Public Awareness Communications Specialist

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

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About this Unit:
The Office of Children, Aging and Community Services (OCACS) Communications and Outreach unit exists to manage the communications and outreach efforts of the OCACS related to internal programs and divisions as well as external activities including, but not limited to, the supervision of 64 counties’ social/human services for compliance with Federal and State statutes and regulations, recruitment and retention of foster and adoptive families, and the promotion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 844-CO-4-Kids, as well as child abuse prevention strategies.


About this Position:
In 2015, the Colorado Department of Human Services launched an ongoing public awareness campaign to engage all Coloradans in the prevention of child abuse and promote the new Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 844-CO-4-Kids. The public awareness campaign, called CO4Kids, has grown to include the various ways Coloradans can get involved, including fostering, adopting, and reporting child abuse and neglect. Under the direction of the OCACS communications manager, this communications specialist is responsible for ongoing implementation of the hotline and child abuse prevention components of the CO4Kids public awareness campaign.

This position serves as a communications specialist, coordinating with other communications staff within CDHS as well as with staff in OCACS.

This position reports to the OCACS communication manager, who is responsible for leading and finalizing the OCACS communications strategy. This position works with the communications manager, who ensures that the position’s work and the work of contracted vendors is accurate, consistent, and aligned with the communications strategy.

This position is also an active member of the OCACS communications team, responsible for collaborating with team members in brainstorming and problem-solving. 

This position promotes a positive image of the CO4Kids campaign and OCACS by supporting media relations, marketing campaigns, and special events. This position develops content for a variety of communication channels, including but not limited to social media, websites, newsletters, and events.

Summary of Duties:

• Project coordinator for the Hotline and child abuse prevention portion of the CO4Kids campaign. Responsible for contributing to the overall team’s (OCACS communication team and contracted vendor) brainstorming and implementation of ideas. Facilitates communication between OCACS communications and vendors, coordinates logistics such as scheduling. Works directly with Colorado families and outside vendor(s) to share their stories through awareness videos as well as online narratives.
• Primary staff point of contact for the CO4Kids website. Responsibilities include responding to website inquiries, approving submitted events, and creating user accounts. Responsible for posting blog updates on the website and updates to Hotline and prevention information on the website. 
• Write and update messaging and content for various audiences, including but not limited to the general public and mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, for a variety of purposes including but not limited to newsletters, brochures, websites, toolkits, talking points and social media. Writes first drafts of press releases related to the Hotline and prevention portions of the CO4Kids campaign.
• Project coordinator for Child Abuse Prevention Month press conference/partner event each April.
• Coordinator for Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign each October. 
• Responsible for implementing identified logistics and tracking implementation progress of contracted marketing vendor. 
• Day-to-day management of the CO4Kids social media channels. Responsibilities include monitoring comments, engagement with followers (liking and/or responding to comments), identifying and creating content for each channel, and measuring social media metrics.
• Project coordinator for audience-specific communication “mini campaigns” to deliver key messages to targeted audiences such as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.
• Attends community outreach events and fairs on child welfare-related topics including but not limited to child abuse and neglect reporting and prevention.
• Writes blog content on child welfare trends in Colorado as well as child abuse prevention-related topics. This position must have strong written communication skills and be able to leverage and develop new partnerships to efficiently and effectively target audiences and to develop content.
• Reviews, tracks, and submits invoices from contracted vendors and services. Tracks working budget of hotline and prevention expenses incurred by OCACS communications staff. Supports the communications manager in amending contract language and budgets.
• Promotes and distributes branded materials (magnets, posters, promotional items, brochures, etc.) to counties and community partners. Works with counties and community partners to encourage them to use updated and accurate materials and messaging to promote the hotline.
• Point person for annual Hotline marketing campaign. Collects and tracks data to measure the performance of the Hotline and prevention portion of CO4Kids campaigns throughout the year.
• Provides graphic design support, writing and editing support, marketing and awareness support, and creation of slide deck presentations for program staff

• Manages the Office constituent email database, provides training to employees in OCACS on the email marketing system, and creates and designs email marketing campaigns via MailChimp.
• Writes first draft of press releases, talking points, presentations related to topics including but not limited to the Hotline, child welfare, sexual health education, and domestic violence, as needed. This position must be able to create work that is visually appealing and complies with CDHS brand guidelines.
• Work with the Digital Communications Manager to update OCACS content (excluding DYS content) on the CDHS website. 
• Proofreads and copyedits documents within OCACS prior to final release.
• Other duties as assigned.

***Applicants must submit a writing sample, such as a press release, media statement, or other work that demonstrates your writing skills***

Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (4 years)
AND
Two (2) years of professional experience working in marketing, communications, business, human services, or public relations. 

Experience must have included the following:

• Developing and executing communication strategies targeted for internal and external audiences of the organization
• Social Media and website maintenance
• Executing communications to a variety of audiences from policy makers to the general public 
• Experience with PowerPoint, Excel, Google Docs, and media analytics tools
• Using social media and other electronic resources to engage partners, customers, and the public

*Definition of Professional Experience: Work that involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods.

Substitutions:

A combination of work experience in Journalism, Communications, Liberal Arts, Business, Public Administration, or other closely related field which provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree.

A master's or doctorate from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment may be substituted for the bachelor's degree and at the agency's discretion, one or two years of general experience, respectively.

Preferred Qualification:
Fluent in Spanish/English (Bilingual Speaker)

Applicants using education as a substitution MUST supply unofficial transcripts before the application deadline to the Human Resources office; applications requesting this substitution without transcripts will NOT be considered.

Additional Qualifications of The Ideal Candidate (Preferred Qualifications):
 
The following experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other personal characteristics are highly desirable for this position and will also be considered in selecting the successful candidate:

• Effective communications planner with extensive experience in supporting government or other human services organizations
• An excellent communicator, writer, strategic thinker and planner with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as a contributing member of a team
• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple, competing deadlines daily; ability to easily transition from one priority to another and manage constant interruptions, while remaining productive and meeting deadlines
• Highly motivated and organized; methodical self-starter; proactive planner; shows initiative and likes being busy; ability to switch gears quickly without losing sight of other priorities; ability to follow up and escalate appropriately
• Professional experience and knowledge of child welfare and child abuse prevention

Conditions of Employment

• Standard background check and reference check required

• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

• Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border

• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.  

• Travel:  Limited but occasional travel to stakeholder meetings and site visits.

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

• Disclose that information on the application.

• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

• Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.     

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

 How to Apply

 

The Assessment Process

 

For additional recruiting questions, please contact [email protected]

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high-quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness, and access in every decision, policy, and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g., uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

Required Supplemental Questions:

• (Multiple Choice) The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll-free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. 

  • Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

    • This information is available to me and I have read this information.

    • I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

• Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application. Yes/No

• If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process.  If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.

In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position. 

 

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

 

 

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support