Public Relations Specialist: Central Administration Headquarters #ED010

State Role Title: Info Technology Specialist III

Hiring Range: $45,899.00 - $71,603.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: DOC Headquarters

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Public Relations Specialist handles the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) newsletter under supervision, writes articles, letters, and speeches; serves as the backup public relations/media representative for the Department; writes news releases, media advisories, and fact sheets; handles interaction between inmates and the news media, serves as a Department photographer; provides guidance to Department staff in the production of reports and presentation materials; and designs Department communication materials, including posters.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent and excellent written communication skills, excellent editing skills, a thorough knowledge of communications as it relates to the mission of the Department; the ability to work under deadlines, both short-and-long term, and the ability to complete projects in a timely fashion.

Additional Considerations

At least three to five years previous experience in a position that requires written and oral communication for internal and/or external dissemination; media relations experience.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé. VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-298-4730

Email: Emailed applications are not accepted.

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.