Public Information Officer - Chs (Prescott)

Under general supervision, performs technical and professional duties of considerable difficulty in the development, implementation, and management of both internal and community-wide communications plan and acts as media liaison and spokesperson for the Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS).

• Works with and coordinates outreach/marketing activities with section/program managers, other YCCHS staff, community partners, and other county departments.
• Ensures funds are utilized in accordance with A 87 federal budgeting guidelines, contractual expectations, state agreements, county and departmental policies, practices, and protocols.
• Serves as a spokesperson/media liaison providing Public Information and assuring informative and professional public health communications with clients, colleagues, and the public including live TV and radio interviews as necessary.
• Proactively plans, creates, and coordinates community, print, social media, and broadcast media relations activities necessary to promote YCCHS. Develops and/or approves marketing materials and prepares information for posting onto the YCCHS website.
• Remains current in YCCHS emergency response methodologies, policies, protocols, and practices.
• Serves as a spokesperson/media liaison during county public health emergencies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Media Relations, or closely related field.

Experience:
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in public relations, media communications, or related field.

An equivalent combination of directly related work experience and education may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-per-year basis.

Additional Requirements:

Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Community and media relations.
• Professional desktop publishing and graphic design software.
• Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition.
• Clerical office practices and procedures.
• Research techniques and report writing.
• Current Microsoft Office software.
• Filing and recordkeeping.
• Social Media Skills.

Skill in:

• Public speaking and presentation.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and communicating orally in a face-to-face setting and by telephone with public and employees.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Organization and adherence to detail.

Ability to:

• Work collaboratively with YCCHS leadership to identify and consolidate needs and assets into a comprehensive and strategic outreach and marketing plan.
• Provide expert consultation and information to the YCCHS directors, program managers, staff, and community partners.
• Adapt to changing circumstances and identifies potential changes to improve services by being receptive to staff recommendations, suggesting innovations, showing flexibility, and keeping informed of program changes, staff capabilities, and community needs.
• Update the YCCHS leadership and other appropriate staff about changes to the programs or contractual arrangements.
• Produce wide array of marketing products and seek community partnerships and opportunities for promotion of YCCHS activities and programs.
• Ensure that high-level policy makers and elected officials at the local level are provided regular updates regarding public health matters, best practice measures, challenges, and public needs associated with section duties and responsibilities.
• Respond to community emergencies that have a public health consequence according to requirements of the YCCHS Emergency Response Plan.
• Keep management informed of key operating issues affecting the department.
• Remain current in knowledge required to perform assigned duties.
• Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion always.
• Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

Work Environment:
The work environment is associated with an office. The work area is adequately lighted, heated or cooled and ventilated.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effective in-person and telephonically. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Additional Job Information:

FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 11
Classification: At-Will
Safety Sensitive: No