C/S Community Relations Officer

State of Delaware; Delaware; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) in Delaware seeks a part-time Community Relations Officer to support Constituent Relations and FOIA operations. You will gather and organize information, prepare responses, and help manage public communications and outreach efforts.

Your role includes coordinating public meetings, events, and media activities, ensuring timely information sharing with agencies and the public, and supporting FOIA processes under supervision.

Qualifications

• Six months experience in public relations or media relations to promote a positive image and inform audiences through internal and external communications such as public forums, print or electronic media, speech writing, writing/editing, marketing, advertising, or special events.
• Six months experience in gathering, organizing, formatting, translating, or interpreting information for media/public dissemination.
• Six months experience in public speaking to inform the public or media groups.
• Six months experience in developing, planning and directing public events, campaigns, programs, or services to meet community needs.
• Knowledge of developing policies, procedures or programs for dissemination of information to the public or media groups.

Responsibilities

• Gathers, organizes, and formats information related to an agency's goals, objectives and services.
• Promotes an agency's image consistent with the overall direction of the agency.
• Coordinates timely and accurate responses and information to citizens, community groups or governmental agencies.
• Encourages participation in the use of agency services.
• Coordinates and conducts public meetings, media events or educational programs.
• Ensures a mutual sharing of information with other agencies, media and the general public.
• May supervise staff.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Public speaking

Event planning

Policy development

Job description

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

This part-time position provides administrative, information coordination, and data management support for Constituent Relations (CR) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) operations. The position supports the Department’s communication and public information functions by gathering, organizing, verifying, tracking, and maintaining information related to constituent inquiries, public requests, Department programs, and services. The incumbent works under the direction of the designated Constituent Relations supervisor or FOIA coordinator and follows established policies, procedures, and communication practices. The position supports, but does not independently direct, the Department’s public relations, constituent relations, or FOIA programs.

Career Ladder Selective Requirement Preferred Qualification Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Gathers, organizes, and formats information related to an agency's goals, objectives and services.
• Promotes an agency's image consistent with the overall direction of the agency.
• Coordinates timely and accurate responses and information to citizens, community groups or governmental agencies.
• Encourages participation in the use of agency services.
• Coordinates and conducts public meetings, media events or educational programs.
• Ensures a mutual sharing of information with other agencies, media and the general public.
• May supervise staff.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Community Relations Officer

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Six months experience in public relations or media relations to establish and promote a positive image and inform or influence specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, print or electronic media, speech writing, writing/editing, marketing, advertising, or special events.
• Six months experience in gathering, organizing, formatting, translating, or interpreting information into forms more easily understood by the media or public, and disseminating the information through the use of print, broadcast or electronic media.
• Six months experience in public speaking which includes gathering, preparing and presenting information to the public or media groups.
• Six months experience in developing, planning and directing public events, campaigns, programs, or services to meet community needs.
• Knowledge of developing policies, procedures or programs for dissemination of information to the public or media groups.

Additional Posting Information

This is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.

Conditions of Hire

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources .

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov .

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com .

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail] .

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.