Technical Writer/Editor (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

Summary

Technical Writer/Editor supports ICE Health Service Corps by developing, editing, and reviewing technical, policy, clinical, and communication materials. Ensures products are clear, accurate, audience-appropriate, policy-compliant, and consistent with style and branding while coordinating with stakeholders and managing deadlines. This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.

Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Writes technical materials clearly without sacrificing thoroughness and accuracy; ensures materials are consistent with agency policy, meets style requirements of the agency, ensures materials are written at an appropriate level for the intended audience. Writes technical materials, such as policy directives and guides, scientific or technical articles, regulations in technical areas; technical manuals; reviews clinical guidelines, brochures, and pamphlets; award submissions. Works closely with outside and in-house authors, edits texts to ensure clarity and logical presentation of material, consistency and effectiveness of style, and accuracy of spelling and grammar. Advises and assists authors during the writing stage; verifies information supplemented by research and consultation with other subject experts; examines the organization, length, and tone of the material; edits the text for clarity and accuracy; consults on design and graphics. Reviews the work of authors, editors, proofreaders, translators, and indexers. Reviews all stages of proofs while considering accuracy, and timelines. Collaborates effectively with internal stakeholders, such as publications and communications coordinators, research associates, web developers, design and production staff, brand and content strategists, unit and division leadership, and others. Communicates expectations, including workflow and deadlines, and developments to various stakeholders and resolves problems or conflicts with good judgment, diplomacy, and tact. Reviews publications for style, design, layout, and editorial aspects before release. Edits, rewrites, and reorganizes materials to ensure information is clear, concise, and logical. Reformats materials to ensure brand consistency and readability.

Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds. Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling. Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self). The work may necessitate some physical characteristics that will be required when responding to an emergency, such as running a short distance, prolonged standing.

Education

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Officer must possess a qualifying degree for the officer's category and an advanced degree (e.g., M.A. or M.S.) from an accredited institution. Officer must possess at least two years technical writing or similar experience to successfully perform duties for this position. Such experience should encompass a broad range of communications-related activities, which may include but are not limited to the following: Command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling to convey information in plain language. This may include shifting sentences within paragraphs, corrections of sentences for faulty syntax or poor choice of words, and conformance to the IHSC Style Manual. Communication skills to collaborate with staff for document contents. The incumbent's ability to communicate with others ensures they can successfully work with others to write documents. Problem-solving skills to accurately describe processes and functions within IHSC's health care system. Ability to research topics and organize findings in easy-to-understand language; Conducting in-depth research can help you write more thorough instructions for others. Above basic knowledge of formatting functions in the following applications: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat, or ability to gain these skills within the first year through self-study. Basic knowledge of generative artificial intelligence tools. Time management skills to stay on schedule for multiple projects with competing work levels and requirements. If the incumbent holds a clinical license, it is the responsibility of the incumbent to fulfill the obligation(s) of their licensing or certifying body to maintain currency. This position may be required to perform clinical activities with the scope of clinical license in times of critical needs within the agency.