DSHS BHHA Communications Consultant 4

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking to hire a Communications Consultant 4 to support communication efforts at the Gage Center of Forensic Excellence at Western State Hospital. This position plays a key role in advancing communications that support the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of the Gage Center, Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA), and DSHS. The Gage Center is a 427-bed inpatient psychiatric center providing evaluation and treatment for individuals with serious or long-term mental illness across 19 counties. The Center works closely with individuals, families, advocates, healthcare providers, community partners, and government organizations to support effective behavioral health services. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Pierce County employees are also eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. In this role, you will develop and implement communication plans, staff messaging, newsletters, campaigns, presentations, and media statements. You will represent the Gage Center hospital and BHHA workgroups, lead intranet and SharePoint communications, and ensure leadership and staff are informed about key initiatives and priorities. This highly collaborative position works closely with hospital leadership and communications teams across BHHA and DSHS to strengthen internal and external communications and increase awareness of the Gage Center’s services and mission.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field AND Three years of writing/editing/translating experience OR Equivalent education/experience.

Nice To Haves

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or sensitive information to diverse audiences.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of copy-editing and Associated Press (AP) style.
Photography and videography skills, with the ability to produce engaging visual content and videos.
Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
The ability to communicate effectively about equity, diversity, access, and inclusion with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage complex communication plans, programs, tools, and trainings for WSH, BHHA, and DSHS audiences.
Serve as a backup to the Communication Director in their absence.
Deliver timely information through All Staff emails, intranet, digital displays, posters, newsletters, and social media, including the Gage Center quarterly newsletter.
Prepare incident reports, talking points, briefings, presentations, and executive communications for Gage Center leadership.
Develop and evaluate strategic communication plans, anticipating audience response to policies, procedures, and critical events.
Serve as a communications subject-matter expert for workgroups, committees, Town Halls, hospital events, and other initiatives, including strengthening two-way communication and family participation.
Lead web development and content for Gage Center programs and services, oversee WSH's SharePoint site, and capture and edit photos while ensuring patient privacy, consent, and policy requirements.
Serve as Public Information Officer during Hospital Command Center activations, as needed, and collaborate with BHHA and DSHS communications teams on media relations and strategy.
Represent the Gage Center in DSHS-wide communications meetings, bringing statewide initiatives to leadership and coordinating follow-through.
Periodically participate in after-hours or weekend on-call coverage, with compensation provided.