Region 8 Communications Specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Region 8 Communications Specialist 
Job Title: Information Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 8 
Posting Number: 6901 
Closing Date: 07/21/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, Media 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Temporary 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO 
Job Location Address: 7430 LOUIS PASTEUR DR 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 4502,4503,4505,4511,4512,4591,8055,165X,35PX,3N0X6,46A,46S,46Z,INF,MC,PA,SEI13 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description: 

Under the supervision of the Analytics and Health Informatics manager, the Regional Communications Specialist will work to effectively coordinate, prepare, implement and manage the Public Health Region 8 (PHR-8) strategic communications plan. The Regional Communications Specialist will participate in a variety of initiatives encompassing communication strategy, community engagement, writing, editing, creative thinking, and the creation of visually appealing reports. The Regional Communications Specialist will engage with community partners to develop evidence-informed and community appropriate messaging and events on topics related to various public health issues. This position requires innovative thinking in the development and implementation of strategies to build and maintain partnerships with the community, internal agency members, and external stakeholders within PHR-8. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

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

40% EJF 1 Coordination and Development 

In coordination with all DSHS PHR-8 programs, 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 other DSHS services. Coordinates and evaluates the preparation and distribution of PHR-8 publications including, news and informational releases, talking points, scripts, advisories, newsletters, fact sheets, and content for distribution using various media platforms. Coordinates the illustrative, photographic, or audiovisual content of products utilizing agency-issued AV equipment. Monitors the regional communication accounts in compliance with applicable Health and Human Services and DSHS media policies. Serves as the primary PHR-8 liaison with the DSHS Press Office and DSHS Communications. Coordinates interviews of regional leadership or staff, research sources, and ensures the completeness and accuracy of printed and online materials. 

20% EJF 2 Evaluation

Evaluates the implementation of DSHS PHR-8 program communication strategies and provides recommendations for improvement as appropriate. Develops, oversees, and evaluates the long-term goals and strategies for DSHS PHR-8 communication initiatives. Documents, evaluates, recommends, and monitors processes and procedures related to the DSHS communication and social media policy and activity. Oversees responsibility for communication risk mitigation and management in DSHS PHR-8 and develops plans to manage public communication risk across the region.

20% EJF 3 Community Engagement and Partnerships

Develops, implements, and evaluates the PHR-8 community engagement and partner engagement strategies across all program areas. Consults with and advises PHR-8 leaders and staff about public information options and programs. Markets programs to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in public health programs. Plans and executes public information programs, conferences, seminars, and workshops.

15% EJF 4 Reports and Analysis

Creates and analyzes reports on social media and PHR-8 website activity and its effectiveness. Develops or assists with developing strategies and tools to improve PHR-8s social media presence.  Analyzes content for accessibility and recommends changes to make content accessible and remediate accessibility issues. Creates regional reports on the state of Public Health in the PHR-8 for both internal and external audiences.

5% EJF 5 Other Duties as Assigned

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, recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Participation may require an alternate shift pattern, assignment and/or location. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of:  

Adobe Illustrator or similar software

Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign

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

Basic HTML and/or SharePoint administration

Crisis communications planning, messaging and strategy

Research techniques

Educational techniques and procedures

Computers, hardware or peripherals, and software

Skill in:

Adobe Illustrator or similar software

Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign

Editorial and design concepts and practices

Using a personable and approachable verbal communication style

Attentive and active listening

Using computer software applications: e.g. Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

Researching, planning, developing and evaluating communications materials

Managing multiple and competing priorities

Identifying appropriate presentation methods to display information in an accurate and accessible manner 

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, impartiality, 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

Prepare reports

Design broad communications plans and materials

Communicate effectively

Work collaboratively and build strong relationships with staff

Evaluate the work of others

Independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete job functions. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

Valid Texas Class C Driver License or equivalent from another state. 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

4-Year Degree from College or University majoring in journalism, public relations, English, or related field

Experience working in communities

Experience working in communications or on communications projects

Additional Information: 

N/A 

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form