Public Health Communications Specialist

Position Title: Public Health Communication Specialist

Agency Unit: Administration & Finance

Reports to: Health Director Supervises: None

Employment Status: Full-time; 40 hours/week

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Public Health Communication Specialist develops and executes communication strategies to support the Sarpy/Cass Health Department’s (SCHD) strategic plan, programs, and other priorities.

Essential Duties:
Under general supervision, the Public Health Communication Specialist performs the following essential duties within the framework of the Department’s provisions of the core functions and essential services of Public Health;

• Develops and executes communication strategies to support the Department’s strategic plan, programs, and other priorities.

• Educate and train staff on the components of communication strategies as needed.

• Leverage the organization’s communication channels, including website, newsletter, and social medial platforms, to further organizational recognition and strengthen its reputation with diverse audiences.

• Drafts content to inform, inspire, and connect audiences with the Department.

• Represent the Department at various media, government, or public events to promote the Department and Public Health as appropriate.

• With Director approval, may serve as a designated spokesperson for the Department as applicable.

• Manages relationships with outside vendors and freelancers.

• Organizes in-person, online, and hybrid Department media and/or communication events.

• Participate in Public Health emergency response preparedness, planning, and response activities.

• Attends training and meetings as assigned.

Additional Duties:

• Promote and facilitate the incorporation of Departmental core values, vision, mission, and strategic initiatives into daily service delivery.

• Develop a working knowledge of other Department services and programs and provide information to the public as appropriate.

• Assume responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education, participating in professional committees/work groups, and contribute to a work environment where continual improvements in service and professional practice are pursued.

• Search for funding opportunities and assist in the development of grant proposals, work plans, goals and objectives related to existing and future programs/projects.

• Adhere to all HIPAA and Department confidentiality and privacy policies and practices.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, stakeholders, governmental officials, and the general public. Resolve conflict.

• Represent the Department by serving on various committees, coalitions, and community alliances related to program areas or as assigned by Director or designee.

• Attend trainings, courses, seminars, and conferences, as approved by Director or designee, to maintain knowledge of current trends and to develop skills necessary to assure duties are performed satisfactorily.

• Participate in needs assessments, strategic planning, accreditation, evaluation, and quality improvement processes. Employ data-driven decision-making to determine pertinent program priorities, goals, and objectives.

• Perform computer input and retrieval functions utilizing a variety of hardware and software programs.

• Prepare accurately and maintain various records, reports, correspondence, and other Departmental documents including mileage reports and time sheets.

• Presents to Department leadership new and updated content for approval on the Department’s website and social media accounts.

• Assist in training and orientation of new employees.

• Participate in Public Health emergency response training, as assigned, and respond as directed in a Public Health emergency.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a four-year College or University with major coursework in journalism, business or public administration as it relates to public relation.

• At least two years’ experience involving community relations or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the desirable knowledge, abilities or skills.

• Fluent in both English and Spanish highly preferred.

• Exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills are essential.

General:

• Completion of mandatory Department training within 30 days of employment, including National Incident Management System and Incident Command System, HIPAA, health equity, and military competency training.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.

• Must possess own mode of transportation.

• Successful completion of a criminal records check and drug screen test.

• Non-tobacco user.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to establish and implement short and long range Department goals, objectives, and operating procedures related to public relations to be incorporated and in-line with the Department strategic plan and communication plan.

• Ability to proactively inform, engage, and educate community leaders, interested stakeholders, and decision-makers on impactful projects and initiatives regularly, including preparation of materials and messaging with the Director and other staff for various public meetings, associations, committees, neighborhood and development groups.

• Ability to speak directly to the public or media to address questions.

• When directed represent the Department during public events, media opportunities or other public engagement strategies identified.

• Work with the Director to engage in policy and legislative initiatives for the Department as necessary in coordination with the Board of Health and other stakeholders.

• Ability to prepare and develop public information content strategies and materials for dissemination through press releases, public service announcements, news conferences, records requests, social media and special projects.

• Ability to foster and cultivate trusted and credible relationship with media representatives.

• Respond to requests for information from media outlets.

• Ability to collaborate with multiple partners.

• Ability to design and create materials that will deliver the Department’s branding and messaging to key audiences.

• Ability to lead expansion of Department’s social media presence and platform to increase public awareness of the Department.

• Display positive public relations skills and work with all communities, lifestyles, physical abilities, sexual orientation, education, race, ethnicity, culture, etc.

• Readily assumes responsibility.

• Skilled in basic desktop software programs, including Microsoft Office, and ability to learn other software as needed.

• Ability to learn and utilize web-based programs.

• Ability to work with various levels of agency management.

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend documents such as safety rules, healthcare laws, instructions, and policies/procedures.

• Ability to think strategically, communicate effectively, and articulate both orally and in writing.

• Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret technical information.

• Ability to be action-oriented, persevere, motivate others, and focus on program goals.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with coworkers, administrative support organizations, elected and appointed officials, representatives of other governmental entities, private industry and members of the general public.

• Ability to manage work processes and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to adapt to change and be flexible.

• Ability to assume additional responsibilities and assignments.

• Ability to exercise initiative, judgment, and discretion.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed indoors in an office setting, community sites or clients’ homes and workplaces, but may occasionally be performed outdoors. The incumbents schedule may involve varied days, hours, weekends, holidays, and call-ins. Work may be fast-paced when dealing with multiple priorities, frequent interruptions, irate or uncooperative individuals, and emergency situations. Work also involves contact with, or exposure to, inclement weather conditions when traveling to various locations in Sarpy and Cass counties.

Work requires physical activity, including extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, stopping, and climbing. Noise level is typically moderate. An incumbent must have the ability to frequently lift and/or carry audio-visual equipment, supplies, and other materials weighing up to 10lbs., and occasionally lift and/or carry audio-visual equipment, supplies, and other materials up to 25 lbs.

Duties also require the ability to tolerate a work environment that includes infrequent contact with or exposure to blood or other body fluids, and infectious materials. Frequent fine motor movement of fingers, hands, and wrists with gross motor movement of elbows and arms as well as hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are necessary and required. Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing, and touch. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close, distance, and color vision as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include talking and hearing within normal ranges.

Due to the need for all Department personnel to respond to Public Health emergencies, all personnel must be fitted and able to wear a NIOSH 95 mask.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related requirements and to perform other job-related duties requested by Sarpy/Cass Health Department in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

All job descriptions are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and any other applicable Federal and Nebraska law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

The Sarpy/Cass Health Department retains the right to modify or change the essential and additional duties of the job at any time.

I have read and understand the duties and responsibilities for which I am responsible. The duties, responsibilities and minimum requirements have been reviewed with me and I have received a copy.

Employee’s Signature:
Date:

Health Director’s Signature :
Date:

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Papillion, NE 68046: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person