for which you apply with Los Angeles County.

You may be required to verify your email address so plan to submit your online application well in advance of the deadline. This is only required once per email address, and if you already have a job seeker account on www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty, you can verify at any time by logging in and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of your online application and to ensure you do not enter an incorrect email address.

FAIR CHANCE INITIATIVE:
The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except for a very limited number of positions, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a contingent offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed.

ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (ARDI):
The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. The Department of Human Resources is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES: For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD: All applicants must file their application online using their OWN user ID and password. Using a family member or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.

DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
For any questions regarding this examination, please send an email to DEORecruitment@opportunity.lacounty.gov. Please reference exam number EW1609A-EA in the subject line.

California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2992

Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099

ADA Coordinator Phone: (213) 300-4966

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

Your Responsibilities:

1. Completing Your Application:

a. Before submission of the application, it is your responsibility to ensure that all information provided is correct and complete on the application. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

b. List each payroll title separately for each job. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you are a Los Angeles County employee and have held multiple positions, do NOT list all of your time with the County under your present payroll title.

c. Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.

d. To receive credit, include required documents (e.g., copy of your diploma, transcript, certificate, or license) as directed on the job posting. International degrees in a foreign language must be translated to English and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards. Refer to the job posting for specific deadlines for supporting documentation.

2. Requirements on Job Posting:

a. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time.

b. You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment unless other age limits are stated on the job posting. The Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age for any individual age 40 or older.

c. Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40- hour week, unless specified otherwise. Prorated part-time experience may be acceptable.

3. Application Deadline: All job applications must be completed and submitted before the closing time on the last day of the filing period as indicated on the job posting unless other instructions are provided. Job postings with an open continuous filing period are subject to closure without prior notice. It is to your advantage to file your application early and not wait until the last allowable date and time as you will not be able to apply once the filing period has closed.

4. Change of Name or Address: To change personal information such as your name or address, log into your profile on www.governmentjobs.com and make the necessary change. This can be done at any time.

5. Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy:

a. It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. b. If you are an individual requesting reasonable accommodation(s) in the examination process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. The provision of accommodation(s) may be subject to verification, consistent with state and federal law. All accommodation-related information will remain confidential.

Disclaimer: The County of Los Angeles is not responsible or in any way liable for any computer hardware or software malfunction that may affect the employment application or the application selection process.

You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of this system and the Internet generally. This system and the information provided on it are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. No advice or information given by the County of Los Angeles or its respective employees shall modify the foregoing or create any warranty.

The County of Los Angeles expressly disclaims any warranty that the information on this system or on the Internet generally will be uninterruptible or error free or that any information, software or other material accessible from the system is free of viruses or other harmful components. You shall have no recourse against the County of Los Angeles as the system provider for any alleged or actual infringement of any proprietary rights a user may have in anything posted or retrieved on our system.

The County of Los Angeles shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this system or with the delay or inability to use it (or any linked sites), or for any information obtained through this system, or otherwise arising out of the use of this system, the Internet generally or on any other basis.

NOTE: Your application is submitted using Secure Encryption to ensure the privacy of all information you transmit over the Internet.

By accepting the Use Disclaimer set forth herein, you agree to all of the above terms and further agree to use this Online Job Employment Application System only for the submission of bona fide employment applications to the County of Los Angeles. Any other use of this Online Job Employment Application System, including without limitation any copying, downloading, translating, decompiling, or reverse engineering of the system, data, or related software, shall be a violation of the Use Disclaimer.

Test Preparation: Study Guides and other resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. An interactive system for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at https://hr.lacounty.gov/. Additional resources may be listed on the job posting.

Veteran’s Credit: In all open competitive examinations, a veteran’s credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examinations will be added to the final passing grade of an honorably discharged veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under any of the following conditions: During a declared war; -or- During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; -or- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010 the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; -or- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal or expeditionary medal has been authorized and awarded. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti qualifies for credit.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980 (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty.

This also applies to the spouse of such person who, while engaged in such service was wounded, disabled or crippled and thereby permanently prevented from engaging in any remunerative occupation, and also to the widow or widower of any such person who died or was killed while in such service. A DD214, Certificate of Discharge or Separation from Active Duty, or other official documents issued by the branch of service are required as verification of eligibility for Veterans preference. Applicants must submit the documentation for each open competitive exam to qualify for veteran’s credit. More information available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/

Accreditation Information: Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies that are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). More information is available at: http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/070812_PPG123.pdf (Download PDF reader) and http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205105_PPG_123_AC E_Resource_Guide.pdf (Download PDF reader)

Background Check: The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed.

Career Planning: Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at https://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov/#/.

Benefit Information: Depending on the position, the successful candidate will enroll in a contributory defined benefit pension plan if the candidate is a “new member” of the County’s defined benefit plan (LACERA) on or after January 1, 2013 (first employed by the County on or after December 1, 2012) – unless she or he established reciprocity with another public retirement system in which she or he was a member before January 1, 2013. It should be noted that County employees do not pay into Social Security, but do pay the Medical Hospital Insurance Tax portion of Social Security at a rate of 1.45%. The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) has reciprocal agreements with several public retirement systems in California.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: All positions are open to qualified men and women. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons with disabilities who believe they need reasonable accommodation, or help in order to apply for a position, may contact the ADA/Personnel Services for Disabled Persons Coordinator. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. The County will attempt to meet reasonable accommodation requests whenever possible.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. All positions are open to qualified men and women pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. The County will comply with all of its obligations under State and Federal laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to applicants.

Los Angeles County Child Support Compliance Program: In an effort to improve compliance with court ordered child, family and spousal support obligations, certain employment and identification information (i.e., name, address, Social Security number and date of hire) is regularly reported to the State Directory of New Hires which may assist in locating persons who owe these obligations. Family Code Section 17512 permits under certain circumstances for additional employment and identifying information to be requested. Applicants will not be disqualified from employment based on this information.

Social Security Act of 2004: Section 419 (c) of Public Law 108-203, the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, requires State and local government employers to disclose the effect of the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset Provision to employees hired on or after January 1, 2005, in jobs not covered by Social Security. The County of Los Angeles does not participate in the Social Security System. All newly hired County of Los Angeles employees must sign a statement (Form SSA-1945) prior to the start of employment indicating that they are aware of a possible reduction in their future Social Security benefit entitlement. For more information on Social Security and about each provision, you may visit the website www.socialsecurity.gov, or call toll free 1-800-772- 1213. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 or contact a local Social Security office.

Employment Eligibility Information: Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States. Immigration law provides that all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present original documents to the County, within three (3) business days of hiring, which show satisfactory proof of 1) identity and 2) U.S. employment eligibility.

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 commencing with Section 12900 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) the Regulations of the Fair Employment and Housing Commission (California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Division 4, Sections 7285.0 through 8504) and other applicable laws prohibit employment discrimination based on an applicant's protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, childbirth, and other characteristics.

COVID-19 VACCINATION: Some County workforce members may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Successful candidates for those positions/classifications may be required to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or request an exemption for qualifying medical or religious reasons during the onboarding process. Candidates should not present proof of vaccination until instructed to do so by the hiring department.

Updated February 2024

Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources

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Senior Public Information Specialist