Duties

As a Communications Specialist in OCHCO, you will:

• Work with OCHCO Front Office to develop and implement strategic communications plans, both internal and external to DHS Headquarters and the Department.
• Use graphic design fundamentals to conceptualize ideas and information for large, diverse audiences.
• Ensure communication goals are properly conveyed in both written and graphical formats.
• Review and edit materials to improve clarity, formatting, and grammar.
• Work with Senior Leadership to design effective communication strategies.
• Develop and execute strategies and processes to expand and refresh communication products for dissemination through email, employee intranet sites, public web sites, social media, and more.
• Evaluate the success of OCHCO's communication activities and advise Senior Leadership about how to improve the effectiveness of communication efforts.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a current permanent Federal employee
• Must have supervisory approval to apply to the Joint Duty Assignment. DHS 250-2 Application Form under "required documents" section.
• Must NOT have any pending/outstanding disciplinary actions
• Must have achieved a minimum of "meet expectations/proficiency" on latest performance appraisal/evaluation
• Must be currently at the grade level of the detail. *No Temporary Promotion Opportunity*
• The program does not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.

Qualifications

Qualifications required:

Knowledge of the principles, methods, practices, and techniques of internal and external communication.

Knowledge of the fundamentals of graphic design.

Skill in writing, editing, and preparing different communication products, for a variety of audiences.

Ability to interact competently and communicate clearly and effectively at all levels within the organization, graphically, orally, and in writing.

Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines.

Skill in applying analytical techniques to gather, analyze, and evaluate various sources of information. Determine trends, issues, and potential areas of concern in order to develop and provide appropriate recommendations.

Skill in project management, attention to detail, ability to plan and organize, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge of web design and content management, or the the ability to learn new systems and technical processes.

Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application:
It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this Joint Duty assignment opportunity announcement.

Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated based on your resume.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

Job Title (Include series and grade of Federal Job)

Duties (Be specific in describing your duties)

Name of Federal agency

Supervisor name, email, and phone number

Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.

Additional information

**DHS does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the Federal employee is already receiving.

If the position requires a security clearance, employees must have a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance to placement AND must maintain that level of clearance while performing in the position.

Selected applicants for a JDA are requested to fulfill the items below during the JDA:

Complete the DHS Training Course 15 days prior to the arrival to the JDA.

Complete the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Progress Plan to include:

• Phase 1: Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the JDA.
• Phase 2: Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the JDA.
• Phase 3: Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the JDA.

Complete 12 hours of professional development using Skillsoft courses, videos, and books in conjunction with the established assignment objectives for the JDA.

Attend each of the DHS Joint Duty Program Director's quarterly webinars (1 hour per quarter).