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SalaryOmbudsman Communications Specialist
(240002BU)About Us:
The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is a cabinet-level agency within the executive branch of the Ohio state government. The director of ODA is a member of the Governor's cabinet, serving as principal advisor and advocate for 2.8 million older adults and their families. Through services, supports, and activities that cover a wide spectrum of issues, ODA strives to achieve its mission to foster sound public policy, research, and initiatives that benefit older Ohioans.
ODA is the federally designated agency responsible for developing and administering multi-year state plans that advocate for, and provide assistance to, older Ohioans and their families. In addition to the centralized functions, the agency designates and contracts with community providers and a network of 12 Area Agencies on Aging, who manage a wide array of federal and state-funded supportive services. These services assist older adults to live as independently as possible; promote healthy aging and active community involvement; and support family members in their vital care giving role.
To promote the agency’s vision of Ohio – the best place to age in the nation, ODA actively collaborates with consumers, stakeholders from key associations, government, and the public. The independent Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Board of Executives of Long-Term Services and Supports are also located within ODA.
- Promote Independence - Provide resources that foster independence and autonomy throughout the lifespan.
- Empower Communities - Deliver sustainable, relevant solutions that empower communities to act within the best interest of their elders.
- Challenge Ageism - Promote new perspectives of aging that challenge the traditional declinist narrative.
- Advocate for Excellence - Advocate with and for Ohio’s elders to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
- Engage in Innovation - Engage the aging network by staying innovative, flexible, and attentive to the evolving needs of our partners and stakeholders.
To learn more about the Ohio Department of Aging and our programs visit our website.
About the Division:
The Communications Division (CD) coordinates public and media outreach. The division plans special events and recognitions and creates and distributes educational and informative publications, articles and audiovisual resources. Staff maintains the department's website and social media presences and operates the Golden Buckeye program.
About the Role:
The Outreach and Communications Specialist will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing outreach strategies and communication plans aimed at promoting consumer rights, family engagement, and public awareness about the ombudsman program. This role involves close collaboration with media, regional long-term care programs, and internal teams to enhance the visibility and impact of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (SLTCO) initiatives.
Key duties of this role are:
- Develop and execute comprehensive outreach strategies and communications plans in partnership with the SLTCO and CD to enhance public understanding and engagement with the ombudsman program.
- Build and maintain relationships with media outlets across Ohio to ensure widespread coverage of SLTCO initiatives and events.
- Foster partnerships with regional long-term care programs to align local messaging with SLTCO objectives and improve outreach effectiveness.
- Coordinate with the CD to ensure cohesive communication efforts and support the SLTCO mission and priorities.
- Serve as the primary content creator for the SLTCO, producing high-quality video, photographic, and written content for various platforms including the website, social media (Facebook, Twitter/X, and potential new platforms), and print materials.
- Organize and promote SLTCO annual events and recognitions such as Residents Rights Month, the Ombudsman Excellent Advocate Award, and Elder Abuse Awareness Day, ensuring effective communication to promote consumer rights.
- Proofread and edit SLTCO materials, including articles, emails, and internal communications, to maintain a high standard of accuracy and professionalism.
- Write speeches for the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and press releases to keep the public and media informed about SLTCO activities and initiatives.
- Assist with CGO public information projects and contribute innovative ideas to support the SLTCO mission.
For more in-depth information, please click here to view the position description.
Perks:
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans
- Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
- A variety of educational and professional development funding
- Retirement: Visit the OPERS website for more information
- Ohio Deferred Compensation program: Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information
Applying for position:
- All applicants must complete an online application to be considered.
- When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, you must describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting.
- All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education on your civil service application.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email the Human Resources contact on this posting so arrangements can be made.
Technical Skills
Communications, Public Health, Public Relations, Social Services, Marketing
Professional Skills
Creativity, Ethics and Values, Situational Awareness, Written Communication, Confidentiality
- Or completion of undergraduate core program in journalism or communication; 6 mos. exp. in public multi-media techniques & relations in field of journalism or communication; valid driver's license.
- Or 12 mos. exp. as Public Information Specialist, 64420; valid driver's license.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
Job Skills: Communications ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
Salary Information
Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be set at the lowest rate of the salary range. In most cases successful employees will move up a step in the salary range within six months, with subsequent step increases occurring every year as supported by successful performance evaluation results. We also offer cost of living adjustments, longevity supplements after five years of eligible public service, and wellness incentives.
Background Check Information
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
