JOBThe Office of Public Affairs and Equity, or OPAE (formerly the Center for Public Affairs), works with leadership and staff to advance agency priorities. We strive to advance health equity and develop communications and health promotion products that meet the needs of the communities we serve. We combine our services and expertise with other subject-matter experts to creatively and effectively solve problems and carry out the agency’s mission. Within OPAE, the Communications team facilitates agency-wide efforts to consistently and effectively inform, engage, listen to, assess and motivate external and internal audiences. Our work helps ensure the Department of Health is viewed as a credible source of health information and a great place to work. These positions serve as Content Strategists supporting staff throughout the agency. Specifically, the positions will plan, organize, schedule, and carry out informational and/or public relations activities of low to medium risk and visibility. Strategists will be responsible for determining the need and most appropriate methods and techniques to publicize and promote programs, develop, and implement changes for communication effectiveness, and resolve complex issues or problems. These Communication Consultant 4 positions are approved for telework (mobile work). At this time, there are no plans to require the Communications Consultants to work on-site at the Tumwater, WA duty station, though there may be some team and client meetings that would benefit from in-person attendance. This recruitment will be used to fill two permanent positions and two non-permanent positions that are approved through June 2023. All positions are eligible for full benefits. About the Department of Health The vision of the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is equity and optimal health for all. Our mission is to work with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state. Our Values Good organizations know what they do and how they do it. Great organizations also understand why they do it. Our values are: Human-centered: We see others as people who matter like we do and take into account their needs, challenges, contributions, and objectives. Equity: We are committed to fairness and justice to ensure access to services, programs, opportunities, and information for all. Collaboration: We seek partnership and collaboration to maximize our collective impact. We cannot achieve our vision alone. Seven Generations: Inspired by Native American culture, we seek wisdom from those who came before us to ensure our current work protects those who will come after us. Excellence: We strive to demonstrate best practices, high performance, and compelling value in our work every day. The Washington State Department of Health acknowledges that our locations statewide are on the homelands of Native people, who have lived in this region from time immemorial. Currently, within the boundaries of Washington State, there are 36 tribes, 29 of which are federally recognized, that share traditional homelands and waterways in what is now Washington State. Some of these are nations and confederacies that represent multiple tribes or bands. We express our most profound respect for and gratitude toward these original and current caretakers of the region. As a public health agency, we acknowledge our responsibility to establish and maintain relationships with these tribes and Native peoples, in support of tribal sovereignty and the inclusion of their voices in public health programs and policies. We pledge that these relationships will consist of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity. Benefits of Working for DOH Washington is America's Top State, according to U.S. News (2021), and provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also offer: A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions. Growth and development opportunities. A wellness program that offers education, access to healthy food, and fitness classes. Opportunities to serve your community through meaningful work. A commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters an inclusive environment that encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to work. An Infant at Work Program based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding. Employee resource groups that provide forums for employees to gather and share ideas about matters that affect their personal and professional lives and support career development. Duties Include Develop and review content and materials to support communication goals, including communication strategies, speeches, presentations, key messages, talking points, fact sheets, social media messages, FAQs and web content.Produce content and materials that comply with agency standards, including the editorial style guide, plain talk, and others.Consult with DOH subject matter experts and program staff to recommend appropriate strategies to raise awareness of programs, activities, and services independently or as part of a communications team. Proactively identify communication needs, opportunities, impacts, and expectations for programs working on a wide range of public health issues.Work with peers, subject matter experts, program staff, and external stakeholders to ensure accuracy and consistency of public health information that maintains agency credibility. Use proven strategies and best practices that ensure communication objectives are met and trust in agency programs is maintained.Prepare for and assist with emergency response activities assigned during public health emergencies. Enter and maintain tickets in the Request for Work system to accurately reflect work status.Contribute to strategic planning and future development. Participate on a project circle or a rapid response team for high-priority agency and partner projects. What we're looking for Our ideal candidate has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They model “outward” behavior – they see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They maintain this perspective even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative. They demonstrate resilience to model outward behaviors even when stressed or tired. Required Qualifications Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through lived experience, volunteer experience, formal professional employment, or a combination. Option 1: A Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; AND three (3) years of full-time writing/editing experience. Option 2: Five (5) years of full-time writing/editing experience. AND Demonstrated experience and high proficiency in:Writing and editing for diverse audiences, including hard-to-reach communities and those most impacted by health disparities.Identifying and recommending communications strategies that meet client needs.Adapting communication products to ensure they are culturally and linguistically appropriate for audiences.Applying plain talk principles and an equity lens to communications.Proactively learning, adapting to, and taking advantage of new technologies and channels.Managing numerous complex issues and projects simultaneously.Collaborating on projects with organization leaders, subject matter experts, other communicators, and staff at various levels.Integrating social media into communication strategies.Desired Qualifications Dual language proficiency in English and at least one of the 10 most spoken languages in Washington State, skills must include reading, writing, speaking, and translating.Experience in a public relations agency environment or similar client-service settingDemonstrated proficiency with the following:Associated Press (AP) styleCommunicating public health messagesUnderstanding public health theory and applicationUsing marketing strategy to change health behaviorApplication Process Intrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following: A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position. A current resume. Three (3) or more professional references included in your online profile. Please include at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have managed or led. Important Note: Do not attach documents that are not requested in the Application Process. Do not include writing samples; we’d ask you to provide them later if we invite you to interview. Please ensure that the documents that you attach are not password protected or contain a photo or private information (social security number, year of birth, transcripts, etc.). Documents not requested will not be reviewed. Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and year of birth. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer. DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful. We prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, genetics, or disability. This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions As stated in Governor's Proclamation 21-14, all employees engaging in work for the Department of Health must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their hire date. The Office of Human Resources will verify proof of vaccination after an employment offer has been extended. Please reach out to the Office of Human Resources at HR@doh.wa.gov if you need medical or religious accommodation information. With or without accommodation, I am willing and able to: Legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation. Occasionally work more than 40 hours per week and/or adjust typically scheduled hours, including evenings and weekends. Occasionally travel throughout the state.If you have questions, need alternative formats, or other assistance please contact Zach Covington at Zach.Covington@doh.wa.gov, TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (such as, if you can't log in, have password or email issues, or get error messages). SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job AlertsSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONThis recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration. Education and experience selected, listed and/or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the detailed applicant profile submitted.
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