SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Job Description:

SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Description

Position/Program Information

REPOSTING INFORMATION:
This announcement is a reposting to renew the filing period, update the exam type, and to clarify requirement language. Applicants who have already applied do not need to reapply but are welcome to submit additional information.

WHEN TO APPLY:
We will be accepting online applications on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. (PT) until Tuesday, November 4, 2025, before 5:00 p.m. (PT). All applications must be received before 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to be accepted.

EXAM NUMBER

T1609B

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT:

We welcome applications from everyone.

WHY WORK FOR US?

With more than 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California, over 116,000 employees in more than 38 Departments we provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities and many more.

We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. The County has more than 2,300 different job descriptions, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We offer one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the country. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.
ENDORESEMENT OF COUNTY QUALIFICATIONS:
If you performed work that differs from the duties described in your class specification and believe you qualify for this opportunity, please provide verification via official documentation of additional responsibility bonus, out-of-class bonus, temporary assignment bonus or reclassification study with CEO Classification within fifteen (15) calendar days from the last day of filing. Employees do not need to submit such verification if they hold or have held a position that regularly performs functions in alignment with the requirements.

WITHHOLD INFORMATION:
There will be no withhold allowed for this examination.

Essential Job Functions

• Serve as a key resource to executive management, advise on media relations, strategic communications, procedures, and processes.
  
• Provide technical guidance or supervise a team of lower-level public information staff.
  
• In collaboration with Public Affairs leadership, develop the department’s public information program objectives and devise strategies and tactics to accomplish these objectives.
  
• Organize and assign work, set priorities, and follow up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned tasks.
  
• Participate in, or supervise, the development and execution of communication strategies, tactics and deliverables through various communication channels such as web and social media content, email newsletters, and print collateral (e.g. brochures, annual reports and other content).
  
• Oversee the coordination and execution of videography, photography and graphic design services, as needed.
  
• Research and oversee research of departmental projects for proactive media outreach (e.g. story pitches).
  
• In collaboration with Public Affairs leadership, develop procedures, standards, and guidelines for the collection, review, and presentation of information to communicate to the public through various media channels and platforms.
  
• Work with Public Affairs leadership to coordinate news releases and the distribution of information to the media; organize and arrange public information campaigns and press conferences.
  
• Identify, develop, and maintain key communication channels, adapt and improve them in alignment with external trends and business needs.
  
• Handle the intake and response to media requests for information under the California Public Records Act, in coordination with departmental management and County Counsel.
  
• Attend and participate in meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations related to the field of public information and media relations.
  
• Serve as a liaison between the department and media representatives and develop effective relationships with media outlets.
  
• Monitor and track issues that affect the department, and monitor media channels and inform management accordingly.
  
• Work with department representatives to develop communications such as an annual report, mission and vision statements, and other critical documents.
  
• In coordination with Public Affairs leadership, serve as an information conduit to Board staff and Board Deputies; alert them to inquiries in regards to high-profile or controversial issues that affect the department and provide opportunities to generate accurate media coverage to highlight departmental activities to the public.
  
• In coordination with Public Affairs leadership, respond to newsworthy events and media inquiries, (e.g. emergencies arising from epidemics or natural disasters) provide contact information and immediate responsiveness to inquiries, receive and assess information, tailor releases to the audience, cooperate with the Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Office, communications media, and advise appropriate personnel.
  
• Develop and maintain internal communication projects.
  
• Staff regional and department-wide events, including but not limited to Celebration, Quinceanera, events covered by local news reporters, and the annual DCFS picnic.
  
• Drive to different sites, as necessary.
  
• Provide training, guidance, and resources to staff and clients on how to speak to reporters and respond to media requests.
  
• Prepare talking points for staff and managers when speaking to the media.
  

For more information, please view the classification specification: Senior Public Information Specialist

Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!

Click here to see a list of employee benefits.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:

A Bachelor's degree* from an accredited college or university with a major in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or English.

-AND-

Option I : Four (4) years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County’s class of Public Information Specialist**.
-OR-

Option II : Four (4) years of professional experience*** as a journalist within a media organization.

LICENSE:

A valid California Class "C" Driver License or the ability to acquire an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS:

Physical Class II - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:
*To receive credit for the required degree, you must include a legible copy of the official diploma, official transcripts, at the time of filing or within fifteen (15) calendar days from the end of the filing period. Please submit documents to DCFSExams@dcfs.lacounty.gov and indicate your name, the exam name, and the exam number.
**Experience at the level of Public Information Specialist is defined as: initiates, plans, develops, maintains, evaluates, implements, and coordinates a public information and engagement program for a government agency.

You may still qualify even if your job title is not exactly the same as the ones listed. What matters is that your experience is at a similar level - meaning your job involves similar responsibilities, requires comparable skills and knowledge, and takes place within a similar organizational structure. Please provide a clear explanation of your experience to demonstrate that it is at the appropriate level.

***Professional experience within a media organization is defined as paid work performing the duties of a journalist- not as a trainee, intern, or volunteer - within an established newspaper, magazine, television or radio station, or digital news outlet .
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in one of the following fields: Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Public Administration.
• Accreditation in public relations through a recognized trade association (e.g. Public Relations Society of America, California Public Information Officers Association)
• Certification from an accredited college or university or a recognized trade association in any of the following areas: Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Reputation Management, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or Corporate and Marketing Communication
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Experience providing technical guidance and supervision over public information staff.
• Experience working with the news media and organizations to communicate an organization’s message to the public in support of its goals and purpose.
• Experience managing and creating organizational publications utilizing software such as MS Word, MS Power Point, and Adobe/Illustrator.

Additional Information

EXAMINATION CONTENT:
This examination will consist of an evaluation of education and experience based upon application information, desirable qualifications, and supplemental questionnaire, weighted 100%, assessing:

• Fundamental Competencies
• Technical Credibility
• Leading Change
• Leading People
• Achieving Results
• Building Partnerships

Applicants must meet the requirements and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher in order to be placed on the eligible list.
ELIGIBILITY AND VACACNY INFORMATION:
Candidates who passed the assessment are placed on a list in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months. We will use this list to fill vacancy in the Office of Pubic Affairs.
APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:
We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence.

New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to governmentjobs.com and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.

Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.

For those who not have access to a computer or the internet, we provide access to complete an application at public libraries throughout the county.

All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's login information may erase a candidate's original application record.

___________________________________________________________________________
ANIT-RACISM, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (ARDI):
The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

Department Contact Name: Bryan Centrone

Department Contact Phone: (213) 738-2008
Department Contact Email: CentrB@dcfs.lacounty.gov

For detailed information, please click here

Closing Date/Time: 11/4/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$96,829.20 - $130,489.20 Annually