Public Relations Outreach Specialist (Fire/Ems Department)

Salary: $61,921.60 Annually
Location : Kissimmee, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 01990
Department: Public Information Office
Division: Public Information Office
Opening Date: 12/08/2023
Closing Date: 12/22/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
General Description of Duties
NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAY GRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.
Under general direction, this position plans, organizes, and implements public information activities to provide the public and media with timely and accurate information in matters of public interest and in support of a positive organizational image.
Essential Job Functions
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Provides information to media outlets by generating news releases, holding press conferences, and acting as department spokesperson and media liaison to disseminate agency-related information to inform and educate the public.
• Coordinates and responds to requests for public information in compliance with Florida Statutes.
• Develops and coordinates communications through County and departmental publications, brochures, information packets, reports, newsletters, the media, and websites.
• Monitors media coverage and responds to media inquiries.
• Consults with department officials in responding to media inquiries and promoting department programs and services.
• Prepares, reviews, and edits news conferences, press releases, scripts, articles, brochures, etc.
• Coordinates social media promotions, events, and activities in support of County goals and objectives.
• Maintains contact with local media by participating in videotaped and telephone interviews.
• Collects data and reviews materials for media relations issues.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with representatives of the community and employee and public interest groups.
• Conducts public appearances, lectures, or exhibits in order to increase awareness and to promote goodwill for the agency.
• Confers with agency personnel to identify trends key group interests and public concerns.
• Speaks to various groups to provide information which may include delivering speeches and presentations.
• Provides training to employees on media protocol.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a closely relatedfield.Experience: Two (2) years experience in marketing communications, Public Relations, and/or social media. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.
Miscellaneous:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, digital marketing, and social media communications. Knowledge of media tactics, including interview techniques and preparation.
• Knowledge of Florida Public Records laws.
• Knowledge of basic principles of communication.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; Ability to produce written documents in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar
• Knowledge of the operations, practices, and requirements of web standards. Ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to review, proofread, edit, and verify written materials for accuracy and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment (e.g. computer, calculator, facsimile, copiers, etc.).
• Ability to write press releases in the proper format.
• Ability to gather and verify news information through interviews, observation, and research.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, news media, and others contacted in the course of the assignment.
• Ability to accurately interpret policies and procedures to provide and clarify information.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful and highly visible situations.
• Ability to work within stringent deadlines to complete projects and assignments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret complex written materials.
• Ability to respond to citizen and media requests in a courteous and effective manner.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to work any hours including weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, callouts, and overtime.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with other employees, members of the media, other agencies, and the public by telephone, in a one-to-one, face-to-face setting, and in a group setting; Ability to make presentations to small and large audiences.

Physical Demand Requirements:
Physical Demand: Light

• 20 pounds maximum lifting.
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 10 lbs.
• If less lifting involved will require significant walking/standing.
• If mostly sitting is involved will require push/pull on arm or leg controls.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less.

Osceola County offers a comprehensive benefits package to fit the needs of our employees and their families. Following is a snapshot of our core benefits.
Medical and Dental Insurance at no cost to the employee. In addition, the County contributes 83% to the dependent(s) premium coverage. Department Heads are eligible for Medical and Dental insurance coverage on the first date of employment.
Group Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Coverage
Deductions Per Paycheck
(26 Paychecks)
EmployeeEmployee + 1Family Health-HRA Base $0.00 $102.38 $159.25 Health-HRA Buy-Up $31.57 $138.89 $216.06 Dental Base $0.00 $11.99 $22.08 Dental Buy-Up $3.16 $18.14 $30.75 Vision $3.42 $6.84 $9.15 Short-Term Disability $0.00 N/A N/A Long-Term Disability $0.00 N/A N/A
County's Contribution to the Medical Plan:
Coverage
TierAnnual
Contribution HRA Base Employee $9,807.72 HRA Base Emp+1 $15,091.96 HRA Base Family $22,921.08 Coverage
TierAnnual
Contribution HRA Buy-Up Employee $9,436.70 HRA Buy-Up Emp+1 $14,952.34 HRA Buy-Up Family $22,703.72
Medical Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): The County contributes $500 per employee or $1,000 for employee plus dependents, for medical and prescription-related expenses.
State-of-the-Art Employee Wellness Center: The County provides a private health center for County Employees and eligible dependents. The Employee Wellness Center offers an array of primary care services, including sick visits, enhanced by x-ray services, pulmonary tests, lab work, and a dispensary offering over 200 generic medications onsite. Services at the Wellness Center are offered at no cost to the employees and their eligible dependents.

• Employees who are enrolled on the County's Medical plan have access to the Employee Wellness Center on day one of employment. The Wellness Center is available to patients 8 years of age and older.

Basic Life Insurance Policy: At no cost to the employee, equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next thousand dollars. Employees can opt to buy additional Life Insurance.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability: At no cost to the employee. The County offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability at 60% of the employee's weekly base salary. The employee has the option to purchase an additional 10% coverage.
Membership in the Florida Retirement System: This benefit cannot be easily matched by a traditional 401k plan. Current County contributions are:
• Regular Class - 11.91%
• Special Risk - 27.83%
• Senior Management - 31.57%
The Florida Retirement System (FRS) offers two retirement plans - the Investment Plan and the Pension Plan. Both plans are subject to a mandatory 3% employee contribution.
457b Deferred Compensation Program is also available to help employees boost their retirement saving goals, with pre-tax and post-tax contributions, as well as IRA plan options.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): EAP provides confidential counseling and referral services to employees and their family membersat no cost.
Employee Wellness Program promotes various activities to encourage total well-being including physical, emotional, and financial health. Rewards can be earned.
Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $20.00 per month.
Vacation and Sick Leave accruals as follows:
Vacation AccrualsPer Month 1 month to 5 years 8 hours 5 years and 1 month to 10 years 10 hours 10 years and 1 month to 15 years 12 hours 15 years and 1 month to 20 years 13.34 hours 20 years and over 16.66 hours
Sick Leave AccrualsPer Month Full-time Employees 8 hours Part-time Employees 4 hours
11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday (to be chosen by the Employee)

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Thanksgiving-Day After
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Paid Bereavement Leave:Up to three (3) working days off with pay if funeral or memorial services are less than 200 miles from Kissimmee and up to five (5) working days off with pay if funeral or memorial services are more than 200 miles from Kissimmee.
40 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year for Exempt employees.
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $1,600 per Calendar Year, for degree-seeking employees. The degree must be related to the employee's position.
Employee Recognition Program: Monetary rewards are available.
Sick Leave Bank: Available to employees experiencing a catastrophic medical-related event, with up to 240 hours, per fiscal year. Enrollment required.
01
Do you possess a degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field? If yes, list the degree type and major/concentration. If no, list N/A. (Education must be demonstrated in the "Education" section of your application.)
02
Do you have experience in marketing communications, Public Relations, and/or social media? If yes, list the number of years and describe your experience. If no, list N/A. (Work experience must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of your application.)
03
Describe your experience with Florida Public Records laws and/or responding to requests for public information. If none, list N/A.
04
Are you bi-lingual in English and Spanish?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you possess a valid Florida Driver's License?
Required Question