Information Specialist V

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Job Description:

This is highly advanced senior-level work that includes responding to news media inquiries about high-profile Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and Child Care Licensing cases, as well as ongoing agency initiatives and public awareness programs designed to protect children, elderly persons, and adults with disabilities. Develops and maintains productive working relationships with news media representatives and other stakeholders. Works closely with regional program directors and employees to ensure current knowledge of agency activities/initiatives. Interacts with a wide variety of external entities, including but not limited to news media representatives, community/advocacy groups and legislative representatives. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions:

• Primary contact for the news media regarding agency programs and cases.
• Contributes to the development and implements public awareness programs as part of a statewide team of media specialists.
• Develops and delivers communications training to staff, as necessary.
• Produces regional press releases, background/briefing documents, statements, and other information for the news media and other audiences.
• Develops and maintains communication and productive working relationships with agency employees and news media representatives.
• Monitors social media platforms relevant to DFPS and posts on social media as appropriate and according to policy.
• Other duties as assigned by the media relations manager.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
 

Registrations, Licensure, Certifications:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and experience in the field of public information/media relations.

• Skill in effective problem solving on high profile and significant issues.

• Skill in organization.

• Skill in effective written and verbal communication.

• Familiarity with social media platforms.

• Ability to think independently.

• Ability to originate ideas and strategies for communicating the agency message.

• Ability to communicate with confidence and clarity.

• Ability to conduct press conferences, meetings and workshops.

• Ability to operate a personal computer in order to develop materials and documents for distribution internally and externally in a professional manner.

• Ability to provide information, training and support to direct services and administrative staff regarding media relations.

• Knowledge of DFPS programs, policies, procedures and organizational operations.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Five years full-time journalism, public relations, public information, communications, media relations or DFPS experience.

Additional Information:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.