What are the responsibilities and job description for the PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST position at State of Maryland - DJS Educational Operations?
Introduction
GRADE
12
LOCATION OF POSITION
217 E. Redwood St. Baltimore, MD. 21202
Main Purpose of Job
Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is committed to transforming young lives, strengthening communities, and advancing equitable systems that support youth success. We are seeking dedicated and mission-driven professionals to join our team as a Public Affairs Specialist. The role offers a meaningful opportunity to support frontline leadership, strengthen supervision practices, and contribute to positive outcomes for youth and families across the region.�
POSITION DUTIES
Position Overview The primary purpose of this position is to provide coaching, guidance, and technical support to Case Management Specialist Supervisors and Case Management Program Supervisors within the assigned region. The position ensures the consistent implementation of special initiatives, supervision models, and agency standards, while promoting best practices in leadership, accountability, and service delivery. This role also serves as a key support to the Regional Director, assisting with coverage of regional responsibilities as needed and contributing to continuity of operations, quality improvement efforts, and cross-functional collaboration. Key Responsibilities Responsibility #1 – Regional Coaching and Supervisor Support Provide ongoing coaching, consultation, and technical assistance to Case Management Supervisors and Program Supervisors to strengthen supervisory skills, reinforce effective supervision models, and ensure consistent application of DJS policies, procedures, and case management standards across the region. Responsibility #2 – Implementation and Oversight of Special Initiatives Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of regional and agency-wide special initiatives. Ensure initiatives are executed in alignment with DJS goals, timelines, and performance expectations, and provide guidance to supervisors to support successful adoption and sustainability. Responsibility #3 – Regional Leadership Support and Operational Coverage Serve as a strategic resource to the Regional Director by assisting with coverage of regional duties when needed, supporting problem-solving efforts, responding to emerging operational needs, and contributing to continuous quality improvement and performance monitoring across the region.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Four years of experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work. Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester credit hours in one or more of the following subjects: English, journalism, public relations, writing or other similar and related areas of study for the required experience.� 2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in public�affairs specialist classification or public affairs specialty codes in the information and arts field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1.Experience developing and executing multimedia communication strategies for a public-sector, educational, or youth-serving organization, including video, photography, digital publications, and social media content. 2. Demonstrated experience translating complex programmatic, educational, or performance data into clear, audience-appropriate written and visual communications for leadership, partner agencies, or the public. 3. Experience supporting executive-level communications, including preparing visual assets, presentations, or briefing materials under tight deadlines. 4.Proficiency using professional content creation and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar platforms) to produce high-quality digital and print materials in accordance with branding standards. 5.Experience coordinating communications related to audits, accreditation, legislative reporting, or other compliance-driven initiatives.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please ensure that your completed application includes sufficient information to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All documentation related to your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; information received after this date will not be considered. Candidates who meet the qualifications will remain on the certified eligible list for a period of one (1) year. This list may also be used to fill similar positions within this classification in the future.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment will involve a rating of your application based on your education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the position's requirements. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please report all relevant experience and education. For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education, as determined by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service, at the time of hire. Please complete the supplemental questionnaire, if applicable. They will be used when rating applications. Please note that your answers on the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your completed application to receive credit. Missing or incomplete supplemental questionnaires may impact the overall rating of your completed application. If you are a Veteran applying for this position, please submit your DD 214 Long Form with your completed application to receive proper credit.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is strongly recommended. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a completed paper application and supplemental questionnaire via email or fax to the addresses provided below. For fax or mail submissions, please ensure that each page includes your first and last name, the recruitment number (located at the top of the posting), and the last four digits of your Social Security number. All paper application materials must be received by 5:00 PM on the closing date of the recruitment. Applications received after this time, or those submitted with incorrect forms, will not be accepted. Postmarks will not be considered. Maryland Department of Juvenile Services OHR-Recruitment & Examination Unit 217 E. Redwood Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Attn: Recruitment Team, Recruitment #26-001690-0001 Fax number 410-333-4188 TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please contact the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Recruitment and Examination Unit at djs.careers@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments. Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments. Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.
Salary : $51,580 - $79,673