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SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty/jobs/newprint/5043235)



SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Salary

$96,829.20 - $130,489.20 Annually

Location

Los Angeles County, CA

Job Type

Full time

Job Number

T1609B

Department

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

Opening Date

10/21/2025

Closing Date

11/4/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

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 receivedbefore5:00 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 (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty/classspecs/1371449?keywords=senior%20public%20&pagetype=classSpecifications)

Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!

Clickhere (https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/) 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 [email protected] 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:[email protected]

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:

The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit:https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/.

Testing Accommodations for Applicants:

The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations, please visit:https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/.

Fair Chance:

The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).

Employment Eligibility:

Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.

Career PathFinder:

Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application athttp://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov.

Veteran’s Credit:

Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.

For more information on veteran’s credit, please visit:https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205102\_PPG\_115.pdf

Revised September 2025

For detailed information, please clickhere (http://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/)

01

The information you provide on this Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility. Please be advised that failure to provide the correct information in the supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification of your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the examination and hiring.

+ Yes, I understand the above information and instructions.

02

All notifications will be sent electronically to the email address provided on your application. 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. Please add [email protected], [email protected] to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Los Angeles County will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notification to be a valid reason for late test administration or rescheduling of a test component. Applicants have the ability to opt out of emails from LA County. If you unsubscribe, you will not receive any email notification for any examination for which you apply with Los Angeles County.

+ Yes, I understand the above information and instructions.

03

General Information:This evaluation of Training and Experience (T&E) is a self-assessment for the Senior Public Information Specialist examination. The T&E requires you to document specific experience, education/training that pertains to Selection Requirements and Desirable Qualifications. It is your sole responsibility to complete this questionnaire, to its entirety, correctly and accurately. Please be as specific as possible and include all information requested. Points will NOT be awarded for incomplete responses. Comments such as, "see resume" or "see application" will not be considered a valid response. Falsification or omission of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal. All information is subject to verification at any time during the examination and hiring process. All information that you provide is subject to verification.

Instructions for Completion

Carefully read the official County job posting for this examination.

You will receive points for each question based on the response(s) you provide. You will receive zero points for any question on which you a) do not provide a response, or b) do not provide a brief description from your training and/or experience, when prompted, that supports the response(s) you have indicated. Referrals to a resume or the County application will be considered a non-response. In order to receive credit for education and trainings, you must provide copies of all degrees and certificates supporting your responses.

Certification Statement

By completing the following, I hereby attest that all information I have provided in this T&E Questionnaire is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that Human Resources staff may contact my supervisor(s) to verify the information that I have provided. I understand that any misrepresentations, falsifications, or omissions of material facts violates Civil Service Rules and may subject me to actions includ

+ Yes, I understand the above information and instructions.

04

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE - SELECTION REQUIREMENTS (PART 1):Questions 4 – 10 rate and evaluate training and experience that pertain to Selection RequirementsDo you have a bachelor's degree* from an accredited college or university with a major in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or English. NOTE: You MUST include a legible copy of your degree or official transcripts at the time of filling or email a copy to the exam analyst within fifteen (15) calendar days from the end of the filing period. If you do not submit proof of your degree, your application will be rejected as incomplete.

+ Yes, I have attached a copy of my degree or transcripts to my application.

+ Yes, I will email a copy of my degree or transcripts to [email protected] within fifteen (15) calendar days from the end of the filing period.

+ Not Applicable

05

If you indicated YES to question #4, please select the area of specialization in which the degree was awarded.

+ Communications

+ Journalism

+ Public Relations

+ English

+ Not Applicable

06

Do you have four (4) years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County’s Public Information Specialist initiating, planning, developing, maintaining, evaluating, implementing, and coordinating a public information and engagement program in a government agency?

Note: Those claiming out-of-class experience should describe their out-of-class duties in detail in the Work Experience and Supplemental Questions sections of their application. Applicants must submit any supporting documentation such as out of class/additional responsibility bonuses, verification of experience documents, and performance evaluations in order to assist staff's review of applicants' qualifications.

+ Yes

+ No

07

Describe your experience that supports your response to the question above. Describe your experience initiating, planning, developing, maintaining, evaluating, implementing, and coordinating a public information program and indicate the following information: •Payroll Title •Employer •Dates of Employment From (mm/dd/yr) - To (mm/dd/yr) •Supervisor Name and phone number •Description of Work related to this experience

If you do not have this experience, please write "No experience".

08

Do you have four (4) years professional experience as a journalist within a media organization? Note: 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.

+ Yes

+ No

09

Describe your experience that supports your response to the question above. Describe your professional experience as a journalist within a media organization and indicate the following information: •Payroll Title •Employer •Dates of Employment From (mm/dd/yr) - To (mm/dd/yr) •Supervisor Name and phone number •Description of Work related to this experience

If you do not have this experience, please write "No experience".

10

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE – DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (PART 2):Questions 11- 20 rate and evaluate training and experience that pertain to desirable qualifications.

Do you possess a master's degree or higher in any of the following areas of study?

+ Communications

+ Journalism

+ Public Relations

+ Public Administration

+ Other

+ Not Applicable

11

If you indicated a degree in the previous question, please list the area of study (as listed on the degree) and the educational institution where you obtained the degree(s). For example: Master's in Public Administration, California State University Northridge. If you do not possess a master's degree or higher, then indicate "N/A." Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.You must also attach a copy of the degree or official transcripts to your application or submit a copy of the degree or official transcripts within fifteen (15) calendar days from the end of the filing period.

12

Do you possess an accreditation in public relations from a recognized trade association (e.g. Public Relations Society of America, California Public Information Officers Association)?

+ Yes

+ No

13

If you indicated yes in the previous question, please indicate the recognized trade association where you obtained the accreditation. If you do not possess accreditation in public relations, then indicate "N/A." Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.You must also attach a copy of the accreditation certificate to your application or submit a copy within fifteen (15) calendar days from the end of the filing period.

14

Do you possess a 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

+ Corporate and Marketing Communication

+ Not Applicable

15

If you indicated yes in the previous question, please indicate the area(s) of certification and education institution or recognized trade association where you obtained the certification. If you do not possess a certification in any of the areas listed above, then indicate "N/A." Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.You must also attach a copy of the certification to your application or submit a copy within fifteen (15) calendar days from the end of the filing period.

16

Do you have experience in crisis communications*? Describe your experience below and indicate the following information: •Payroll Title •Employer •Dates of Employment From (mm/dd/yr) - To (mm/dd/yr) •Description of Work related to this experience

*Crisis communication is defined as effectively communicating information to the public using various media resources to address a crisis that impacts an organization in order to prevent or minimize negative publicity that could adversely affect the organization. This includes providing status updates of the crisis.

If you do not have this experience, please write "No experience."

17

Do you have experience providing technical guidance and supervision over public information staff? Describe your experience below and indicate the following information: •Payroll Title •Employer •Dates of Employment From (mm/dd/yr) - To (mm/dd/yr) •Number and title of employees supervised •Description of Work related to this experience

If you do not have this experience, please write "No experience."

18

Do you have experience working with the news media and organizations to communicate an organization's message to the public in support of its goals and purpose? Describe your experience below and indicate the following information: •Payroll Title •Employer •Dates of Employment From (mm/dd/yr) - To (mm/dd/yr) •Description of Work related to this experience

If you do not have this experience, please write "No experience."

19

Do you have experience managing and creating organizational publications utilizing software such as MS word, MS power point, and Adobe/Illustrator? Describe your experience below and indicate the following information: •Payroll Title •Employer •Dates of Employment From (mm/dd/yr) - To (mm/dd/yr) •Description of Work related to this experience

If you do not have this experience, please write "No experience."

Required Question

Employer

County of Los Angeles

Address

**************

Los Angeles, California, 90010

Website

http://hr.lacounty.gov

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