Allow members to write blog posts

Can i manually assign certain members to a new group which will allow them to post blogs on my wordpress website?

They don’t really need access to anything but to be able to post blogs, and then edit their blog if need be.

I run a website which regularly posts news on it’s topic, i am looking to increase posted news by assigning ‘staff’ – who will be paid for writing articles. I’m not sure if this is already a feature of wordpress and if i’ll need any add-ons ?

Thanks