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Public Information Officer

ADMINISTRATOR I

Recruitment #24-002586-0027

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Introduction


When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than one million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults. 

We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we achieve Governor Wes Moore’s pledge to leave no one behind.

 
 

GRADE

16

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore City Department of Social Services
Office of Communications
1910 North Broadway Street
Baltimore, MD 21213

Main Purpose of Job

The incumbent serves as Public Information Officer for the agency. Responsible for interacting with media and responding to inquiries. Liaisons with Baltimore City government, the Department of Human Services, other city and state agencies, legislators and community-at-large; Coordinates public relations event coverage; Monitors internal and external communication, i.e., review of printed materials prior to production and distribution; Plans and monitors Interpreter/Translator and Holiday Assistance Programs. 

Works with communication team to develop strategic media/PR plans annually. Develops and implements key communications about agency programs and services internally and externally. Oversees BCDSS’ brand and reputation by developing messaging, marketing/promotional materials, and campaigns for media outlets, outreach events and programs. Submits press releases and news articles about agency programs and services. and community activities to garner media coverage. Identifies appropriate visual media. for promotional purposes and creates lists of publications for media publicity. 

Oversees development of staff profiles to acknowledge personnel achievements. Assists administration by accompanying leadership to on-site visits and events. Assists in crafting talking points, developing PPT presentations, and designing collateral to ensure the BCDSS brand and reputation is maintained. Oversees brand elements and messaging at agency locations that are reflective of BCDSS' institutional identity, including signage, advertisements, photos, and logo placement.

POSITION DUTIES

  • Organizes and oversees outreach initiatives to build agency recognition and brand in the community through fostering connections and boosting exposure in print, radio, and television media. Assist the Director and Deputy Director of Communications in managing media purchases by obtaining advertisements, checking copy and proofs, supervising production, and making sure suppliers are paid on time. Creates press releases to ask for help from the local and national media in locating the relatives of children who are being taken into the custody of Child Protective Services.
  • Takes part in community conversations to keep the BCDSS leadership informed about events and actions that could affect the agency. Participates in the Mayor's subcabinet meetings, including the Mayor's Advisory Commission on HIV and AIDS, Tax Saturday, the Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission, and the Emergency Management Council; Find ways to work together with government organizations and community partners to assist the local populace; Presents agency information at public relations events, educational forums, and neighborhood meetings.
  • Uses conference calls and in-person briefing sessions to represent the agency during legislative briefings and gives summaries to the director for approval.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Four years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

One year experience using social media in a workplace setting, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

One year experience in public engagement, public/private sector communication, administration, public information, or related discipline.

One year experience using writing, public speaking, and story telling skills.

One year experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, including community partnerships.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

It is imperative to list all computer and software experience on your application pertaining to your job duties.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.

  • Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
  • Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
  • Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  
  • Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  
  • Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
  • Positions may be eligible for telework.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred.  If the online application process is not available, please send your paper application and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) to: Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, Attention: Dontia Walker, 311 West Saratoga Street, First Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

Or, email dontia.walker@maryland.gov. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Do not submit unsolicited documentation.

The paper application must be received by 5 PM on the closing date for the recruitment. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay, 1-800-925-4434.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

Bilingual applicants and  people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.



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