Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist performs senior-level consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing major agency programs and providing consultative services.

Responsible for editing documents, researching public health topics, and developing reports and presentations. Manages complex projects including writing, editing, analysis, and evaluation. Provides communication needs and consultative and technical assistance with agency style guides, web communication, social marketing, and social media messaging.

Provides leadership on quality improvement assessments and projects. Coordinates the collection and analysis of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Plans, prioritizes, and performs of a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessments, and administrative activities for assigned program(s) including overseeing the delivery of services; provides high-level technical assistance for a program; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur.

This position is NOT eligible for Telework. Essential Job Functions:

(35%) Develops communications plans for the Division. Leads Division communication efforts including drafting and editing Associate Commissioner communications to staff and maintaining the Division internet site.

Provides consultative and technical assistance to the three Sections within the Division on planning and implementation of communications activities, including web communication, social marketing, and social media messaging for IDP Division. Provides improvements to intranet and Internet sites related to the Division.

(30%) Edits reports, Action Memos, and other documents to improve quality of Division products. Research topics and develops documents and presentations, as needed.

Assists with coordinating and monitoring responses to programmatic issues or assignments. Provides consultative and technical assistance on document and report preparation and agency style guides. Speaks to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program(s) and to secure support for program(s). Consults with agencies involved in programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.

Prepares and evaluates program budget requests. Assists management with developing program policies, procedures, standards and planning program activities in accordance with program objective and goals.

(20%) Serves as the Division's quality improvement liaison for IDP Division and represents the Division on workgroups and improvement committees as needed. Provides leadership on quality improvement projects within the Division Office and assists Sections with quality improvement as needed.

Assists with project management, research, and evaluation activities for Division programs. Assists with Division strategic planning

processes.

(10%) Aids the Division's Legislative and Policy Coordinator and the IT Liaison Specialist and provides supportive assistance to these staff and covers their activities in their absence.

(5%) Other duties as assigned 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 (COOP) activation. IDP Division is an active partner in response activities.

Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• best practices in writing, publishing, and communications

• project management best practices

• strategic planning and goal setting

• copy, editing and proofreading

• Web development and design

• Public health programming and state government

Skill in:

• developing, implementing, and evaluating project management plans
• use of computers for word processing, spreadsheet, document development, presentation, and design applications
• conducting research on topics and communicating research information
• developing presentations and talking points on relevant subjects

Ability to:

• gather, assemble, analyze, and display data
• convey complex program information into a form comprehensible to the public
• develop and implement communication plans Registration or Licensure Requirements:

None Initial Selection Criteria:

Applicants must clearly state how they meet each of the required initial screening criteria below.

1.Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field relevant to the assignment is preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

2.Four (4) years' experience working with Senior Management is required.

3.Experience developing writing documents, policies, and reports. Additional Information:

Requisition # 605649

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.

Applicants invited to an interview will be required to complete a skills test/in-basket exercise.

MOS Code:

Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

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.

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