] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

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Communications Support Specialist

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Communication Support Spec CODE: 5507 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Communications Support Specialist GRADE: 18 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the guidance of the director implements various strategies utilizing electronic, print and graphic presentation methods to communicate the department¿s functions system-wide to support schools and offices, as well as the resources utilized by business partners and the public. Applies artistic judgment and skill in preparing communication materials. Work includes writing, editing, reviewing and modifying content, and maintaining web pages. In collaboration with functional users, develops forms, letters, notices, web pages and other publications for use by MCPS staff and community. Oversees the activities of curriculum based programs as implemented by the department. Prepares and coordinates all publications and training materials. Must be able to assist in training department staff and others in the use of communication materials that are computer-based. Must have a thorough knowledge of MCPS business operating procedures, organization, functions, personnel, and programs and use sound judgment and professionalism when interacting with MCPS staff, vendors, and the public. The work of this class involves considerable contact with staff and vendors by answering questions and assisting with problems, and providing timely, accurate, professional telephone and e-mail responses. Provides innovative and effective approaches to improve service to customers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Ability to handle multiple projects, react quickly to communication needs and provide innovative and effective approaches to improve service to customers. Working knowledge and understanding of English grammar and composition. Working knowledge of school organizational communications. Excellent interpersonal, human relations, oral and written communication skills required. Ability to develop simple, user-friendly forms; training materials; and communication tools that enables the director's message to be disseminated across a large organization. Ability to perform, without direct supervision, continuing assignments requiring the communication needs and provide innovative and effective approaches to improve service to customers. Ability to use resourcefulness and tact, recognizing established precedents and practices, when making decision and solving problems. Knowledge of managing multiple electronic databases and webpages. Thorough knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, FileMaker Pro, and Visio. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills. Knowledge of the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Associates degree required. Completion of college coursework in web publishing and design, business related courses. Minimum five years of progressively more responsible experience, three of which shall have been in administrative and web support in a school or central office setting. Experience in the creation and development of a variety of visual materials preferred. Training and experience in office computing software applications, on-line data base oriented financial management system, Dreamweaver, TRON or other web-site creation and editing software. Experience developing/updating web pages. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience equivalent to a Associates degree, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Overtime may be required to meet deadlines
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office every day.)

1. Independently creates and evaluates communication strategies to improve services to the department and MCPS staff

2. Functional leader of the department website. Updates the webpages with new content and updated information on a regular basis. Writes and edits content using web publishing software such as FTP, HTML, FrontPage, Dreamweaver, and Tron.

3. Edits articles, publications, and standard communications to be used in staff notifications.

4. Receives communications from customers and staff, determines nature of business, then, exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills to resolve matters referring persons to the area that can best address their needs and concerns.

5. Operates computer desktop and other office equipment in the completion of complex and varied information management tasks.

6. Maintains various databases using FileMaker Pro and Excel.

7. Manages departmental programs such as, professional development textbook library and lending, the Blue Bag postage program, etc, providing guidance to appropriate staff; school, , mail room, , outside mail services vendor, etc.

8. Monitors several department dropboxes and distributes the messages to the functional specialists for research and response as required.

9. Provides support and service to all customer¿s inquiries and requests with professionalism, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

10. Assists in the development and presentation of staff information, using standard office software (MS Word, PowerPoint, etc and/or related printed materials.

11. Assists in the training of pc-based computing concepts and Microsoft Office products for department staff.

12. Arranges staff development conferences/trainings and department meetings, including scheduling space and time, notifying participants, and coordinating with outside MCPS sites when necessary.

13. Generates reports, memos, surveys, edits standard communications, including memos, letters, and other informational materials and correspondence.

14. Regularly updates existing databases to maintain accurate information. Performs routine comparisons of data and analyses of information.

15. Supervises subordinate office assistant/clerical position(s).

16. Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 4/2014
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.