Content Proofing and Communication Specialist      

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES ADVERTISEMENT
ROLE TITLE:  PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION SPECIALIST II      
Working Title: Content Proofing and Communication Specialist        
Position #:  CJSCJ104     

The Department of Criminal Justice Services is seeking a collaborative and innovative team player to serve as a part-time (wage) Content Proofing and Communication Specialist in Richmond, Virginia.  Does the safety and security of students and staff in Virginia’s schools drive your professional development and passion for improvement? If so, come join the dynamic team at the Department of Criminal Justice Services (“Department”). The Department is a national leader in school safety and the team members of the Division of Public Safety and Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (PST-VCSCS) are dedicated to providing Virginia schools with the best training, programs, resources, and technical assistance possible to keep all students and staff safe from harm.  

We are seeking a motivated individual to provide proofreading, copy writing, and project support for PST-VCSCS programming. Specifically, this part time wage position will assist with editing, writing, and reviewing content flowing out of PST-VCSCS, assist with a variety of PST-VCSCS initiatives, and manage other support duties as necessary. Public service offers the opportunity to do important rewarding work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  If you want to be part of an agency that cares about our constituents, rigorously advocates and promotes opportunities for all Virginians, we’d love to have you join us!

What you will do:
● Work independently and collaboratively to assist in the development of resources and content associated with the Division of Public Safety and Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (PST-VCSCS) in support of the duties and responsibilities of school and campus security departments, school resource officers, K-12 school personnel, and institutions of higher education personnel as it relates to safety and security and positive school climates.
● Proofread content and provide editing support for a variety of external and internal communication including division reports, announcements, talking points and legislative action summaries.
● Draft and review content to facilitate learning and engagement in line with PST-VCSCS programs and mission.
● Prepare research reports, presentations, tables, charts, and fact sheets presenting the results of projects, research, and data analysis.
● Assist in the development and implementation of new resources or in updating existing resources through literature reviews, advisory committees, and coordination with consultants.
● Collaborate with PST-VCSCS staff to develop resources and support training initiatives.
● Contribute to PST-VCSCS work done during legislative sessions to review and respond to proposed legislation and gather constituent data.
● Use web-based tools to maintain and build resources.
● Other projects as assigned.     

What the ideal candidate must possess:
● Excellent writing and interpersonal skills.
● Attention to detail.
● Demonstrated skill and experience proofreading and editing a variety of content.
● Experience with standard office software, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (formerly G Suite).
● Experience writing and reviewing presentations, press releases, newsletters or other publications.
● Ability to think strategically and cross culturally, and independently implement new initiatives and projects.
● Ability to articulate, both orally and in written form, clear and concise program objectives and goals and summarize achievements of programs in reports and other documents as requested.     
● Documented experience working as an active, contributing team member, as well as an independent and self-motivated employee.
● Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines, handle multiple assignments, changing priorities, and ensure timeliness and quality of completed assignments.

Additional Considerations:
● Experience interpreting data and preparing reports.
● Considerable experience in journalism, writing, or similar field.
● Experience working with law enforcement or in a K-12 school setting.
● Familiarity with state government or the standard legislative cycle.     

Interview candidates may be required to demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory performance of work. The candidate selected for the position must successfully complete a criminal background investigation and complete and submit a Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) which will be entered into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.  The individual may also be responsible for submitting an annual Statement of Personal Economic Interest.  The anticipated starting salary range is $30 to $35 per hour, up to 29 hours per week (1500 hours per year).

To apply, submit a completed State of Virginia Application for employment at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home.  This position is “open until filled,” which means that applications will be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received.  After five business days, this position may be closed at any time. The application and supplemental questions must be completed in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position. Fax, email, or mail applications will not be accepted.  Résumés and cover letters may be attached to the online application.  

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at (804) 225-4399 to notify us of any needs related to completing the job application. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply. The Department also encourages and invites veterans to apply.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI).

Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability.

If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800- 552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Please refer to your account at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home for the status of your application and this position.