PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT

 DEFINITION:
 
 Under direction, does the work involved in helping to collect,
 put into proper form, and disseminate informative materials
 including audio and visual communications designed to aid
 the public information and publicity program of the unit or
 jurisdiction concerned; does related work as required.

 NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for
 illustrative  purposes only.  A particular  position  using  this
 title   may   not  perform  all  duties  listed   in   this   job
 specification.  Conversely, all duties performed on the  job  may
 not be listed.

 EXAMPLES OF WORK:

 Helps  gather  informative materials concerning the  current  and
 proposed programs of the unit or jurisdiction and assists in  the
 work involved in putting the data collected unto usable forms.

 Assists  in writing scripts for radio and television presentation
 such   as   spot   announcements,  cooperative   broadcasts,   or
 educational  programs as well as work involved in the preparation
 and   distribution   of   news  stories,  bulletins,   pamphlets,
 circulars, and other informational materials designed to acquaint
 the   general   public  with  the  functions,   aims,   programs,
 regulations,   policies,   and  procedures   of   the   unit   or
 jurisdiction.

 Helps  to  compile  materials to be  used  in  house  papers  and
 bulletins designed for employees of the unit or jurisdiction.

 Helps prepare posters, charts, graphs, exhibits, and other visual
 aid materials.

 Assists  in  the  work  involved in  collecting,  compiling,  and
 tabulating statistical and other information.

 Will  be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
 and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used
 by  the agency, office, or related units.

 REQUIREMENTS:

      EXPERIENCE:

      One (1) year of experience in work involving the collection,
 analysis, and dissemination of information in the field  of  news
 media and/or public relations, publicity, and/or advertising.

      LICENSE:

       Appointees  will be required to possess a driver's  license
 valid  in  New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle,  rather
 than   employee  mobility, is necessary to perform the  essential
 duties of the  position.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 Knowledge  of  methods and techniques involved in collecting  and
 analyzing  factual  data and its interpretation  and  publication
 through the media of print, radio, and television.

 Knowledge  of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, programs,
 and  methods of the department and their application to  specific
 cases after a period of training.

 Knowledge of modern public information and advertising techniques
 and devices.

 Knowledge of the conventions and the form and style required  for
 press releases for print, radio, and television.

 Knowledge  of the sources from which significant information  may
 be obtained.

 Ability  to prepare and assist in preparing informative  articles
 and  news releases for publication via the media of print, radio,
 and television.

 Ability  to  review and edit written material  and  to  proofread
 copy.

 Ability to give talks before groups of varied ages.

 Ability to promote cooperation with the aims of the department.

 Ability to utilize available media for the dissemination of  news
 and information.

 Ability to maintain essential records and files.

 Ability  to  learn to utilize various types of electronic  and/or
 manual  recording  and information systems used  by  the  agency,
 office, or related units.

 Ability  to  read,  write, speak, understand  or  communicate  in
 English  sufficiently  to  perform the duties  of  the  position.
 American  Sign  Language or Braille may  also  be  considered  as
 acceptable forms of communication.

 Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long
 as  they  can  perform the essential functions of the  job  after
 reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations.   If
 the  accommodation  cannot be made because  it  would  cause  the
 employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
Job
Spec
Code
Variant
State,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
02923
L
C
  
N/A
03
-

This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

2/20/1997