Medicaid Communications Specialist (PSV)

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Brief Job Description

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Medicaid Communications Specialist (PSV). This position will play a critical role in supporting a deliberate approach to communication planning and message development for both internal and external Medicaid and CHIP initiatives. The Medicaid Communications Specialist will work closely with the Director of Change Management and various project leads to develop clear, concise, and compelling communication for the division that is tailored to our key audiences, including providers, clients, health plans, internal staff and other stakeholders. This role will manage key processes for the team, including drafting and editing content in plain language, maintaining external and internal webpages, and monitoring, editing and routing division-wide content requests. The Medicaid Communications Specialist will also support staff engagement and learning initiatives, including creating and delivering trainings on high impact communication and content skills.

The ideal candidate is creative, proactive and enthusiastic. This role requires someone who is confident in handling multiple projects with competing deadlines, while being detail-oriented, highly organized, and extremely committed to quality.  Success lies in being comfortable operating in a variety of capacities to support communication needs across the Change Management team and division.

The Medicaid Communications Specialist will need to build a deep understanding of the division’s mission and objectives to ensure messaging aligns with desired business outcomes.

Essential Job Functions:

• Review print and web content, media, audiovisual communications and other related MCS communication content - checking for editorial style and brand guide compliance as well as errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar (20%)

• Support updates and maintenance of the MCS content on the external HHS website, including creating a logical flow of information across the website and developing a process for managing ongoing content updates strategically (20%)

• Write and edit clear and concise copy, including, but not limited to, PowerPoint presentations, articles, web content, email notifications, and executive talking points (15%)

• Collaborate with Change Management team and MCS program areas to ensure alignment on various projects’ communication objectives and proper timelines allow for deliverables that meet quality standards (15%) 

• Collaborate and advise MCS team members on the development of messages that resonate with multiple audiences – including content planning and reviewing content for appropriate messaging (10%)

• Support staff engagement initiatives and internal communication, including drafting and reviewing content for internal newsletter and website (10%)

• Educate MCS staff on best practices related to developing strategic content through the creation of toolkits, templates, one-on-one coaching, trainings and other activities (5%)

• Other projects as assigned (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

• Using a variety of communication tools (email, PowerPoint, infographics, web content, handouts, video, and others)
• Project management and ability to execute projects in a timely, effective manner
• General professional writing principles and standards
• Associated Press Stylebook

Skill in:

• Proofreading and editing skills, creating relevant content aligned with business objectives and strategies, and oral communications;
• Researching, planning, developing and assessing communications materials
• Writing clearly and informatively; able to write in a varying tone and translate technical and industry verbiage into relevant material for a wide variety of audiences

Ability to:

• Prioritize and manage a variety of tasks simultaneously; sometimes under pressure and often with tight deadlines
• See hidden problems, looking beyond the obvious, and responding accordingly
• Work effectively as an advisor on content, communication strategies, and messaging with peers and executive leadership
• Build relationships with business partners to achieve a greater understanding of different business functions and goals
• Write in a varying tone and translate technical and industry verbiage into relevant material for a wide variety of audiences
• Balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others’ views; give and welcome feedback; and support everyone’s efforts to succeed
• Work in an evolving, fast-paced environment and meet targeted deadlines

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial selection criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in English, journalism, marketing, communications, digital communications, or a closely related field. Minimum of three years’ experience in a communication-related job. 

Additional Information

N/A

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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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.