Regional Communication Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Arlington, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Public Health Improvement Strategies and Operations Manager, the Information Specialist IV performs advance (senior-level) informational and communication work. Work includes developing, planning, coordinating, evaluating, and participating in regional communication needs including newsletters, publications, fact sheets and more. The Information Specialist IV will coordinate, prepare, implement and manage the Public Health Region 2/3 (PHR 2/3) strategic communication plans. This position serves as the PHR 2/3 communications liaison between the region and DSHS communications. Will coordinate community engagement throughout the region and engage in special assignments as needed. Work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for continuity of operation during public health emergency response and recovery. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures standards. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions. This position is office-based, Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Requirements

• KNOWLEDGE OF: Public health.
• Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
• General professional writingprinciples and standards.
• Plain Language.
• Editing and preparing informational materials.
• Publishing and broadcast industries.
• Basic HTML.
• Computerized telecommunications systems including email and Microsoft office computer programs.
• Computer use and applicable software such as Adobe Illustrator/InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Office, and/or similar.
• SKILL IN: Editorial and design concepts and practices.
• Using a personable and approachable verbal communication style.
• Attentive andactive listening.
• Strategic planning and collaborations to achieve objectives.
• Writing technical and routine correspondence and reports for avariety of audiences including agency administration, internal and external partners.
• Use of a computer and applicable software such asAdobe Illustrator/InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Office, and/or similar.
• Researching, planning, developing and evaluatingcommunications materials.
• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• ABILITY TO: Write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles.
• Think creatively and support creative thinking inothers.
• Think strategically about communications.
• Research and prepare information.
• Apply time management principles to tasks.
• Designcommunication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency.
• Compose usable content for the regional page on agencywebsite.
• Design broad communications plans and materials.
• Communicate, organize and present information effectively verbally and inwriting.
• Effectively communicate complex information to a variety of individuals or groups.
• Engage in professional development to maintainand enhance proficiency.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners using tact and diplomacy.
• Work well and effectively in a team environment.
• Independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or equivalent license from another state.
• Application indicates graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public health, journalism, communications, public relations, English or a communications-related field.
• Application indicates at least 2 years’ experience in communications, web content, social media content or communication strategy execution including internships or leadership of university clubs/organizations.
• Application indicates they can travel at least 30% for completion of essential job functions.

Nice To Haves

• Application indicates experience related to public health (preferred but not required).

Responsibilities

• COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION: Coordinates and evaluates the preparation and distribution of regional publications, newsletters, fact sheets, and more. Coordinates the illustrative, photographic, or audiovisual content of products utilizing agency-issued equipment. Analyzes content for accessibility and recommends changes to make content accessible and remediates accessibility issues. Ensures all public facing communication materials including but not limited to presentations, fliers, and handouts follow DSHS branding and guidelines, including but not limited to plain language. Obtains art and photographs for presentations and publications. Posts content that has been approved by regional leadership through DSHS communication platforms including but not limited to agency website. Coordinates and monitors updates to regional page on DSHS agency website. Develops, implements, evaluates, and monitors regional communication strategies and provides recommendations for improvement. Develops, implements, evaluated, and monitors regional communication initiatives and activities. Monitors regional communication to ensure compliance with applicable policies and coordinates with program management and regional leadership as needed. Must be able to independently travel throughout the state of Texas to complete essential job functions. (45%)
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Develops, implements, and evaluates regional community engagement and special event processes as appropriate. Coordinates and participates with internal partners on special events. Coordinates with internal and external partners on participation, registration, materials, and topics as it relates to community engagement and special events. Must be able to independently travel throughout the state of Texas to complete essential job functions. (30%)
• COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON: Serves as the primary PHR 2/3 liaison with DSHS Communications. Coordinates with internal partners to help achieve PHR 2/3 programmatic visions for all public facing communication materials. Must be able to independently travel throughout the state of Texas to complete essential job functions. (15%)
• SPECIAL PROJECTS: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives. Writes and submits reports, assignments, and special initiatives requested by program management, regional leadership, or Texas Department of State Health Services. Must be able to independently travel throughout the state of Texas to complete essential job functions. (5%)
• REGIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for continuity of operations activation during disaster response and recovery. Requires completion at minimum Incident Command System 100, 200, 700 and 800 courses. Required to work other than normal business hours, an alternate shift pattern and/or locations in order to respond to public health emergencies. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. Maintains compliance with DSHS Policies and HHS Fleet Operations and Management Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver’s License. (5%)

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees