Assistant Public Information Coordinator (NY HELPS Program- Local), PT

RESIDENCY: Candidates must have been legal residents of the following jurisdiction(s) for at least four months immediately preceding the date of the application:

• Livingston County, or
• One of the following Counties: Allegany, Genesee, Monroe, Ontario, Steuben or Wyoming

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS:  In order for an application to be approved, the applicant must clearly show the training, education, experience, and/or licensure/certification stated in the Typical Qualifications.  All qualifying information must appear on the application form.  No credit will be given for a Work Experience description that is unclear.

RELATED COLLEGE DEGREE:  If the applicant is relying on a related college degree to qualify, the applicant must submit a copy of their unofficial college transcript with the application.  

If the applicant is hired, the applicant will be required to have their official transcript directly sent to the Livingston County Human Resources Department.  The original transcript must be received by the Livingston County Human Resources Department before completing the onboarding process.

The work involves responsibility for preparing informational materials and presentations in a variety of formats and media for Livingston County (County) and its departments. The incumbent will maintain and update the County website and assist with the management of the County’s social media accounts. The incumbent may act as a liaison between the County and news media. Work is performed in the office and in the field. Supervision of others is not a responsibility of this class. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Grants and Public Information Coordinator with leeway allowed for carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of the position. An Assistant Public Information Coordinator does related work as assigned.

• Edits and writes news releases, newsletters, articles, brochures, advertisements and copy for other documents; 
• Gathers information from a variety of sources to prepare news releases and informational material, as well as other documents;
• Produces and participates in the distribution of various types of multi-media material;
• Collaborates with staff and creative team to prepare or review digital content for website and social channels including articles, email content, video and images to engage the target audience and present the County in a positive and appropriate manner;
• Takes photographs and videos or obtains appropriate graphics as necessary to be used for the publication of a variety of audio visual and news story presentations;
• Develops, formats and prepares layout to guide printers in the publication of a variety of materials for information to be disbursed to the general public and/or special interests groups;
• Assists in managing the County’s social media accounts and website;
• Uses social media and digital platforms to amplify the branding and message of the County to new and existing audiences, and engages with online community;
• May serve as liaison officer between the County and news media;
• Works with printers, proofreads material to be printed and maintains up-to-date mailing lists;
• Implements public relations and communication goals and plans according to the needs and priorities of the County;
• Monitors the website in a proactive manner to ensure that information is accurate, content is current and pages are free of errors;
• Reviews and edits media material prepared by staff before release to the public; 
• Writes, edits and reviews drafts and final copies of speeches, presentations and other communications;
• Prepares and gives oral presentations as needed;
• Responds verbally and in writing to requests for information from the general public and/or special interest groups; 
• May be required to attend offsite events to gather information or take photographs or videos; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the principles, terminology, and techniques of public relations, promotion, and journalism; good knowledge of the techniques and practices of verbal and written communications; good knowledge of writing style, vocabulary, spelling and grammar; good knowledge of newsletter design; working knowledge of media relations and practices (TV, radio and print media); good knowledge of computer applications for office operations, including word processing and spreadsheets; working knowledge of graphic design, video editing, and web development applications; working knowledge of basic concepts and terms used in printing and reproduction related to the areas of photography, videography, and publication layout and design; working knowledge of methods and procedures of producing, publishing and distributing printed informational material; good knowledge of online mediums and social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.); working knowledge of the functions, goals, and programs of Livingston County; ability to research and verify information; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;
ability to develop and maintain working relationships with staff, media personnel, government agencies, community groups and community organizations; ability to proofread written and graphic materials and edit the written work of others; ability to engage with online community on behalf of the County; ability to work under deadline pressure; ability to carry out assignments independently; ability to use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, email and database software; good judgment; tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and public; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Applicants must meet all requirements for one of the following qualification options in order to be approved for examination and/or appointment:

Qualification Option #	1	2
Training/Education	Possession of an Associate’s degree[1] in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field.	Possession of an Associate’s degree[1].
General experience	One (1) year full-time, paid professional level[2] experience in public relations, communications, or a closely related field.	Two (2) years full-time, paid professional level[2] experience in public relations, communications, or a closely related field.
Supervisory experience	N.A.
License/ Certification	Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license.
Other requirements	See Special Qualifications below.

Part-time service will be given prorated credit toward experience requirements.  

[1] A higher degree in one of the stated fields of study is also acceptable.

[2] Professional experience, for the purposes of these minimum qualifications, means work involving the performance of duties after completion of undergraduate or graduate study in one of the stated fields.

1. An appropriate driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
2. A driving record evidencing safe and responsible vehicle operation is required. 
3. Must authorize and execute any necessary releases to enable the appointing authority to verify licensure and driving history involving violations and/or crimes. 

Assistant Public Information Coordinator (NY HELPS Program - Local) – NC in County service

SPECIAL NOTE:  This is a position in the non-competitive class.  An appointee will attain permanent competitive status as an Assistant Pubic Information Coordinator, without examination, upon the HELP Program ending and one year of service with satisfactory ratings.