Public Information Specialist, (B252310-3), 209, Police Administration

Researches, documents, prepares, and distributes written and oral communications; communicates news of city programs, events, accomplishments, and services to various internal and external audiences; and produces web and social media content. Collaborates with the department manager on communication strategies, including the development and implementation of communications plans for specific projects. Measures and evaluates output and outcomes from communications goals and objectives that align with the mission of the Laredo Police Department.  Manages various assignments in relieving a high-level administrator of administrative detail. Performs a variety of administrative staff assignments which may not follow a prescribed routine, but rather, consist of general assignments to relieve the administrator of administrative detail and other matters not requiring the administrator's personal attention.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
 

• Provides specialized assistance in the production and delivery or communications and multimedia products and services, including research, writing, script and speech writing, reporting, photography, scouting, setting up for media interviews, video production, social media management, marketing and other services.
• Identifies and selects appropriate and relevant excerpts of speeches, statements, and interviews for voice-over processing.
• Coordinates translation/adaptation of scripts, the recording of narration, the preparation of electronic titles and graphics, etc.
• Assists in maintaining and updating the Laredo Police Department's web page and social media platforms by drafting, editing, and moderating multimedia content.
• Assists with financial requisitions.
• Maintains records and filing system.
• Provides guidance and training to junior staff.
• Coordinates and participates in special projects as directed by the Chief of Police; reviews policies and procedures as directed; interprets guidelines and disseminates information.
• Conducts research on an assigned subject; compiles administrative data and statistics; and secures material for use in preparation of speeches or reports; prepares the presentation, speeches, and reports.
• Analyzes procedures and recommends improvements.
• Assists supervisors in development of new programs or procedures.
• Supervises and participates in the administrative and clerical operations of a departmental office; conducts staff interviews and recommends hires; plans, schedules, and assigns work to staff; establishes priorities; instructs and trains in correct methods; checks and approves work.
• Supervises and participates in the production of departmental records, reports, billings, legal documents, statistical reports, handbooks, list data bases and files, general and other correspondence, etc.
• Provides input during annual performance evaluation by the review and inspection of subordinates work to ensure accuracy and completeness of the same.
• Reviews, analyzes, and assists in the preparation of the departmental budget; provides recommendations to the department directors regarding budget adjustments, monitors division account balances, and processes budget transfers as necessary.
• Coordinates and monitors purchasing procedures to ensure proper funds are charged; verifies, estimates, and recommends purchases; processes purchase orders and maintains purchase contracts.
• Prepares or edits annual or other periodic reports, news releases, and special articles.
• Conducts and attends staff meetings to resolve operating or personnel issues and to discuss changes in departmental policy and procedures.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of policies, processes, procedures, and psychology related to the communication, production, and dissemination of public information.
• Knowledge of news and media production workflow.
• Knowledge of video recording and production equipment.
• Knowledge of public and business administration as it relates to the functions, needs, policies, laws, ordinances, and regulations, governing the City.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of budgetary accounting, personnel, administration, and purchasing.
• Knowledge of modern office administration, methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of methods and practices of assembling, analyzing, and presenting statistical data.
• Knowledge of laws, ordinances, and policies governing departments.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to product short videos for communications projects and public safety campaigns.
• Ability to research and gather information from a variety of sources.
• Ability to work either with a team or alone.
• Ability to learn and work in a fast-paced environment; must work well under pressure.
• Ability to have a great and professional attitude with both employees and clients.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to investigate a variety of administrative problems and make recommendations as to their solutions and to prepare working procedures.
• Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts and evidence, present material clearly and logically in oral or written form.
• Ability to plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate the work of subordinates and attain cooperation, build consensus with co-workers.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and in the Spanish language.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements: Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations: Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments  

Never

• Construction site
• Confined space 

Seldom

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment

Frequently

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures: Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Frequently

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel: Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• International travel

Seldom

• National travel

Sometimes

• Regional travel

Often

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited* college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Journalism, Communication Studies, Film and Digital Media, Psychology, or related field.
• At least four (4) years of experience in public affairs, media relations, marketing, social media, journalism, communications, and/or public information.

       *Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)Required Licenses or Certifications

•  Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

 
 

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
 

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
 

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

 
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.     
 

Salary : $55,307 - $69,139