What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Information Specialist 2 (NY HELPS), WCB Item #5058 position at New York State Workers' Compensation Board?
Duties Description
Under the direction of the Director of Public Information, within the Communications unit of the Public Information Office, the Public Information Specialist 2 will write, edit, and review copy for a range of Board materials. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Non-competitive Minimum Qualifications
Seven years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media.
Substitution: An associate's degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor's in these fields can substitute for four years; and a master's degree in these fields can substitute for an additional year of specialized experience.
55 B/C Qualifications
Individuals certified eligible for the 55b/c program under the Governor’s Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55b/c of the Civil Service Law will also be considered. To be considered, you must meet the minimum qualifications and provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response.
Competitive Minimum Qualifications
CIVIL SERVICE LIST APPOINTMENT:
There is no Civil Service eligible list for this title.
OR
Transfer Qualifications
Candidates must have one year permanent or 55 b/c service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
OR
Non-competitive Promotion Qualification
If the number of eligible interested candidates is three or less, the agency, at its discretion, may nominate a candidate for a non-competitive promotion under the provisions of Section 52.7 of the Civil Service Law. If approved by Civil Service, this would be considered a permanent appointment.
In order to be eligible for an NCP, candidates must be a qualified employee of the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and have one year of permanent competitive or non-competitive service as: Either A: Public Information Specialist 1, OR, B: Graphic Designer 2, Multimedia Production Representative 1, Multimedia Production Program Specialist 1, or Photographer 4.
Additional Comments
Please Note: This position requires both in-office and remote work. A hybrid telecommuting schedule can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
Holiday & Paid Time Off
The Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) is an equal opportunity employer. The Board does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. The Board is dedicated to eliminating injustices and ensuring diversity in our workforce so we can better serve our staff and create a space where all feel safe to be themselves. To help meet those goals, we encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. We are looking for candidates who are committed to working in and contributing to an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, as well as inclusion, and celebrates people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.
We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. If you have a disability or special need that requires a reasonable accommodation, please send a request to officeofgeneralcounsel@wcb.ny.gov.
Under the direction of the Director of Public Information, within the Communications unit of the Public Information Office, the Public Information Specialist 2 will write, edit, and review copy for a range of Board materials. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Write, edit, and review copy for external messages, all-staff emails, policy updates, video scripts, speeches, fact sheets, etc.
- Ensure Board communications are free of spelling, grammar, and other errors, and that they are written in alignment with the Board's style guide.
- Oversee the process and staff who manages the Board's regulatory communications (known as subject numbers), including drafting and/or reviewing subject numbers based on input from subject matter experts, managing review and approval process, and coordinating with web support team and others once the subject number is finalized and ready for publication/distribution.
- Draft, review, and edit unit procedures to help Board staff perform critical job functions.
- Review and refine training materials, publications, newsletters, presentations, and stakeholder communications to ensure clarity and consistency.
- Lead the review process for publications, collaborating with subject matter experts and managing feedback and approvals.
- Oversee and update the Board's style guide and glossaries, ensuring consistency in style and terminology across all materials.
- Serve as a writing and grammar resource, supporting staff with editorial queries and regulatory review processes.
- Supervise one team member.
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Non-competitive Minimum Qualifications
Seven years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media.
Substitution: An associate's degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor's in these fields can substitute for four years; and a master's degree in these fields can substitute for an additional year of specialized experience.
55 B/C Qualifications
Individuals certified eligible for the 55b/c program under the Governor’s Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55b/c of the Civil Service Law will also be considered. To be considered, you must meet the minimum qualifications and provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response.
Competitive Minimum Qualifications
CIVIL SERVICE LIST APPOINTMENT:
There is no Civil Service eligible list for this title.
OR
Transfer Qualifications
Candidates must have one year permanent or 55 b/c service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
OR
Non-competitive Promotion Qualification
If the number of eligible interested candidates is three or less, the agency, at its discretion, may nominate a candidate for a non-competitive promotion under the provisions of Section 52.7 of the Civil Service Law. If approved by Civil Service, this would be considered a permanent appointment.
In order to be eligible for an NCP, candidates must be a qualified employee of the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and have one year of permanent competitive or non-competitive service as: Either A: Public Information Specialist 1, OR, B: Graphic Designer 2, Multimedia Production Representative 1, Multimedia Production Program Specialist 1, or Photographer 4.
Additional Comments
Please Note: This position requires both in-office and remote work. A hybrid telecommuting schedule can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
Holiday & Paid Time Off
- Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
- Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20 days with additional years of service.
- Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
- Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
- Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
- Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
- Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
- Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
- NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
- Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
- Eligibility for various life insurance options.
- Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Program
- Flexible Spending Program, which allows employees to set aside pre-tax payroll deductions for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
The Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) is an equal opportunity employer. The Board does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. The Board is dedicated to eliminating injustices and ensuring diversity in our workforce so we can better serve our staff and create a space where all feel safe to be themselves. To help meet those goals, we encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. We are looking for candidates who are committed to working in and contributing to an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, as well as inclusion, and celebrates people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.
We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. If you have a disability or special need that requires a reasonable accommodation, please send a request to officeofgeneralcounsel@wcb.ny.gov.