Technical Writer

Description The Technical Writer performs specialized technical and administrative duties of considerable complexity involving reviews and updates to Standard Operating Procedures, forms, and other operational materials in support of the Assisted Housing Programs Department and the Public Housing Department.
This position’s main responsibility is to create technical documents to explain complex information in a clear and concise manner for operational staff.
Examples of Duties The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work.
Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.
These essential functions require a consistent presence in the work environment on a regular basis and regular attendance must be maintained.
Designs, develops, writes, updates and maintains all department forms, standard operating procedures, training materials, process maps, and other operational documents.
Collaborates with staff and subject matter experts to plan, research, write, and revise technical documents.
Manages form updates by posting to staff intranet (dashboards), website, Google Drive and affected files.
Assists staff with using Google (Drive, Forms, Calendar / Shared Calendars, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Mail Merge, etc.
) as well as other programs (Adobe Acrobat, DocuSign).
Re-organizes and maintains file management in Google Drive including regular updates to user permissions and document inventory.
Writes, edits, and proofreads internal and external communication aimed at various audiences and education levels to create and maintain a public image that emphasizes Opportunity Home’s regulatory compliance and public responsibility, including but not limited to letters to landlords/families, flyers for events, digital message boards, resident newsletter, property signs, etc.
Upholds organization style guidelines and standards to meet business needs.
Builds and maintains client aids that go beyond traditional documentation such as online video, demos, guided tours, and other educational techniques.
Gathers internal feedback on documentation to improve usability of forms, Standard Operating Procedures, and other operational documents.
Records meeting minutes as needed and follows up on necessary items for completion.
Complete all duties as assigned or requested as outlined in operational and procedural guidelines.
These guidelines are maintained and issued in the event of an emergency situation that arises at a property or any other location that serves our residents or employees.
Participate in Trauma Informed Care (TIC) initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc.
, that are launched or implemented in order to achieve and/or maintain certification as a TIC organization.
Participate in initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc.
, that are launched or implemented in order to create awareness, foster, cultivate and preserve a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Recognize the significance of a data driven organization that adheres to expanded policies and practices in the area of data governance.
Learn the distinct and different roles to include: Data Trustee, Data Domain Stewards, Data System Custodians, Data Stewards and Data Users.
Effectively collaborate with the various data roles as needed on a daily basis or in a project capacity.
Other duties as assigned.
Behavioral Competencies This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills Values Driven | Demonstrates an understanding of the values (Compassion, Equity and Excellence) and embodies the values in their work and interactions with residents, vendors, co-workers, supervisors, board members, community members, and other stakeholders.
Customer Service | Responds with Compassion in a professional manner to the expectations and needs of internal and external customers; is friendly and helpful to all customers, fostering positive relationships while providing Excellent service.
Effective Use of Information | Communicates important information to those who need to know clearly, securely, effectively, orally and/or in writing; proactively exchanges accurate and timely information.
Commitment and Continuous Improvement | Sets the standard for Excellence by proactively pursuing innovation through systematic experimentation and learning.
Corrects mistakes by assessing appropriate processes, proposing adjustments, and prioritizing long-term solutions.
Teamwork | Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits Compassion, objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts of Excellence; attends, supports, and participates in the organization’s team building events.
Responsiveness and Accountability | Demonstrates a high level of Excellence and holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; complies with procedures and directives and understands the importance of maintaining and managing confidential information; recognizes and anticipates issues and provides a responsive resolution in a timely manner.
Typical Qualifications Education Required Bachelor’s Degree in English, Professional Writing, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Work or related field.
Experience Required One (1) year experience in technical and/or professional writing.
Experience creating processes and workflow diagrams.
Must have the ability to learn and use cloud applications such as the Google GSuite applications to include but not limited to: Google Chrome Browser, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets and Slides.
Understanding document sharing and collaboration in the cloud.
Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, cloud accessible applications to include but not limited to: One drive, Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint or MAC or PC desktop equivalent is acceptable.
Successful completion of a criminal history background check, education, and work history verification, and drug screening test.
Preferred Education and Experience English-Spanish/Spanish-English translation and interpretation skills Ability to learn cloud technologies such as LucidChart for diagram, workflow and chart drawing.
Experience with Vizio or equivalent is acceptable.
Basic understanding of Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to connect to internal business systems.
License + Certificates Required Housing Choice Voucher Specialist Certification must be completed within 18 months of employment (depending on availability of training) with no more than three attempts to pass certification allowed.
Public Housing Specialist Certification must be completed within 18 months of employment (depending on availability of training) with no more than three attempts to pass certification allowed.
Texas Class “C” driver’s license at the time of placement and insurable by the organization’s fleet and liability insurance carrier.
Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by assigned tasks.
Technical Skills To perform this job successfully, the employee should have Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to translate technical terminology and jargon into plain, clear language.
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and GSuite Applications, and ability to learn additional technological software.
Ability to create, write, and edit documents with attention to detail.
Knowledge of technical writing practices, design techniques, and stylebook guidance.
Ability to perform in-depth, web-based research.
Ability to provide technical support to staff related to the use of internal forms and publications.
Ability to interpret ideas visually through infographics or process maps.
Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands with excellent problem-solving and organizational skills while meeting established deadlines.
Ability to provide technical support to staff related to the use of internal forms and publications.
Understands the Mission, Vision, and Value of the agency, and directs work within these guiding principles and operational framework.
Quality-oriented attitude and attention to detail.
Ability to work with a diverse population.
Ability to perform basic mathematics.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
Ability to work under minimum supervision.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to operate a personal computer and other office equipment as assigned.
Ongoing and/or updated certifications may be required.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position.
Daily movements include sitting; standing; operating computers and other office equipment; walking and moving about the office and/or community property, and attending onsite and offsite meetings.
The employee must be able to complete data entry, utilize various portals and communicate via email and verbally via telephone.
Ability to walk large properties and climb stairs.
The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office Environment The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
High level of interaction with external/internal clients.
May be transferred or be required to work at different properties or sites for interim periods in order to support business needs.
Outside Environment Subject to environmental elements when conducting visits to various sites or participating in outside events.
ADA Statement In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will make reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities, if it would not impose an “undue hardship” on the operation of the employer’s business.
Ethics As a public agency, the organization is committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards.
Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism and honesty, to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors and the general public.
Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy and responsiveness.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Opportunity Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information, marital status, veteran status, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Opportunity Home is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.
Disclaimer The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.
It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
This position specification is not an employment agreement or contract.
Management has the exclusive right to alter this position specification at any time, without notice.