Community and media relations specialist
County of Contra Costa, California
Location
Martinez, CA | United States
Job description
The Position
We are excited to announce a recruitment for the countywide position of Community and Media Relations Specialist. There is currently one (1) vacancy in the Animal Services Department and one (1) vacancy in the Health Services Department.
Other departments throughout the County may use the eligible list from this recruitment to fill future vacancies as well.
Why join the Animal Services Department?
The Animal Services Department is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all people and animals in our community. We shelter homeless, abandoned, and lost animals and work to keep and place animals in safe, caring homes. We also provide education and services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions and to strengthen the human-animal bond.
Why join the Health Services Department?
Contra Costa Health is the largest department of County government, employing more than 4,400 individuals. Only 10% of the CCHS budget is from the County's general fund. The remaining 90% is supported by federal and state funding programs, such as Medi-Cal and Medicare as well as program grants and fees.
- We provide high-quality services with respect and responsiveness to all.
- We are an integrated system of health care services, community health improvement, and environmental protection.
- We anticipate community health needs and change to meet those needs.
- We work in partnership with our patients, cities, and diverse communities, as well as other health, education, and human service agencies.
- We encourage creative, ethical, and tenacious leadership to implement effective health policies and programs.
We are looking for someone who is:
- A great communicator. We have a big team and communication is key to success.
- Creative. You will need to gain attention in the digital space.
- Proactive. You should be willing to take initiative but know when to ask for help.
- Flexible. Things can change quickly, and you will need to adjust.
- Organized. You will act as a project manager and must track many tasks simultaneously.
- A team player. We have a strong group and seek others to work hard alongside us.
- Compassionate. You should be understanding of public sentiment and frustration often shared online, including sympathy and concern for others.
- Aware. You will need to address issues impacting different cultural groups.
What you will typically be responsible for:
- Updating the website and social media platforms.
- Enhancing public understanding of events through effective social marketing and media advocacy.
- Researching and thoughtfully designing fliers for public awareness and educational programs.
- Collaborating with program staff to accurately respond to requests for information from the public or media.
- Ensuring the public is informed about issues by developing an effective marketing and distribution plan.
- Designing and editing material that will be released to the public.
- Coordinating, planning, and attending events
A few reasons you might love this job:
- You will have the opportunity to improve the reputation of the department.
- Our services are highly visible and in demand.
- You will have the opportunity to develop and implement the overall strategic goals of the organization.
- You will be helping the community.
- You will have the opportunity to engage in a broad range of communications projects to educate and engage the community.
- You will work on a cohesive team with individuals who are passionate about their job.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
- Many of the services we provide require 24/7 communications response.
- Communications services are in high demand in the organization, so tasks and priorities often change.
- Expectations and operations may be inconsistent.
- You will work in a busy, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environment.
- You do not always have control over the outcome of your work.
Competencies Required:
- Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
- Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
- Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
- Design Sense: Creating work products that are functional, intuitive and aesthetically pleasing
- Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
- Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
- Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Communication: (Oral/Written/Informing) Engaging effectively in dialogue; Communicating effectively in writing; Proactively obtaining and sharing information
- Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
- Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
- Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
- Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
- Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
To read the complete job description, please visit the website:
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for 6 months to fill any future vacancies in the County Departments utilizing this classification.
Minimum Qualifications Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Journalism, English, Mass Communications, Marketing, or a closely related field.
Experience: One year of full-time (or its equivalent) experience performing public relations, media advocacy or other related work.
Substitution for Academic Major: One year of additional experience as the type described above may be substituted for the academic major.
Selection Process 1. Application Filing and Evaluation: All applicants must apply online at and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement and supplemental questionnaire by the final filing date. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Written Performance Assessment: The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. In the assessment, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies and an overall passing score of 70% or higher. These may include, but are not limited to: Critical Thinking, Fact Finding, Design Sense, Writing, and Informing. Candidates will need access to a computer and internet. (Weighted 100%)
Tentative Dates:
Written Performance Assessment: Week of March 5th-11th, 2024
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Alex Johnson at
[email protected]. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to
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