Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Writer & Editor Ii

The Writer/Editor II writes and revises evidence-based project specific content for audiences including state/federal policy makers; industry professionals; researchers and academics; and the public. The Writer/Editor II works closely with Senior Writer/Editors and other subject matters experts to develop substantive and well-cited content. The Writer/Editor II works independently to conduct research that supports ongoing content development. The Writer/Editor II compiles, organizes, and incorporates substantive feedback from clients, reviewers, subject matter experts, and other contributors. The Writer/Editor II provides a range of writing and editorial including but not limited to development and revise of style guides, editorial process timelines, and process and quality improvement.

***This position will support writing AND editing based on project needs for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders.***

***Please note that if you are with in 50 miles of the North Bethesda or San Mateo offices, that this position will require a hybrid work schedule with 2 days onsite.***

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Proofreads, copyedits, and conducts quality control reviews for project deliverables, corporate communications, proposals, etc.; perform substantive editing with minimal support from senior writer/editors and/or subject matter experts.
• Conducts research to support content outlines and ongoing content development; compile general bibliographies, substantive annotated bibliographies, and well-cited literature reviews to serve as the foundation for evidence-based content development.
• With assistance from senior writer/editors and/or subject matter experts, develop substantive, well-cited product outlines to support draft content development.
• Track a range of editorial processes; help identify and project timelines for content development milestones related to drafting, content reviews and revisions, editing, formatting, quality control, and final content production.
• Compile substantive feedback from clients, reviewers, subject matter experts, and other contributors; organize feedback and incorporate it in revised drafts; review updated content drafts to confirm feedback has been incorporated accurately.
• Write and revise evidence-based content about project-specific health, social science, criminal justice, child welfare, or related project topics for audiences including state/federal policy makers; social science and health professionals; criminal justice and child welfare professionals; patients and their families; researchers and academics; and the public.
• Update published content to reflect research advances, new guidance, and recommendations, evolving best practices and industry standards, legislative and regulatory changes, etc.
• Assist with developing, updating, and expanding project and corporate style guides; independently develop product-specific style sheets.
• Ensure the voice of the client is represented in all products and that each product has "one voice" consistency: tailor the language and structure of content to diverse audiences.
• Prepare content for various stages of internal and external review.
• Actively contribute to discussions around process improvement, quality improvement, workflow efficiencies, and editorial and content development best practices.
• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay abreast of industry trends in content development, best practices in writing and editing evidence-based content for diverse target audiences, and new options and innovations in content tracking and management.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in English, Communications, Comparative Literature, Journalism, or a public health-related field

Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years professional writing and editing
• Experience successfully applying writing/editing skills in specifically in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders.
• Experience in digital-first communications as well as adapting writing style for digital channels (an ability to customize content as needed across channels) working knowledge of the Styles function in Word.

Knowledge:

• Superior command of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax; proven ability to apply this knowledge in alignment with common industry style guides (e.g., AMA, AP, APA, Chicago, GPO); working knowledge of federal plain language guidelines.
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills as proven through work samples showcasing content across a range of formats and publication channels.

Software Skills:

• Proficiency in the full Microsoft Office suite of applications, especially MS Word; Experience working with MS SharePoint or similar document-sharing platforms that enable multiple users to access, edit, and track revisions to a live document at once in real time.
• Working knowledge of project/publication tracking and management softwares, such as MS Project, Smartsheet, Basecamp, Asana, Trello, and so forth.
• Familiarity with plagiarism detection platforms/softwares.
• Working knowledge of content revision functions in Adobe Acrobat.

Soft Skills:

• Superb organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent oral communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit forprolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation.
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.
• Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone.
• Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
• Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.
• Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.