Digital Communications Specialist

About Us

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is an Office of the Legislature. Our Office provides advocacy for children and youth receiving or seeking to receive services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act, and youth involved with the youth justice system. The OCYA is also responsible for providing legal representation for young people in matters related to the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act. The OCYA conducts investigations and reports on issues arising from the serious injury to or death of a young person. The OCYA engages stakeholders in understanding the importance of respecting young people’s individual and collective rights, interests, and viewpoints, as well as delivers public education.

The impact of colonialism continues to adversely affect Indigenous young people, their families, and their communities. Intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and the legacy of residential schools are experienced by many Indigenous young people, who continue to be overrepresented in the child intervention system. The OCYA is deeply committed to reconciliation, and a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. We are committed to a workplace that welcomes, respects and values the diversity of our employees. We also support them to be actively engaged in the workplace and the work we do to meet the needs of Alberta's young people.

To learn more about the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate go to our website at: www.ocya.alberta.ca.

Role Responsibilities

Do you want to put your creative mind and communications skills to work supporting advocacy for young people? Consider joining the communications team at the OCYA!

Reporting to the Communications Manager, your role as the Digital Communications Specialist is responsible for creating multimedia digital content to support the OCYA’s mission and strategic priorities. You will support various aspects of digital media content creation and strategy, with a focus on social media strategy, website management, and writing and editing content for a variety of digital platforms.

You will also be responsible for providing recommendations and advice on digital strategies and tools as part of the OCYA’s communications plan.

Your duties will include:

• Creating digital assets including social media images, infographics, and promotional materials.
• Providing communications writing and editing support for a wide range of digital communications including e-newsletters, blogs, reports, website content, and social media posts.
• Collaborating with OCYA staff across various teams to support their digital communications needs on various projects and provide communications advice and guidance.
• Providing communications recommendations and advice on digital communications strategies, tools, and content.

Qualifications

Degree or diploma in communications, digital media, journalism or a related field is required plus a minimum of two years of progressively responsible related experience in digital communications. Equivalencies may be considered.

A strong working knowledge of digital media platforms including social media, email marketing applications, and the WordPress content management system is required.

Strong writing and editing skills are required with an understanding of how to employ different writing techniques and best practices across a variety of digital platforms. Knowledge of plain language principles and digital media accessibility best practices is an asset.

Demonstrated experience creating digital content using applications such as Canva or Adobe Creative. Strong working knowledge of Office 365 applications.

Strong understanding of privilege and confidentiality.

The incumbent will be exposed to reports that address difficult and heartbreaking stories of young people and must be able to develop coping strategies to support their well-being.

Given the overrepresentation of Indigenous young people in the child intervention and youth justice systems, preference will be given to individuals who self-identify and are known to others as Indigenous or who have had extensive experience working with Indigenous peoples and communities.  

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviours that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in-depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process. Learn more about the competency model here: APS competency model

The critical competencies for success in this role are:

Agility: The communications team works on variety and diverse projects and tasks to support the OCYA. The ability to adapt, adjust and anticipate needs and priorities is a must.

Build Collaborative Environments: Collaboration is daily and ongoing in this role. Collaborating with the senior communications team members, cross-functional project teams, and other staff is frequent.

Creative Problem Solving: Ability to assess options and implications, engage different perspectives and create strategic solutions for communication challenges.

Develop Networks: Proactively develop networks and relationships to help the communications team effectively meet the needs of all program areas.

Notes

To be considered for this position, a cover letter which identifies your ability to meet the above noted competencies and provides information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how your qualifications meet the advertised requirements, must be included with your resume. Only applicants that include a cover letter will be considered.

Final candidates will be required to undergo security screening. This position is excluded from the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. This competition may be used to fill current or future vacancies at the same or lower level.

How to Apply

Click Apply/Apply Now.

Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/navigating-online-jobs-application.aspx to learn more about navigating the Alberta Public Service online application system.

Existing Alberta Public Service employees should access the Career tile in 1GX to submit their application in order to be recognized as an internal applicant.

Candidates are required to apply online. If you are unable to apply online, or for a copy of the full job description, please contact Sandy Simpson at sandy.simpson@ocya.alberta.ca.

Tips for Applicants https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-hiring-process.aspx.

It is recommended that applicants who have obtained educational credentials from outside of Canada and have not had them previously assessed, obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) https://www.alberta.ca/iqas-overview.aspx. It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates’ education and experience best meets the needs of the position. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require further information on this role, please contact Stephanie Shantz, Communications Manager at stephanie.shantz@ocya.alberta.ca.