Work at JBS, a values-driven social sciences and health consulting firm dedicated to improving the lives of real people every day and build a career with impact. Our 400+ passionate and diverse employees across the country create sustainable change in health care, social services, and education by providing our clients with individualized service and big reach. JBS’s deep expertise is enhanced by access to our parent company, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, and its team of subsidiary companies, the Celerian Group.
We are looking for a seasoned Science Writer II with experience and passion for improving the behavioral health of individuals and communities across the nation. Help us bring real change while we support your professional growth. The Science Writer II develops evidence-based, research-informed content with a focus on substance use, mental illness, and the programs, services, and interventions related to prevention, treatment, and recovery support for individuals, families, and communities affected by these issues. The Science Writer II translates technical and scientific material into concise, engaging content by conducting searches of the scientific literature, identifying relevant sources and vetting evidence presented in those sources, and synthesizing findings into well-organized, actionable content written primarily for behavioral health service providers, program administrators, and policy makers, as well as behavioral health service consumers and their families and communities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Conceives, researches, and writes evidence-based content for products such as treatment guidelines, practice improvement manuals, toolkits, fact sheets, advisories, websites, and video scripts for a range of audiences, including policymakers, health professionals, and consumers
- Ensures both representation of the client’s voice in all products and that each product has "one-voice" consistency with tailored language to reach diverse audiences
- Edits complex, often lengthy scientific documents for clarity, grammar, punctuation, spelling, format, and consistency as well as adherence to designated style guides, various customized style guide, and government rules and regulations. Quality-check text to ensure data is represented accurately, is referenced, and annotated
- Collaborates with creative, multimedia, web, and production teams to develop well-formatted, accessible, engaging content suitable for dissemination via various channels
- Compiles substantive feedback from clients, reviewers, subject matter experts, and other contributors, organizing and incorporating it in revised drafts accurately
- Conducts searches of the academic and gray literature, prepare literature reviews, and compile a solid evidence base for content under development
- Perform copy editing, proofreading, and fact-checking as needed to ensure that content is error-free, has clear structure and logical flow, accurately reflects the evidence base, and aligns with relevant style guidelines
- Recommends edits to improve readability, coherence, accuracy, grammar, and conformity to internal and publishing standards of style
- Proactively raises and discusses concerns/issues within the team and with the client to promote high scientific and industry standards and propose alternative wording or strategies
- Works independently and with initiative, but also demonstrate strong team/collaboration skills: can engage with a team of talented in-house staff, external SMEs, and government staff
- Contributes to the development of process improvement tools and the development or revision of internal processes and procedures affecting editorial work
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
BS/BA in psychology, social work, public health, or other behavioral health-related field. Professional certification or licensure related to substance use or mental illness is strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum 5+ years professional science writing and editing
- Experience writing and editing science and evidence-based content, preferably for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or other federal agencies or contracting organizations involved in the health and human services field.
- Knowledge of substance use and/or mental health as well as services related to prevention, treatment, and recovery support for these issues.
- Possess solid knowledge in required content area and federal plain language guidelines. Good understanding of medical and scientific terminology and methods.
- Strong history of translating highly technical findings into concise, engaging, and actionable content that is written for health professionals, patients, and the public.
- Experience adhering to in-house and professional style manuals (e.g., APA, AP, AMA Manual of Style, GPO, Chicago).
- Excellent writing skills as applied to scientific and health-related content.
Soft Skills:
- Demonstrates a strong attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal communication and time management skills with the ability to cooperate with colleagues and clients on a variety of tasks.
Software Proficiency: High degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience using MS Word styles in document development; knowledge of content management systems for web publishing.
Language: English fluency (oral and written)
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation.
- Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
- Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.
- Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone.
- Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
- Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.
- Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.
JBS offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, including a retirement plan; medical, life, and disability insurance; paid leave; recognition of individuals’ contributions; and policies to encourage healthy work-life balance.
JBS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to DEI in the workplace. We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Learn more about working at JBS and how we are making an impact across the nation every day.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references. Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
