Specialty Health Communications Specialist

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Under the general supervision of the Policy and Program Section Manager, this position will perform advanced informational and communications work for client services programs, related resource sites, and task forces in the Specialty Health area. Programs include Kidney Health Care (KHC), Hemophilia Assistance Program (HAP), Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program (CSHCN), and additional programs throughout the area. Work involves collecting and preparing information to create, develop and revise content and materials for release to various communications media, including news, print, digital, and social. Will develop, revise and implement program communication plans for KHC, CSHCN and HAP. This position will write and revise procedures for its role, as well as support the policy and program section by participating in program review and improvement projects, and provide guidance around communication and outreach to program team. May assist in developing website content, program databases, and participate in testing. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions

On behalf of the KHC, CSHCN, HAP programs and additional programs and related resources as assigned, develops and prepares organizational publications, news and informational releases, talking points and presentations, advisory committee documents, newsletters, fact sheets, and content for websites and social media. Work involves collecting and preparing information to create, develop and revise content and materials for release to various communications media (news, print, digital, and/or social). Work products will be used by the agency, the general public, and other state agencies. Conducts meetings, interviews and researches sources of information, ensuring the completeness and accuracy of printed and online publications; advises staff in planning news, awareness events, and educational items; obtains art and photographs for presentations, publications, and audiovisual productions; and assists with the production of reports as requested. Ensure external communications meet area, division and agency level policies and procedure requirements. Distributes informational materials as directed. (EJF #1 - 30%) 

Assists with program and process improvement projects, in collaboration with policy and program section team members. Performs monitoring activities on internal processes and providers’ performance related to communications.  Reviews and update policies and procedures regarding SH publications and program materials as needed, but no less than annually. Assists with managing SH’s system of records and other databases. Plans and implements review process for internal documents within the Policy and Program section. Leads policy section through routine document review at least annually. (EJF #2 - 25%) 

Plan and execute communication and outreach plan on behalf of KHC, CSHCN, HAP and related resource sites. Provides consultation to program subject matter experts in marketing outreach to community and professional groups to promote interest in program related activities. Consult with and advise SH leadership and staff about public information options and communication plan. Responds to requests for general inquiries about programs, or routes to appropriate staff for response, and tracks to ensure a timely response is provided. Evaluate effectiveness of news and information content produced by the programs and coordinate its distribution. (EJF #3 - 20%) 

Prepares print and electronic publications in accordance with Section 508 accessibility requirements and ensures readability, consistency and ease of use. Participates in document functionality testing and evaluates content for accessibility and readability. May assist in developing and reviewing website content. Routinely verifies that URL links are working as expected on digital documents. Advises staff on accessibility standards and plain language requirements for staff drafting of news and educational items. Completes copy-editing and formatting for all internal and external communications. Drafts informational and training content when requested. May assist in Spanish translation of information. (EJF #4 - 20%) 

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. Such participation may require an alternate shift in pattern assignment and/or location. (EJF #5 - 5%) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of news and communication media relations; editing and preparing information material; grammar and writing principles; principles of cultural competency and diversity awareness.

Skill in applying accessibility principles to print and electronic publications; conducting research; composing correspondence, informational and educational materials and reports at a fourth grade reading level and above; developing, design and editing web content and/or web sites; using computer systems, electronic mail systems, Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Project, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet Explorer and Adobe Professional.

Ability to research and interpret complex subjects, including statutes, rules, state or federal laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and/or program requirements; effectively organize, prioritize, and manage a variety of work activities; communicate effectively orally and in writing in both Spanish and English; communicate with varied levels of staff to develop positive effective working relationships and establish credibility, trust and confidence. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria 

Required:

• Experience in journalism, public relations, public information, communications, or media relations.

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in journalism, public relations, advertising, communications, or a related field. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year by year basis.

• 2+ years of initiating, planning, executing, and/or controlling projects/assignments.

Preferred Screening Criteria 

• Experience working in a Health and Human Services field. 

• 1+ years of experience in developing, working with, or participating in quality improvement initiatives 

• Bi-Lingual (Spanish/English) 

Additional Information

This position is eligible for telework consistent with HHSC telework policy, which is subject to change. Employees may be required to work in the office one or more days a week.

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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