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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.277 INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST 20241021 PART I DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES COUNTY OF KAUAI 2.277 Class Specifications for the Class: INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST SR-24, BU-13 Duties Summary: Plans, directs, and implements a comprehensive information and educational program for the public and employees of a major operating department which includes community relations activities; maintains effective working relationships with members of the media, community groups, and key individuals in the public and private sectors; coordinates and facilitates departmental training and strategic planning to improve organizational effectiveness; and performs other related duties as required. Distinguishing Characteristics: This class is distinguished by its responsibility to develop and implement a comprehensive information program for a major operating department which includes educational and community relations activities. Examples of Duties: (The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position). • Plans and executes a comprehensive information program to publicize the activities and accomplishments of a major operating department to improve the public’s perception and support of its various programs and projects; • Recommends and implements policies and procedures relative to the department’s public information program and the dissemination of information; • Conducts fact-finding studies and surveys; evaluates information and opinions; prepares reports of findings with recommendations for administration’s response, informational presentations, or for a review of an operational concern identified in the survey; • Determines choice of media and methods for disseminating information; writes news releases, articles, bulletins and radio announcement scripts; speaks before government, business and community organizations; • Meets with appropriate community organizations and/or concerned and interested residents; interprets and explains the department’s policies, programs and operations; clarifies department’s policy decisions; provides information on CIP PART I INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST 2 2.277 projects, program design or construction status; • Plans the layout and design and arranges for printing of informational material; arranges for photographs and other illustrative material; assists with demonstrations and exhibits for public display; • Coordinates tours of department’s facilities and coordinates informational presentations by staff; • Plans and develops video and power point presentations; develops and maintains social media sites and departmental or county websites; • Identifies potential sources of loan/grant funds from federal, state and private sources; evaluates appropriateness of loan/grant funds relative to department goals; prepares loan/grant applications and supporting documentation; • Assists in the preparation of annual and special reports and publishes internal newsletters; • Organizes and coordinates the department’s participation in community projects and events to foster community relations; • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with the press, radio and television executives, and with other business and community representatives; • Serves as departmental liaison to coordinate county-wide public informational and/or educations activities and programs with the Office of the Mayor; • Keeps abreast of communication and social media technology and practices; modifies departmental programs to improve its effectiveness; • Provides coaching and support to all groups and keeps stakeholders informed of status and progress of plans; • Assists superiors in contracting for or developing strategic planning training; meets with core group, management, staff and stakeholders; • Assists staff with implementation of new initiatives and strategies to improve organizational effectiveness; and • Performs other related duties as required. PART I INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST 3 2.277 Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public relations; publicity methods and media; principles and techniques used in writing informational material; techniques used in preparing and editing copy for printing; local government organization, functions, and operations; research and statistical methods and techniques; principles of motivation and group dynamics and employee involvement strategies; methods of group instruction; computer programs and software used for public information purposes. Ability to: Formulate ideas and express them clearly and concisely orally and in writing; evaluate and present facts accurately and concisely; work cooperatively with employees and other government officials; communicate effectively with various segments of the public; plan and administer informational programs; organize and facilitate meetings, conferences and training sessions; identify, evaluate and apply for grant funding; operate a personal computer; use graphic design and publishing software applications; create, update and maintain electronic websites; operate camera equipment to produce camera ready products; travel throughout the County to meet with employees, representatives from community organizations, businesses, and members of the public; develop and conduct departmental training in all districts. This is an amendment to the specification for the class, INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST, which was approved on October 28, 2016, and effective July 1, 2016, amended on October 31, 2017, and is to be substituted for that specification. Approved: October 21, 2024 (date) ANNETTE L. ANDERSON Director of Human Resources PART II DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES COUNTY OF KAUAI 2.277 Minimum Qualification Specifications for the Class: INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST SR-24, BU-13 Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field; and • three (3) years of specialized work experience; and • one (1) year of experience in conducting informational workshops and coordinating or facilitating press conferences. Qualifying Specialized Work Experience: Professional work experience in public relations, journalism, communications or public administration that included experience in researching, organizing and developing newsletters, brochures, websites, press releases and other informational materials for the media. Substitutions Allowed: The following may be substituted for education: General professional work experience or education credits can be substituted for up to two (2) years of the Bachelor’s degree such as: A. Full-time progressively responsible professional, technical, or substantive work experience demonstrating the scope, level, and quality of work comparable to a curriculum leading to an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree. B. Successful completion of semester credits in a curriculum leading to a degree or diploma at an accredited community college, trades school, college, or university (15 semester credits = 6 months). Specialized professional work experience in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field or education credits in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field can be substituted for up to four (4) years of the bachelor’s degree such as: PART II INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST 2 2.277 A. Full-time progressively responsible professional, technical, or substantive work experience demonstrating the scope, level, and quality of work comparable to a curriculum leading to an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree. B. Successful completion of semester credits specific to journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field leading to a degree or diploma from an accredited community college, trades school, college, or university (15 semester credits = 6 months). A Master’s or PhD degree in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field may be substituted for the education requirement. The following may be substituted for experience: A. Successful completion of semester credits specific in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field leading towards a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the specialized work experience requirement (15 semester credits = 6 months). B. Successful completion of semester credits specific in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field leading towards a Master’s, or PhD degree from an accredited college or university, may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the specialized work experience requirement (15 semester credits = 6 months). C. A Master’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the specialized work experience requirement. D. A Doctorate’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the specialized work experience requirement. If a degree is used to substitute for the education requirement, it may not be used again towards the experience requirement. If work experience is used to substitute for education, it may not be used again to meet the experience requirement. If the applicant holds more than one degree, transcripts must be provided, and a thorough review will be conducted by the human resources staff in order for more than one degree to be credited towards the minimum qualification requirements. Additional degrees can be considered if obtained independently through mutually exclusive classes from another degree being considered. Substitutions will be used to the advantage of the applicant. PART II INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST 3 2.277 Quality of Experience: Possession of the required number of years of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for a position. The applicant's overall experience must have been of such scope and level of responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that they have the ability to perform the duties of the position for which they are being considered. Selective Certification: Specialized knowledge, skills and abilities may be required to perform the duties of some positions. For such positions, Selective Certification Requirements may be established, and certification may be restricted to eligibles who possess the pertinent experience and/or training required to perform the duties of the position. Departments/Agencies requesting selective certification must show the connection between the kind of training and/or experience on which they wish to base selective certification and the duties of the position to be filled. Tests: Applicants may be required to qualify on an appropriate examination. License Requirement: Possession of the appropriate licenses or certificates as required of the position. Health and Physical Condition Requirements: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Physical Effort Grouping: Light This is an amendment to the specification for the class, INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST, which was approved on October 28, 2016, and effective July 1, 2016, amended on October 31, 2017, and is to be substituted for that specification. Approved: October 21, 2024 (date) ANNETTE L. ANDERSON Director of Human Resources