Communications Specialist

We are hiring a Communications Specialist. Are you ready to join #TeamODHS? Apply here:  https://bit.ly/3xoBQ8d

Posting Closing 7/5/2022

Salary Range: $5,426 - $8,009

Are you an excellent communicator with strong organizational skills looking to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians? Do you have demonstrated experience in developing multimedia communications, marketing, and advertising materials for diverse audiences? Would you like to be part of an agency that is committed to anti-racism and fostering a culture of belonging? If you are interested in growing your career while working from home and qualify for this role, please apply today!

The Office of Communications, part of the Oregon Department of Human Services, is looking for a dynamic and creative individual to serve as the Communication Specialist and join our wonderful team of professionals. This full-time Public Affairs Specialist 2, Communications Specialist position is based in Salem, but will work remotely.  This position will be focused on supporting Self-Sufficiency Programs (SSP). SSP consists of a variety of programs and services that help Oregonians achieve well-being, such as food benefits, cash assistance and supports for people impacted by domestic violence. SSP also has a refugee program that works with partner organizations to provide services to those newly arriving in Oregon. Supporting SSP, the Communications Specialist has the opportunity to connect with and serve a diverse clientele. Their efforts will help people in Oregon understand and access benefits and help support our workforce who serve Oregonians through the state.

What you will do: As the Communication Specialist you will be an integral team member who will help develop and implement equitable communication plans and tactics to support the mission of the department. This includes working closely with ODHS Communications team members, other state partners and leadership to recommend communications strategies, create communications plans and develop a variety of communication materials and tools for a diverse group of internal and external audiences, such as clients, employees, communities, and partner organizations. Some of the duties include:

• Developing and implementing multimedia communications, marketing, and advertising materials– including digital, print, websites, social media -- ensuring compliance with applicable laws around accessibility, language, translation, and transparency.
• Managing and producing internal communications, like the employee newsletter
• Reviewing and editing reports, webpages, and other communications to ensure they are clear and accessible to all audiences
• Interviewing and producing stories about ODHS clients, employees, and community partners to help drive understanding of the work ODHS does and connect the public with services.

To receive a full description of duties and responsibilities for this position please email Teresa.CamachoDeLaTorre@dhsoha.state.or.us.

Essential Attributes

You do not need to have all these attributes to be considered for this opening; however, the most competitive candidates will have most of them. Please demonstrate them in your resume or work history profile.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Understanding of intersectional equity concepts & the ability to communicate and engage in outreach to people who have been historically underrepresented, such as Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and communities of color.
• Communication: The ability to use writing skills & accurate language to develop & implement accessible communications & marketing strategies in a variety of formats to reach diverse audiences.
• Technology: Strong visual, graphic design and multimedia skills
• Strong Attention to Detail: Demonstrated experience conducting work that requires attention to detail.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to exercise good independent judgment, to interpret complex policies or procedures, and to communicate effectively and clearly these to diverse audiences.

• Time Management/Organization: Ability to meet deadlines and multiple projects and remain flexible in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Bilingual Skills: Preference may be given to candidates with bilingual skills.

Working conditions:

This position works primarily remotely as well as in an open-landscape office environment, with occasional travel required.  You must have the ability to function in a high-energy and complex work environment with frequent interruptions and multiple priorities. The flexibility to meet tight and changing deadlines is required, as is the ability to work well with a variety of internal and external customers including ODHS managers and staff, the Governor's Office staff, other government agency staff and officials, agency partners, contractors, media representatives, and the general public.

You will occasionally work long hours including evenings and weekends and must be available by telephone around the clock to DHS leadership & journalists to handle emerging issues & crisis communications as needed.  The person in this position will handle highly classified and confidential information, communications and documentation and must use the utmost discretion at all times.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

ODHS commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. To learn more about our agency, click here.

ODHS, A place to belong and make a difference!

You can find connections through an Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) which are voluntary, employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS overall mission. ERGs are an officially chartered group organized around shared cultural identity(ies) to support historically underrepresented ODHS employees.

You’ll enjoy work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, remote work options, and competitive benefits packages.

ABOUT Office of Communications 

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Communications Unit, guides the Department brand and ensures Oregonians can connect with human services to reach their potential. We tell meaningful stories and create equitable, useful experiences. We aim to build bridges between the Department and our communities — including Oregon Tribal Nations, clients, providers, partners, other state agencies and elected officials — through strategic communications and engagement.

What you need to qualify: Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, the behavioral or social sciences or related degree and two years of professional level experience in public relations or affairs,

OR

Five years’ experience directly related to the position under recruitment; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.

Additional Requirements

Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check.  Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.

How to Apply

Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunities to highlight your interest in the position and showcase the amazing skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.

• Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. 

Note: Your resume may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. 

• Attach a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications, how your work history prepared you for this position, requirements, and essential attributes for the position. The cover letter is required and will be used by the manager to screen applicants.
• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. View this video for help.
• Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this job aid for help.
• After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This screen will come after you submit and will complete the process. If you are an employee, the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.
• Veterans: If you are claiming veterans preference points, you will receive a task in your Workday account to provide military documents (if you have not already provided them). Please ensure to complete all tasks in Workday during the application process and upload your documents (DD214/Disability). Click here for a guide on how to upload your documents. For privacy reasons, please do not attach your DD214/DD215/civil service preference letter to your application – instead, attach these documents when prompted to during the Workday task. For questions about documentation, please visit: Veterans Resources.

Helpful Information

• This position is a management service (non-supervisory) and is not represented by a union.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
  • The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details, or you may visit our website for information on Pay Equity.
  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. ODHS does not offer VISA sponsorship for this position.
  • If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact our office at RECRUITMENT@dhsoha.state.or.us.
  • Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out this link.
  • For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact Teresa Camacho via email at Camachodelatorre@dhsoha.state.or.us or call 971-286-0701. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.