Technical Writer - Department of Health and Human Services

Description

The Technical Writer will provide high-quality writing, editing, and documentation support to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) within HHS. This role supports the development of technical, administrative, and programmatic documents used for internal management, external stakeholders, and congressional reporting.

The Technical Writer will work closely with federal program staff, analysts, and subject matter experts to transform complex research, program, and performance data into clear, accurate, and accessible written products that meet federal standards, timelines, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Program Documentation

• Draft, edit, and format technical and administrative reports including:
   
  • Annual performance reports
     
  • Reports to Congress
     
  • Organizational highlights publications
     
  • Technical reports, literature reviews, policy analyses, and field scans
     
• Translate complex programmatic, research, and data-driven content into clear, concise narrative products for diverse audiences.
   
• Collaborate with program staff to define document scope, structure, and content requirements.
   

Editing, Quality Control & Compliance

• Edit documents for clarity, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to federal writing standards.
   
• Ensure all deliverables comply with HHS digital accessibility and Section 508 requirements, including preparation of accessibility-compliant formats and supporting documentation.
   
• Incorporate feedback from Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs), program managers, and senior leadership.
   

Research & Content Development

• Conduct background research and literature reviews to support development of technical reports and planning documents.
   
• Synthesize information from multiple sources into cohesive narratives and summaries.
   
• Review prior-year documents to determine relevance of boilerplate language and identify updates needed for new reporting cycles.
   

Meeting & Planning Support

• Prepare briefing materials, agendas, summaries, and written outputs associated with meetings, advisory councils, expert panels, and stakeholder engagements.
   
• Serve as meeting scribe or note-taker when required and produce polished post-meeting summaries.
   
• Support development of long-range plans, action plans, and multi-year strategic documents.
   

Ongoing Reporting Support

• Contribute to monthly and annual administrative reports describing contract activities, progress, and accomplishments.
   
• Support surge writing and editing needs under short deadlines for emerging priorities or ad hoc requests.
   

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Technical Writing, Public Policy, Public Health, or a related field.
   
• Proven experience producing technical, analytical, or policy-focused written products.
   
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with exceptional attention to detail.
   
• Experience working with subject matter experts to develop accurate and well-structured documents.
   
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federal agencies, particularly HHS or research-focused organizations.
   
• Familiarity with congressional reporting, performance reporting, or federal research documentation.
   
• Experience preparing Section 508–compliant documents and accessibility reports.
   
• Ability to manage multiple documents simultaneously and meet strict federal deadlines.
   
• Experience working in a government contracting environment.