Communications Specialist

Public Health Communications Specialist

As a member of the Public Health Communications team, the communication specialist supports internal and external department communication efforts under the direction of the communications program manager. This position utilizes written and visual communication tools and works in partnership with other members of the Public Health Communications team and department program staff to develop and deliver health messages to the community, promote department activities, and raise awareness of the value of public health.

This position produces varied work for diverse audiences, including content for social media, promotional handouts and brochures, annual reports, presentations, outreach events, the county website, and media advertisements. This position will work with department program staff to plan and execute social media and other communication campaigns utilizing written and visual storytelling skills and community outreach strategies.

During public health emergencies or other high-profile events, this position assists with the department's communications response, including addressing information needs of the community, elected officials, partner organizations and news media. When the incident command system is established, this position may serve as a public information officer or assistant public information officer and work within a joint information system/joint information center structure as necessary.

Public Health values our community's diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and the community. Public Health encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

This position has the option of a remote/hybrid work schedule but may be periodically required to report for in-person office work, meetings and events. However, the candidate selected must reside in Oregon or Washington. No exceptions.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities and implement strategies to reach public health audiences through written and visual materials, web-based communications, social media, advertising, public presentations, and other tools using audience-centered messages.
• Collaborate with department program staff and Communications team members to plan, develop, manage and evaluate content for department social media platforms.
• Assist in planning, executing and evaluating department communication campaigns.
• Collaborate with Communications team members and program staff to develop public information materials that simplify and communicate complex ideas for diverse audiences.
• Adhere to county and department branding and style guidelines when developing public information materials.
• Support department staff in developing content that uses plain language and meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), when applicable.
• Work with department staff to ensure populations with special information needs receive timely, accurate, accessible, culturally appropriate and understandable information.
• Work with program staff and the Public Health web team to edit, maintain, and improve the department's internal and external websites.
• Identify and elevate issues of concern and emerging trends to the Communications program manager and department leadership.
• Assist in writing and distributing news releases and responding to media requests as needed.
• Assist in the planning, design and evaluation of communication and public information training for staff.
• Collaborate with Clark County Communications Office and other county communicators to share expertise, contribute to countywide projects, and participate on the county's PIO response team during emergencies.
• Serve as public information officer or assistant public information officer, as needed, during public health emergency responses.

Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Ways to obtain needed knowledge and abilities include:

• Associates of Arts degree, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, English, public relations, journalism or a related field.
• Two years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field.

Experience working in local government or public health is preferred but not required.

The ideal candidate will have excellent:

• Writing, editing, presentation and public speaking skills
• People skills (active listening, validation, oral communication, empathy)
• Networking and facilitation skills
• Leadership and coalition building skills
• Organizational and problem-solving skills

Some facility with languages other than English, including sign language, is desirable but not required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of risk communication
• Media relations best practices
• Strategies for effectively managing content on social media platforms
• Principles and practices of project management, including planning, scheduling, monitoring, collaborating and problem solving
• Public health and county government functions
• Principles of emergency management and incident command system

Ability to:

• Effectively and respectfully work with people from diverse backgrounds, including age, religion, national or ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, physical characteristics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, health status, genetic predisposition, political belief, mental or physical ability.
• Identify the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors in determining the delivery of public health services and reflect those factors in all messaging.
• Research and implement approaches to address problems that consider cultural differences and working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of social determinants of health and the impact of health equity issues on the work of public health.
• Demonstrate initiative and good judgment and know when to seek help.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions in an effective and timely manner.
• Effectively coordinate, perform and complete multiple duties and assignments concurrently and within established deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, policymakers, other governmental jurisdictions, contractors, and community agencies.
• Mediate difficult working relationships.
• Effectively use a computer, Microsoft Office software, email, electronic scheduling, smart phone, and internet to accomplish job functions.
• Work in stressful and sensitive situations.

Examples of Duties

• Be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave. Leaves may be canceled under public health emergencies.
• Protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in state and federal law. Adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including completion of mandatory trainings.
• Possess a valid driver's license and have access to reliable transportation.
• FEMA ICS courses (ICS 100; ICS 200; ICS 300; ICS 700; ICS 800; IS-29A) will be required to be completed upon hire.

Salary Grade

M3.200

Salary Range

$34.89 - $48.82 per hour

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at

Employee Benefits and Additional Compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF). Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here:

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io; Relay (800) 8