Website and Communications Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

19d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Newborn Screening Special Projects Manager, this position is responsible for providing complex website and communications consultation and technical assistance for the Newborn Screening (NBS) Unit. The unit includes case management for the newborn hearing screening, blood spot screening for inherited disorders, screening for critical congenital heart disease and NBS benefits program. Work involves coordination NBS website activities such as maintenance, monitoring, and updates. Monitors effectiveness of NBS website to improve user experience. Works with the NBS Laboratory staff to improve consistency between the messaging of the two areas. Reviews and modifies published materials and website information. Coordinates distribution of all educational materials and brochures to requesters. Collects data on website use and tracks requests for a variety of educational materials to help guide program decisions. Responds to calls from the unit's toll-free number and to website inquiries, including orders for educational materials. Ensures the website and all educational materials are universally accessible and meet DSHS guidelines. Assists in developing posters, marketing materials, brochures, and other written materials using Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint and other applications. Maintains distribution lists for periodic mass mailings. May provide support to grant-related activities including grant application responses and preparation of reports. Works with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Desktop publishing software.
• Knowledge of Content management systems and web applications.
• Skill in Writing concise reports, educational materials, brochures, newsletters, and other documents.
• Skill in Detailed work reviewing and updating content annually.
• Skill in Website and web page design, maintenance, and updates.
• Skill in Use Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and database applications.
• Skill in Quality assurance activities.
• Skill in Reporting of performance measures for a public or private health or human services-related program.
• Ability to Effectively communicate in writing.
• Ability to Compose, review, and edit educational materials.
• Ability to comply with ADA accessibility requirements.
• Ability to Organize and monitor educational materials inventory.
• Ability to Analyze and interpret information and data to report and present findings in a clear and organized fashion.
• Ability to Communicate and deal tactfully with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to Follow specific guidelines for branding and writing style.
• Ability to Maintain large mailing lists and conduct mass mailings.
• Ability to Follow detailed instructions and guidelines.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (years of related experience and education may be substituted for one another).
• Experience with website/web page design and maintenance.
• Experience with desktop publishing software/applications.

Responsibilities

• Maintains, updates, maintains, and monitors all website activities for the NBS Unit to include NBS clinical care coordination, Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, and NBS Benefits.
• Works closely with the agency Webmaster to ensure compliance with agency policies regarding website postings.
• May assist in implementing new web technologies.
• Works with the NBS laboratory, and with the NBS clinical care coordination program to ensure consistency of program information across areas.
• Prepares management reports and tracking systems as it relates to the user experience, accessibility, and formatting regarding all sections of the NBS website.
• Works with stakeholders to create and update documents, printed materials, and forms.
• Works with staff to focus content and presentation to the intended audience.
• Works with the Office of Communications and other agency departments to create professional and effective work products.
• Oversees inventory of printed materials.
• Documents distributed printed materials to forecast needs and ensure adequate inventory.
• Provides technical assistance to health care providers and their staff regarding completion of forms.
• Responds to related inquiries received through the NBS toll-free number and website.
• Ensure that all educational materials are available on the NBS website.
• Prepares and distributes NBS program updates or newsletters to blood spot submitters and related health professionals.
• Maintains and routinely updates mailing lists of submitters and specimen collection facilities, physicians, and hospitals using Excel, or a similar program.
• Periodically requests address updates to all subscriber mailing lists to ensure that NBS educational information is received.
• Assists with logistics of conferences and stakeholder meetings
• Assists with contract related activities, as needed.
• Compiles and prepares reports related to performance measures and educational initiatives
• Provides support to grant-related activities.
• Assists program staff with evaluation and survey activities related to educational materials.
• Ensures adherence to Federal and agency standards for accessibility, plain language, style and branding guides, and related requirements, for website content, educational documents, forms, etc.
• Ensures content is written for the intended audience.
• Coordinates annual and ad hoc reviews of NBS educational materials, including updating educational brochures, web content, and revising written materials.
• Learns new technology to support unit activities.
• Other duties as assigned may include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

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