What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Services Communications Manager position at County of Sonoma (CA)?
The Human Services Department's (HSD) Planning, Research, Evaluation, and Engagement (PREE) unit seeks an experienced professional to put their exceptional communications skill set to work for the County of Sonoma!
Starting salary up to $58.61/hour ($122,326/year) plus a competitive total compensation package!*
The Human Services Communications Manager is responsible for planning, developing, creating, and producing internal and external communications and strategic outreach related to HSD programs and services, including ongoing press and media outreach and response in collaboration with County communications staff. The Communications Manager will also coordinate the development of communications projects and campaigns, including budget estimates and timelines in collaboration with administrative and division staff. Additional responsibilities include:
- Drafting press releases on department and division updates
- Responding to Public Records Act (PRA) requests and coordinating the collection of data from division staff
- Drafting a monthly HSD Insider E-Newsletter and gathering content from contributors
- Managing and updating the HSD Website and staff portal intranet
- Developing social media content and posting with regular frequency across HSD media channels
- Handling crisis and incident communications, including disaster and emergency management
- Managing staff meetings, assisting in agenda development, speaker line ups, technical assistance, and meeting facilitation
- Supporting the PREE Unit through disseminating surveys and department-wide communications
- Coordinating with the County PIO on press and media campaigns among a broad array of other marketing and communication-related duties
- Working closely with the HSD Assistant Director and Department Director to help craft strategic messaging and communications for the Department
The ideal candidate will possess many of the following:
- The ability to adapt to changing priorities, crises, and unexpected challenges
- Experience distilling complex information about social services policies, programs, and initiatives
- The ability to manage pressure and maintain professionalism in high-stress situations
- Experience crafting press releases, speeches, newsletters, video content for social media, and other communication materials
- The ability to create and execute social media strategies to engage the community and promote agency initiatives
- Experience processing Public Records Act requests and the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crisis situations, including coordinating messaging and managing public perception
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present in group settings and meetings
- The ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently
- Experience creating content for internal communications staff
- The ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and address cultural nuances in messaging and outreach efforts
- Sensitivity to cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion issues
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher and experience using Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or InDesign
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are highly desired but not required
About the Human Services Department (HSD)
As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department’s mission is to build upon strengths, as we bridge clients to opportunities through responsive safety-net services. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging.
HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.
The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services.
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee family health plan options
- Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation- 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
The Human Services Department is currently recruiting to fill a Human Services Communications Manager position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title for this position is Program Planning and Evaluation Analyst.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Experience and Education: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, graduation from a college or university with a degree in social work, gerontology, psychology, sociology, public health, health science, health education, community health, public policy, public administration, business administration, economics, or a closely related area, and two years of experience in program planning, staff development, program supervision, community organization, and/or analysis of human, health, and/or child support services programs would provide such opportunity.
Specific experience related to the assigned division may be required for designated positions.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Considerable knowledge of: the principles and practices of data collection, management, and analysis, program planning, evaluation, needs assessment, and research methodology; project and program management; techniques, principles and work of the assigned program area; social and economic problems that call for the use of public and private county services; legislation and laws that regulate the operations of assigned program areas.
Working knowledge of: the principles and practices of grant preparation and review; budgeting and financial analysis including governmental sources of funding; principles, practices and methods of staff development; community resources and service agencies, including both private and other public agencies; the principles and practices of public economic assistance and service programs; principles of effective oral and written communication; effective community engagement and communication strategies and methods; personal computers and data base management systems.
Ability to: read, review, research, and analyze information including complex rules and regulations; plan, organize, develop, and carry through research projects effectively; select proper research methodology and apply it to program planning problems; design and evaluate program objectives and procedures; develop and implement training plans and programs to meet program needs; write and speak effectively; translate complex and/or complicated information into clear, concise terminology; understand and use data management systems to collect, manage, retrieve, and analyze quantitative data; present analysis and information visually as well as in writing; work cooperatively with a wide variety of professional and lay persons; work effectively with community groups and organizations; analyze problems and complaints and identify solutions; prepare, interpret and evaluate a variety of narrative and statistical data and reports; understand, interpret and apply procedures, laws, rules and regulations as they apply to assigned area; ensure proper compliance with federal, state and local guidelines, policies, goals, rules and regulations; understand and communicate complex systems and the relationship between a variety of initiatives.
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at: www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: EP
HR Tech: KK
Salary : $100,641 - $122,326
