Writer/Editor

Role Responsibilities

As a Writer/Editor, you will be responsible for providing professional writing/editing services for communications related to the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services. The position reports to the Team Lead, Sr. Writer/Editor and works collaboratively with a team of other Writer/Editors. The Writer/Editor is responsible for ensuring industry, Ministry, Division, and Branch editing and writing standards are followed.

Responsibilities: 
Provides professional editing and/or draft writing to Branch or Division staff.

• Reviews original materials to ensure the language used communicates the intent of the document and can be understood by the intended audience. 
• Identifies and implements necessary changes regarding spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage.
• Adheres to templates and style guides to ensure accuracy and consistency in editorial aspects such as writing style, spelling, punctuation, spacing, headings, colour, graphics, and layout.
• Clarifies meaning and consistency of facts and other production requirements.
• Identifies concerns regarding the clear and accurate expression of content and subsequently negotiates and addresses with divisional staff all questions and concerns that result from editing of the product.
• Ensures clear instructions are given to divisional staff regarding necessary changes and reviews all requested changes. 
• Throughout production of content, reviews and edits all requested changes.
• Uses appropriate digital presentation strategies, tone and language style for the intended audience.
• Ensures assessment products conform to industry, ministry, division, and branch specifications and standards.

Plans and organizes information gathering and tasks and presents them in a format consistent with departmental policies and of interest to readers. 

• Suggests any changes that will contribute to improved quality of content and/or appearance.
• Assists branch, sector or division staff with the preparation of key documents.
• Adheres to established processes and provides input and recommendations for continuous improvement of the processes.
• Adapts priorities to meet deadlines.
• Provides accurate and current status updates as requested.
• Works independently within defined Ministry objectives as well as collaboratively as a member of project teams.
• Participates in branch and unit meetings to provide and receive updates regarding ongoing work activities, projects, Ministry partnerships, and other branch and Ministry business. 

Written communication materials are researched and produced, ensuring accurate and consistent communication of key messages relating to assessment and other divisional programs and issues; appropriateness of contents for identified audience(s); and compliant with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.

• Forwards requests to appropriate program areas and coordinates response preparation within established deadlines; reviews draft responses for style, tone, clarity, conciseness, and accuracy.
• Provides consultation and guidance relating to written communications materials.

The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors 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.

Drive for Results: Flag, provide solutions, and address issues in accordance with the priorities of the Ministry and division.

Agility: Coordinate individual tasks within the overall workflow and processes. Collaborate with functional and project team members with the end-result in mind. Understand overall system (both at the department and division levels) and seek to understand the parameters of the role within that system.

Creative Problem Solving: Understand and challenge processes with an eye to continuous improvement. Explore different approaches to a task and/or process; and distinguish what is working, what isn't working, what can be improved.

Build Collaborative Environments: Collaborate within functional and project teams, as well as with internal stakeholders within the branch and division and across the department. Demonstrate effective communication strategies that promote win-win solutions.

Qualifications

A University graduation in a related field, plus 2 years of progressively responsible related experience, OR a two-year diploma in a related field, plus 4 years of progressively responsible related experience.

Related education may include English, Journalism, or Communications.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Proficiency working with project management and tracking software, such as the Government of Alberta’s Action Request Tracking System (ARTS)
• Writing and editing experience within a complex or multi-faceted organization

 Assets:

• Excellent English verbal and writing skills.
• Excellent memory and attention to detail.
• Excellent computer skills, good knowledge of appropriate software and ability to organize data logically.
• Creative problem solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to effectively handle time pressures and manage multiple and conflicting priorities.
• Strong ability to think critically about issues that may impact the organization or the public at large.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

• Hours of work: 36.25 hours/week, Monday to Friday (8:15 am – 4:30 pm).
• This position is on-site 5 days per week in an office located in downtown Edmonton
• Selected candidates will be asked to complete a written assessment in the form of an editing test. AI tools are not permitted for this assessment.
• Final candidates will be required to undergo an academic verification and security screening.
• This competition may be used to fill future vacancies at the same or lower classification level.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) .
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.