Job Information
Johnson County Iowa PUBLIC SAFETY and JUSTICE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO) in Iowa City, Iowa
PUBLIC SAFETY and JUSTICE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO)
Salary
$72,610.89 - $87,133.06 Annually
Location
Iowa City, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
00785
Department
County Attorney
Opening Date
05/31/2024
Closing Date
6/24/2024 11:59 PM Central
Description
Benefits
Definition & Duties
Under general supervision of the Johnson County Attorney and the Johnson County Sheriff services as the public information officer for the Office of the Johnson County Sheriff and the Office of the Johnson County Attorney. Develops and implements communications strategies focuses on public safety and criminal justice information and initiatives. Works with the leadership of the Johnson County Attorney and the Johnson County Sheriff to create effective and well-coordinated messaging. Engages with the public and communicates resources available for comprehensive support of general public safety and criminal justice information and data and comprehensive support of mental and emotional well-being. Evaluates Public Safety and Criminal Justice communications and pursues creative ways to enhance such efforts through social media events, website content and writing news releases. As PIO participates in interviews with media and public. Coordinates with the Communications Manager for Johnson County on planning, website content management and social media focusing on public safety cand criminal justice content.
Knowledge of & Ability to
Public and media relations
Digital and social media
Graphic design
Basic criminal procedure, law enforcement and crime data
Speech writing and storytelling techniques
Writing, editing, and proofreading skills
Public records and confidentiality requirements specific to law enforcement
Principles and practices of public administration and the structure and functions of governments
Open meetings and open records laws and fulfillment processes
English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary, and punctuation
Public speaking
Ability to:
Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible, and trustworthy manner
Interpret, apply, and articulate Office policies and procedures
Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
Interpret, apply and articulate laws, rules and regulations
Serve as a media contact for the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office
Provide the media with timely and accurate information, while maintaining the integrity of the investigation or the response to the emergency
Collect data, maintain organized records, make informed recommendations
Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, elected officials, department heads, other county employees, members of the public, and media representative
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing biases
Seek and facilitate organizational opportunities aimed at improving community relations
Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, video editing, email, and internet browsing and research
Operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax, postage machines, photocopiers, scanners, and multi-line telephones
Operate digital cameras, video cameras, microphones, PA systems, video tape recording equipment, and other related equipment including ADA accommodations
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to individuals and groups in formal and non-formal situations
Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities
Handle moderate to high levels of stress, meet deadlines, and solve problems appropriate to the position
Respond to crises and challenging situations quickly and utilizing good judgment
Work independently on projects and routine tasks
Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions
Organize and present facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely in oral and written form
Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms
Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various locations
Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and a mouse
Lift, push, pull, carry, and/or move up to 35 pounds
Stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, and reach
Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various facilities
Work flexible schedule and occasional evenings and weekends as needed
Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field AND at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications involving writing, media relations, and public relations responsibilities with one (1) year in a supervisory capacity; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Master's degree is preferred.
Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. May require use of personal vehicle, or equivalent transportation, for official county business.
Specific Duties
to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Develops and maintains strategic communication plans including goals objectives strategies and tactics to promote public safety, enhance public knowledge of criminal justice, community outreach and services to the Johnson County Community.
Coordinates the creation of necessary marketing/outreach materials including those used to communicate about public safety services as well as those necessary to recruit new deputies, and other career opportunities in the criminal justice and public interest law field.
Develops and maintains media relations and serves as public safety/criminal justice PIO for media inquiries.
Promotes awareness and understanding of public safety programs, crime statistics services and makes public presentations.
Develops and maintains annual public safety report to the community.
Conducts research and assessments to ensure the needs of our customers are being met or improved.
Coordinates public meetings, public safety press conferences, and other community events as directed to provide information and receive feedback on public safety issues.
Coordinates creation of public safety/criminal justice news and website content, advertisements, and other public relations materials for the Johnson County Sheriff and the Johnon County Attorney.
Prepares news releases and media advisories including research of information needed for the preparation of the releases.
Manages JCSO and JCAO social media presence across multiple platforms.
Develops and maintains media relations, arranges press conferences, and serves as a contact for media.
Participates in cross-departmental opportunities with Board of Supervisors Office communications staff.
Performs general clerical duties such as filing, faxing, typing, and photocopying.
Participates in assigned internal and external committees.
Attends work-related meetings, conferences, and seminars.
Performs work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
Attends work regularly.
Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.
Employee Benefits
The following is a summary of benefits for full-time, non-bargaining County employees. Benefits, privileges and duties for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary depending on specific contract provisions.
Compensation
Employees serve a six-month probationary period and are eligible for meritorious performance compensation increases based upon performance evaluations. Across the board compensation increases are considered by the Board of Supervisors, and are made effective July 1 annually.
Vacation
During 1st through 4th years: 3 working weeks
During 4th through 9th years: 4 working weeks
During 9th through 19th years: 5 working weeks
During 19th or later years: 6 working weeks
Holidays
12 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal holidays:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King's Birthday
President's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Juneteenth
Labor Day
Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Day and day after
Christmas
Floating Christmas holiday
Sick Leave
Accrues at the rate of 18 days per year on a per-pay period basis to a maximum accrual of 120 days. After accumulation of 90 sick days, employees may convert sick leave to vacation on a 4:1 basis.
Parental Leave
A paid two-week (80 hour) paid parental leave is provided to full-time benefit eligible parents to allow for child bonding time. This includes child's birth, adoption, placement in the home or court appointed guardianship.
Wellness Program
Voluntary wellness activities, screenings, educational opportunities and incentives are offered throughout the year for employees and their families.
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their families may contact Synchrony for free EAP counseling and referral services.
Health Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect health care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment.
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is the third party administrator for this self-funded plan
PPO with 90/10 in-network and 80/20 out-of-network co-insurance; $275 deductible single or $550 deductible family; $1000 out-of-pocket maximum single or $2000 out -of-pocket maximum family
Single coverage is $32/month for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is $112.00/month.
Dental Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect dental care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.
Vision Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect vision care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.
Flexible Spending
Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental and vision expenses that are not reimbursable through another source. Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.
Life Insurance
Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. Coverage is 1 times annualized compensation rounded up to the nearest thousand in group term life insurance and AD&D. Max covered salary $100,000.
*Supplemental Life Insurance
The County offers to all benefit-eligible employees additional life insurance coverage that may be purchased for employees, spouses and children at guarantee basis.
Long-Term Disability
Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. County provides up to 2 years of long term disability coverage at 66 2/3% of the employees wages as a result of injury, sickness or pregnancy; employees may opt to purchase additional coverage.
IPERS
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System is a mandatory defined benefit retirement plan designed to supplement both Social Security and private savings. Non law-enforcement employees contribute 6.29% and the County contributes 9.44%.
Deferred Compensation (457)
A deferred compensation plan is offered that provides tax advantages and an additional means in which to save for retirement with an easy payroll deduction. Employees may select from several companies offering deferred compensation. The County will match up to $40/biweekly, and employees are vested on day 1.
Discounted Bus Pass
Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to purchase discounted bus passes for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit for commuting to/from their jobs as Johnson County employees. Bus pass availability is subject to available funds and continuation of the program.
Johnson County is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.
Women, minorities and elderly are encouraged to apply.
Agency
Johnson County
Address
913 S Dubuque St Suite 103 Iowa City, Iowa, 52240
Phone
319-356-6003
Website
https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/
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