The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks to hire an experienced, creative, professional to serve as an Infectious Disease Health Communications Specialist for the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS). The Infectious Disease Health Communications Specialist is a key position working across BIDLS’ divisions, contributing to the development, coordination, and implementation of data-driven Health Communications plans and associated activities to advance and support public health response to Infectious Disease. The Infectious Disease Health Communications Specialist collaborates with internal and external subject matter experts to identify and address Health Communications topics, issues, and priorities for BIDLS.
The Infectious Disease Health Communications Specialist will contribute to Health Communications on a range of topics including flu, equine encephalitis, HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections, among other areas. The Infectious Disease Health Communications Specialist will research, write, and otherwise develop culturally relevant Health Communications for diverse populations, translating scientific and medical information into messaging appropriate for intended audience and suitable for dissemination through various strategies including print, social media, and other digital channels. This position will contribute to the development of information and materials to inform and educate the public health and health care workforces and will assist in optimizing BIDLS’ webpages as a key source of information for the general public, providers, and others.
Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences.
- Assist and contribute to development of BIDLS’ Health Communications and public information activities, content and materials, including:
- Analyze and summarize data, consult with subject matter experts and research, write, and otherwise develop Health Communications products (e.g. fact sheets, educational materials, presentations, reports) for dissemination to intended audience(s), which may include the general public, public health and/or health professionals, policy makers, and others.
- Prepare and ensure presentation of statistical, scientific, and medical information is clear and appropriate for intended audience(s) for Health Communications products.
- Reviews reports, memoranda, and other written communications for completeness, accuracy, and content.
- Contribute to support for development and/or implementation of Health Communications efforts and products developed by local providers, and as associated with BIDLS-supported programming.
- Monitor BIDLS webpages and collaborate with BIDLS subject matter experts and the DPH Communications Office to optimize and improve user experience.
- Provide bureau-wide support for website content, ensuring that all BIDLS content is current, relevant, and appropriate for intended audience, and is presented in a manner consistent with BIDLS’ and DPH conventions and requirements; and coordinates with BIDLS subject matter experts to revise or adapt content ensuring creative and informative content.
- Evaluate program activities in order to determine progress and effectiveness and to make recommendations concerning any changes needed.
- Develop or contribute to the development of talking points, newsletters, or similar communications supports associated with speaking engagements, public events.
- Assist in providing training and orientation to other bureau staff around department communications.
- Confer with bureau management and other personnel to determine program requirements and availability of resources and to develop the criteria and standards for program evaluation.
- Able to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.
- Capable to translate scientific and technical information/data for both professional and lay audiences.
- Capability to organize information and materials to enable effective project coordination and completion.
- Demonstrated experience in effectively organizing information and thoughts clearly, concisely, and presenting to diverse audiences.
- Strong knowledge of, and experience in working in one or more areas of public health relevant to the prevention and control of Infectious Diseases.
- Knowledge of, and experience applying Health Communications frameworks and risk communication principles applicable to Infectious Disease response.
- Experience working with community-based health and human service providers to develop and implement health communication strategies to engage diverse communities, and communicate effectively about public health issues.
- Professional experience using web-based and other digital tools and strategies for health communication.
- Proven ability of working independently, and as part of a team.
- Must be a self-starter.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
About the Department of Public Health:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.
We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and Infectious Disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.
More information can be found at:MA Department of Public Health
Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. # 4
- Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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