Public Health Communications Officer

Description: Under general direction, to plan, develop, direct, coordinate, implement, organize, and evaluate a comprehensive health information and communications program for the Public Health Department within the County of Santa Clara; and to act as a consultant to Public Health management regarding communications strategies. The Public Health Communications Officer will report to the Program Manager III for the Public Affairs Team. The Public Affairs Team leads many of the Public Health Department's most critical interactions with the public, shaping and executing strategic communications and policy initiatives for the Department. Typical TasksThe following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed. Plans, develops, directs, coordinates, implements, and evaluates major health outreach campaigns, leveraging news media and community partners to reach targeted audiences with information and education programs, health policy, and health assessment findings; Serves as liaison for local/national news media (radio, television, print, internet, and other communication technology), other County departments and employees, cities, and community organizations to disseminate health services data and information; Initiates, develops, and executes press conferences and media interviews for senior management and designated spokespersons; gathers information for reporters as appropriate; prepares questions and talking points; coaches and trains other staff in responding to the news media; acts as spokesperson, when necessary; Interviews, selects, hires, trains, supervises, provides guidance to, evaluates, and disciplines subordinate staff; assigns and reviews work and adjusts workloads; Maintains the flow and quality of work within established standards and policies; Directs the writing and distribution of correspondence, reports, documents, press releases, public information news releases, articles, and public service announcements; Designs, edits, and oversees the printing and dissemination of informational materials and programmatic pamphlets, brochures, posters, fliers, internet content, and other materials publicizing events, activities, and services; Directs and supervises public relations for health information efforts; Meets with senior management to determine and implement outreach efforts to ensure the alignment of efforts and strategy regarding public and media communications; Develops and implements programmatic campaigns and exhibits that include designing outreach materials, organizing and monitoring special events to launch campaigns, and facilitating video and photography services and other applicable media resources; Meets and consults with Federal, State, and local agencies and community groups to develop and relay information that impacts the health and safety of the residents of Santa Clara County; Meets with representatives of community groups, industry, schools, local government, and special interest groups to communicate and gain support for the public health information goals, objectives, and programs for the County of Santa Clara; Serves as lead on coordinating risk communications and developing risk communication strategies in response to and in preparation for major public health events, disasters, and matters of urgency; Serves as the Public Health Department liaison relating to the Department's functions with the Office of Communications and Public Affairs in the County Executive's Office; Coordinates health information activities during a medical/health emergency event in conjunction with the Office of the County Executive, which includes the development, review, and medical clearance of risk communication messages that are disseminated to the public; Sets digital strategy and monitors and approves information disseminated on the Public Health Department website and other social or related media platforms; Assists in preparing program's budget; monitors program's expenditures; In compliance with the County's branding strategy; develops, oversees, and manages the Public Health Department's templates and brands; provides updates, refinements, and recommendations, as necessary; Acts as a 24-hour health information emergency contact; Makes public appearances and speaks before communities and interest groups; Upon activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), participates as a member of the public information staff; May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required; Performs other related work, as required. Employment Standards Sufficient education, training, and work experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities: Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Public Health, Public Administration, or related field. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis; and Five (5) years of full-time experience as a public information officer, journalist, or in a related public relations/communications function, at least one (1) year of which is in a health-related field or organization. A Master's Degree in Public Health or Communications may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience as a public information officer, journalist, or in a related public relations/communications function. There is no substitution for the one (1) year of experience in a health-related field or organization.

Special Requirements: Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization. Knowledge of: Principles and techniques of effective public communications, public relations, and news media relations; Principles and practices of risk, crisis, and emergency communications and disaster readiness; Principles and techniques of copy writing, speech writing, planning press conferences, and preparing news releases; Principles and techniques of web page design and development; General public policy and public health policies, issues, and opportunities; Current principles and techniques of multimedia communications, including internet, social media, and other communications; Customs and practices of various public information media related to health care and emergency health issues affecting the public; Interviewing techniques; Correct use of English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; Principles of budget and project management; Presentation techniques; Concepts of branding; Principles of supervision and training; Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, graphics, and digital photography. Ability to: Plan, organize, direct, and implement an effective and complex communications program; Communicate ideas and concepts effectively, both orally and in writing; Conceptualize print and broadcast advertising and related multimedia, including internet; write, edit, and lay out a variety of clear and concise articles for publication, speeches, scripts for radio and television, reports, and correspondence; Plan and direct outreach and promotional activities; Exercise discretion and judgment; Supervise subordinate technical and administrative support staff; Understand and effectively communicate technical data to targeted audiences; Collect and analyze data; Organize, prioritize, and schedule multi-activity workload; Write educational and informational materials clearly and accurately; Work under stress and pressure and meet deadlines; Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Requirements: Work irregular hours, including some nights and weekends, and be on call and available to respond to County emergencies as necessary. The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification. In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below. Retirement Benefits The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being. Health Flexible Spending Account The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA. Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000. Life and AD&DThe County offers life and disability benefits including, Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support. Employee Wellness The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey. Education Reimbursement A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development. NOTEBenefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts. Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes. 01 Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer: a) Employer Name b) Job Title c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment d) Total Hours Worked per Week e) Detailed Description of Job DutiesDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question? YesNo02 Do you possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Public Health, Public Administration, or related field? YesNo03 If you responded "yes" to the previous question, please indicate the name of the college or university you graduated from and the field of your degree. 04 Do you possess a master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Public Health or Communications? YesNo05 If you responded "yes" to the previous question, please indicate the name of the college or university you graduated from and the field of your degree. 06 How many years of experience do you possess performing analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management duties, which include interpreting rules and regulation, gathering data, and formulating recommendation, and report writing? No experienceLess than one yearOne to less than two yearsTwo to less than three yearsThree to less than four yearsFour years or more07 Describe your analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory or management work experience. Relevant experience includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing. In your response, indicate employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, the number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, indicate N/A08 How many years of experience do you possess as a public information officer, journalist, or related public relations/communications role? No experienceLess than one yearOne to less than two yearsTwo to less than three yearsThree to less than four yearsFour to less than five yearsFive years or more09 Describe your work experience as a public information officer, journalist, or related public relations/communications role. In your response, indicate employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, the number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, indicate N/A10 How many years of experience do you possess working in a health-related field or organization as a public information officer, journalist, or related public relations/communications role? No experienceLess than one yearOne to less than two yearsTwo to less than three yearsThree to less than four yearsFour to less than five yearsFive years or more11 Describe your experience working in a health-related field or organization as a public information officer, journalist, or related public relations/communications role. In your response, indicate employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, the number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, indicate N/A12 Describe your experience with the principles and practices of risk, crisis, and emergency communications and disaster readiness. In your response, indicate employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, the number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, indicate N/A13 How many years of experience do you possess planning, directing, supervising, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees? No experienceLess than one yearOne to less than two yearsTwo years or more14 Describe your experience planning, directing, supervising, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees. In your response, indicate employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, the number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, indicate N/A15 Describe your experience planning, organizing, directing, and implementing an effective and complex communications program. In your response, indicate employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, the number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, indicate N/A16 How did you find out/hear about this job? In Person Job Fair Contacted by County Recruiter Email Newsletter Virtual Event Community EventSocial Media: Facebook or Instagram County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification Student Career Center HandshakeProfessional Association Contacted by an External Staffing Firm Hospital Website Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)Governmentjobs.com LinkedInIndeedEmployee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers County of Santa Clara Career Website Other (Specify in the next question)17 How did you find out about this job? If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job. Required Question