Dshs Altsa WA Cares Outreach & Language Access Lead

Are you a strong communicator and public speaker looking for a role where you can make a difference in others' lives? Are you passionate about community relations and equity? The WA Cares Fund is hiring an Outreach & Language Access Lead to build meaningful relationships with diverse communities around the state and increase public awareness of the program.

The WA Cares Fund within the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is a new program designed to provide affordable long-term care insurance coverage for all working Washingtonians. WA Cares is the first program of its kind in the United States and is the latest example of why Washington State is a national leader in long-term care policy. Our team is responsible for designing and implementing the program and helping Washingtonians understand this new benefit.

As an Outreach & Language Access Lead, you will develop and drive cohesive outreach strategies to inform Washington workers about key aspects of the program and help them understand how the program fits into their long-term care planning. You will oversee business and community partnerships, organize public events, give presentations, host partner roundtables, manage toolkit materials, and coordinate language access across the program's outreach efforts. You will create and manage outreach materials, distilling complex information about WA Cares into engaging resources for our key audiences. You will also provide expert advice to WA Cares leadership and coordinate outreach efforts across state agencies and with other partners. This opportunity will be flexible hybrid remote work anywhere from Washington, may have to travel occasionally based on the business need and the official duty station is in Lacey, WA.

Come join us to be part of a meaningful career where you have the ability to stretch and grow, stay busy, enjoy the challenges of the work you do, and Transform Lives!  by making a difference in people's lives.

Some of your major responsibilities:

• Determine strategic goals, audiences, messages, and tactics for WA Cares Fund outreach and manage day-to-day and long-term implementation of outreach strategic plans.

• Create and execute equity-informed community relations and outreach strategies.

• Present information on the program to a wide range of business and community audiences, tailoring the content, format, and style of presentations based on the audience.

• Plan, coordinate, and attend events, meetings, presentations, and other outreach activities with community and business partners, both in person and remotely.

• Develop and maintain a database of trusted partnerships with a range of local communities and community leaders.

• Lead development of WA Cares Fund language access plan.

• Conduct research and analysis to support the development of communications strategies and materials.

• Write, edit, design, develop, and disseminate a variety of WA Cares Fund content, including newsletters, social media posts, reports, and toolkits.

• Proactively engage with internal and cross-agency partners to ensure effective, coordinated outreach and communications efforts.

We invite you to partner with us in doing this meaningful work. We are looking for someone who employs an inclusive approach through the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion and shares our belief that information and communication is the most powerful resource we can provide to our diverse population, staff, internal stakeholders, and the community we serve in the State of Washington!

If this is your area of expertise and interest, we encourage you to apply!

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, involving major study in community relations, communications, social sciences, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 
• AND At least 3 years of experience in community outreach or relations.

OR

• Seven years experience in communications, community outreach, or community relations.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and cultivating relationships with community leaders, staff, peers, partners, interested parties, steering committees, and sponsors.

• Strong public speaking skills in a range of settings and ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.

• High proficiency in written communication and a strong grasp of grammar and style.

• Creative thinking skills and ability to develop tailored, innovative community relations and outreach strategies.

• Ability to adapt outreach strategies and materials for audiences with different cultural, linguistic, and accessibility needs.

• Ability to build and leverage a large and diverse network of community organizations, community leaders, and program ambassadors.

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret feedback from the community to develop community relations and outreach strategies to mitigate risk.

• Ability to adapt rapidly to changing environment and program needs.

• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.

Preferred/desired education, experience, and competencies:

• Knowledge of social policy and/or long-term care is a plus.

• Fluency in a language other than English is a plus.

• Knowledge of software for graphic design, photo editing, and multimedia.

• Experience with language access planning, including managing processes for translation and interpretation.

To Apply-

• Current chronological resume

• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job, skills, and experience that make you the best person for the job

• Three professional references with current contact information

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform Lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's mission that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

For questions contact Anu Rao at 360-972-6206 or email anu.rao@dshs.wa.gov, reference 06538

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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