Communications Specialist

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) protects the public by preparing court-involved youth to be successful citizens. DJJ is committed to excellence in public safety by providing effective interventions that improve the lives of youth, strengthening both families and communities within the Commonwealth.

DJJ is currently seeking a Communications Specialist. This role will provide timely updates to the agency’s intranet (SharePoint) by working directly with all levels of agency staff and in collaboration with other Communications Team members. Proofread and edit website content, intranet content, internal / external communications, social media content, etc. Responsible for the content management and user experience for the agency intranet. Apply agency brand standards to graphics, communications, social media posts, and internal publications. Develop creative assets for the communications team. Collaborates with the Communications Coordinator and agency PIO to support internal / external communication projects, initiatives, and tasks. Provide support to DJJ content owners with Microsoft SharePoint and other Microsoft collaboration applications such as Teams. Provide technical support to employees utilizing SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive. Support agency PIO in research and development of agency news articles and releases.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

• Excellent writing skills, with writing and editing using Associated Press style;
• Ability to manage projects involving multiple stakeholders;
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and;
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, organize, and manage assigned initiatives.

This is an hourly / wage position and is limited to 1500 hours to average 29 hours per week in a 12-month period. This position does not include the state benefit package.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated ability utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite.

Skilled in the use of Adobe creative tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, Express, etc.).

Demonstrated skill and experience proofreading, editing, and formatting a variety of content (including social media) for a variety of audiences.

Additional Considerations

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.

Application Process :

Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications sent through postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.

You will be provided an email 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. Status updates will not be provided via telephone or email.

Background & Pre-employment Screenings :

Selected applicants are subject to a background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (if required and relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Pre-employment medical screenings are required for some DJJ positions.

Driver License : A valid driver’s license is required of DJJ employees to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Supplemental Questions :

You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information may help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Lay off Policy 1.3 :

If you have been impacted by the DHRM Policy 1.3 layoff and have a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), it is necessary to submit the card before the closing date for this position. You can include the Card as an attachment with your state application.

DJJ Welcomes Veterans :

DJJ is committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible to receive additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve. If applicable, please submit form DD-214 with your state application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Reasonable Accommodations : Reasonable Accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and / or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Human Resources Department for further assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer : The Department of Juvenile Justice practices fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.

Contact Information

Name : Bianca D. Stewart Williams, Talent Acquisition Consultant

Phone : 804-588-4410

Email : ov

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.