Information Specialist Iv

Information Specialist IV
Under the supervision of the Preparedness Management Unit Director and Community Outreach Team Lead, this position supports the development of marketing and communications materials for the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response. Primarily, this position will develop materials to support DSHS Central Office, DSHS Public Health Regions, and local health departments. Materials developed will be used for emergency preparedness community outreach efforts, recruitment of volunteers for Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Units, and other topic areas as assigned. This position requires skills in development of both print and electronic materials, to include social media postings, content for websites, and other media. It will also support the development of tools and resources to be utilized by the DSHS Public Health Regions and local health departments. The position requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to develop strong networks in order to appropriately integrate communications strategies from multiple public health programs across the region. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in their work, embracing differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
The Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR) offers up to 4 days telework to its team members, in accordance with agency and division telework policy. This position’s ability to telework will be determined by CHEPR leadership, RLHO policy, and agency and division telework policies. Staff performance is monitored to ensure appropriate use of work hours and agency assets. The position will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions and for any public health response activations.

Essential Job Functions:
(40%) Conceives, researches, develops and disseminates public educational and informational materials supporting state and local public health preparedness and response programs. Translates vague or technical language into a plain language to be consumed by the public. Develops marketing strategies, templates, and other materials to support communication of public health threats and response operations. This includes social media content, multi-media, graphical data, and specialized campaigns to support community emergency preparedness.
(15%) Serves as point of contact for the Texas Ready program. Manages program material distribution. Maintains the TexasReady.gov website and reviews and reports on web analytics. Coordinates National Preparedness Month (Sept) activities for the DSHS Central Office, and assists public health regions with activities.
(20%) Coordinate surveys and other data collection projects, to include the ongoing DSHS Individual and Family Preparedness survey and it’s analytics. Promote use of the survey among partners. Analyze data and produce statewide quarterly reports. Send survey data and reports to partners as it is requested. Research and identify other ways in which to evaluate preparedness of local communities.
(20%) Coordinates with internal and external partners in the community health and health promotion sector. Identify areas for collaboration and communication. Works with partners to connect public health preparedness and response communication materials with a focus health disparity.
(5%) Works collaboratively with the Web Administrator II to ensure branch/section/agency preparedness content is current and accurate. Reviews other state websites for best practices, information sharing successes and challenges and applies information gleaned.
(5%) Other duties as assigned may include actively participating during a public health emergency response and/or recovery effort, serving in a supporting role during a response and/or recovery effort, and assisting in work to maintain the continuity of operations of the agency during such an incident or event.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of basic principles of public health
Knowledge of public health emergency preparedness and/or emergency management
Knowledge of various social media platforms
Skill in editorial and design concepts and practices
Skill in researching, planning, developing, and evaluating communications materials
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles
Ability to think strategically about communications
Ability to research and prepare information
Ability to design communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency
Ability to compose usable content for the Web and social media
Ability to communicate effectively

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None

Initial Selection Criteria:
At minimum, two years' experience in communications, web content, social media content and organizational communication strategy development and execution.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public health, emergency management, journalism, communications, public relations, English or related field. Work experience may be substituted for a degree.

MOS Code:
There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.