Technical Writer Job at United States Courts in Boston

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court Clerk’s Office is accepting applications for a full-time Technical Writer. The incumbent will join a remote team supporting work for the U.S. District Court and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts in support of work throughout the Judiciary. The Technical Writer will be responsible for creating, editing, reviewing, and maintaining a wide range of technical documentation, including but not limited to Application Requirements, Design Documents, Data Flow Diagrams, System Security Plan (SSP), Continuous Monitoring Strategy, Incident Response Plan, Continuity of Operations (COOP), Operations Guides, and User guides. In addition, the incumbent will provide analytical support during the design of new products or enhancements to existing products. The incumbent is responsible for researching, preparing, and publishing written materials that interpret and explain complex policies, programs, and functions in a manner which is clear and easy to comprehend and implement.

• Develop a wide range of technical guidance for both internal and public use
• Apply a high degree of writing skills, editorial judgment, and initiative, to independently analyze, plan and complete assignments
• Serve as a Technical Writer/Editor responsible for composing, editing, reviewing, and publishing design, planning, engineering, security and procurement related documents
• Serve as a Writer/Editor responsible for composing, editing, and reviewing public announcements and newsletters, coordinating with other organizational groups for input
• Develop templates and protocols for technical documents, announcements, and newsletters to achieve consistency and avoid unnecessary and repetitive effort
• Establish and maintain excellent relationships and dialogue with management and technical staff to facilitate participation in the planning and development of organizational communications policies and strategies
• Create and manage a shared document repository for projects, services, and other initiatives
• Assist in the creation of design mock-ups or wireframes for use as visual aids to depict the layout/flow of business requirements
• Develop, write, edit, and revise technical documentation supporting various custom designed and/or purchased applications, including systems developed locally or nationally.
• Ensure documents are of the highest quality in terms of purpose, content, format, effectiveness, and necessity
• Develop, write, and revise policies, processes, procedures, guides, manuals, forms, and other documents in support of administrative, operational, and judicial areas of the court, and for use by judges, court staff, the bar, and the public
• Work closely with subject matter experts, locally or nationally, to document processes, create end user documentation, web content (Intranet and Internet), technical manuals, training manuals, and presentation content. Ensure all applicable documents, guides, manuals, and forms are posted to the appropriate websites and are kept up to date.
• Write and present information clearly and persuasively, applying Plain Language guidelines as appropriate for non-technical audiences. Guide senior management and other professionals on communicating sensitive or technical information.
• Develop and document various reports extracted from applications and systems. Maintain and catalog all documentation and reference materials.
• Identify and recommend training materials, documents, or documentation to be developed or updated
• Review new releases of software programs, documenting any issues for follow-up by the programming staff, and for updating procedural documentation
• As part of the application team, assist with developing and presenting training materials during application implementation or upgrade
• Make recommendations to enhance court websites to ensure ease of use for judges, court staff, the bar, and the public
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years of specialized experience writing, reviewing, and updating manuals, guides, and process documentation
• Broad knowledge of the purpose and content of documents required and used within the court units
• Ability to quickly grasp complex technical concepts and make them easily understandable in text and pictures
• Exceptional ability to communicate (orally and in writing) to individuals and groups
• Outstanding organization and multi-tasking skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and Publisher
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat to create detailed PDFs and forms
• Dependable and able to work independently and as part of a team. Strong work ethic and interest in working in the public sector

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in communications, Computer Science, English, Legal Studies, Journalism, or Informatics
• Proven working experience composing, editing, and reviewing complex technical documentation
• Experience working on acquisition guides
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Visio to create diagrams and flowcharts
• Basic familiarity with the Software Development Life Cycle and software security practices
• Experience building software mockups or wireframes

Employee Benefits

A generous benefits package is available and includes the following:

• 11 paid federal holidays
• Paid annual and sick leave
• Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Health benefits under the Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Program (FEHB)
• Dental and Vision insurance options under the Federal Employees Vision and Dental Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
• Flexible Benefits Program
• Life insurance benefits under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI)
• Transit subsidy program

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.