Information Specialist IV

Under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Director, the Regional Communications Specialist position will coordinate, prepare, implement and manage the Public Health Region’s (PHR) strategic communications plan. The Regional Communications Specialist will participate in a variety of initiatives encompassing communication strategy, web/intranet support, external campaigns, writing, editing, creative thinking, multimedia conceptualization and implementation. This position requires innovative thinking in the development and implementation of a strategy to build and maintain partnerships with community-based organizations, programmatic partners, corporations, other governmental agencies, and cultural institutions to further the work of the public health programs operating across the PHR and will develop and implement PHR specific social media platforms The position requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to develop strong networks in order to appropriately integrate communications strategies from multiple public health programs across the region. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in their work, embracing differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.  Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT: In coordination with central DSHS office, develops content for use on DSHS communications platforms to complement agency public and stakeholder communications regarding public awareness of health issues, health promotion, health education, and DSHS services. Develops PHR web content and social media content and participates in usability testing and enhancements. Coordinates and evaluates the preparation and distribution of PHR publications, news and informational releases, talking points and scripts, advisories, newsletters, fact sheets, and content for Web sites and social media. Coordinates the illustrative, photographic, or audiovisual content of products utilizing agency-issued AV equipment. Analyzes content for accessibility and recommends changes to make content accessible and remediate accessibility issues. Posts content that has been approved by regional leadership across the DSHS PHR community and through the DSHS PHR communication platforms (including social media accounts). Monitors content on social media sites and prepares content for posting, such as broadcast messages, and may prepare general comments. Moderates and participates in online conversations, including answering questions from the public and connecting people to services. Monitors the DSHS PHR communication accounts in compliance with applicable Health and Human Services and DSHS media policies. (40%)

COMMUNICATIONS EVALUATION AND RISK MITIGATION: Evaluates the implementation of DSHS PHR program communication strategies and provide recommendations for improvement as appropriate. Develops, oversees, and evaluates the long-term goals and strategies for DSHS PHR communication initiatives. Documents, evaluates, recommends, and monitors processes and procedures related to the DSHS communication and social media policy and activity. Creates and analyzes reports on social media and PHR website activity and its effectiveness. Develops or assists with developing strategies and tools to improve PHR's social media presence. Oversees responsibility for communication risk mitigation and management in the DSHS PHR and develops plans to manage public communication risk across the PHR. (30%)

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Develops, implements, and evaluates the DSHS PHR’s community engagement and partner engagement strategies across all program areas. Consults with and advises PHR leaders and staff about public information options and programs. Markets programs to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in PHR programs. Plans and executes public information programs, conferences, seminars, and workshops. (20%)

COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON: Serves as the primary PHR liaison with the DSHS Press Office and DSHS Communications. Coordinates interviews of regional leadership or staff, researches sources, and ensures the completeness and accuracy of printed and online materials. (5%)

REGIONAL SUPPORT AND DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives. Being required to work other than normal business hours in order to respond to public health emergencies. May require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations activation- requires completion of at least Incident Command System 100,200, 700 and 800 courses. Maintains compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License. Maintains compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy: required serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, and annual vaccination against influenza (and hepatitis B if applicable). (5%)

 Knowledge Skills Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF AND SKILL IN: Adobe Illustrator or similar. Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign.

KNOWLEDGE OF: Public health, health disparities and social determinants of health. Agency functions, policies, and procedures. General professional writing principles and standards. News and communication media. Various social media platforms. Editing and preparing informational material and copy layout. Publishing and broadcast industries. Basic HTML and/or SharePoint administration.

SKILL IN: Editorial and design concepts and practices. Using a personable and approachable verbal communication style with the ability to quickly gain the respect of staff at all levels. Attentive and active listening. Use of a computer and applicable software. Researching, planning, developing and evaluating communications materials. Managing multiple and competing priorities.

ABILITY TO: Write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Think creatively and support creative thinking in others. Think strategically about communications. Respond to requests with a sense of urgency, partiality, accountability, integrity and speed. Research and prepare information. Design communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency. Compose usable content for the Web and social media. Prepare copy and scripts. Design broad communications plans and materials. Communicate effectively. Effectively communicate complex information to a variety of individuals or groups. Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders using tact and diplomacy. Provide own personal transportation.

 Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or equivalent license from another state.  Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, public relations, English or related field.

At minimum, 2 years’ experience in communications, web content, social media content and organizational communication strategy development and execution. Prefer experience with government or large organization communication programs and strategies. Prefer experience related to public health, health disparities, and social determinants of health.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

 Additional Information:

Requisition Number 506474

This is a temporary position and expected to last up to June 30, 2023. There is no guarantee this position will be extended beyond what is indicated in this job posting. Upon hire, the selected candidate will be required to sign a Temporary Employment Agreement indicating awareness that the employment status of the position is temporary.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but may be provided as supplemental materials. All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position in the job history sections of the application. -or- Information on application must clearly state how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application.

Prior to beginning employment, employees/applicants who indicate they hold a degree from an institution of higher education must provide an original college transcript indicating they earned a Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

In compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy, you must provide documented serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, Hepatitis B, influenza and rabies.

Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas Driver License for the appropriate type vehicle.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx .

 MOS Code:

46S; 46Z; 46A; MC; 165X; PA; INF; SEI3; 4511; 4512; 4591; 4502; 4503; 4505; 8055;3NO90; 3NOX2; 3NOX5; 35PX  HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.