PLEASE READ THIS JOB ANNOUCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. An Alameda County Job Application is required to be considered for ALL County recruitments.

Alameda County Health, Office of the Agency Director is recruiting for a provisional-project* appointment: PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Join our dynamic motivated and compassionate team.

$85,280.00-$104,686.40 Annually

Plus, an excellent benefits package!

This is a provisional-project recruitment.

*Provisional Appointments: For a provisional appointment, a civil service exam is not required. However, to obtain a regular position, the appointee will need to compete successfully in a County Exam when open.

Project positions are generally for a specific, limited duration. Projects can last for five years but may be shorter depending on the project. Newly hired incumbents in project positions do not qualify for retirement.

ABOUT US
Alameda County Health is the local government agency that promotes and protects the health and well-being of all who live, work, learn, and play in Alameda County. We coordinate services and cultivate partnerships with community organizations and providers to help ensure access, organize, and deliver health care and services to people with Medi-Cal and without insurance, support resilient communities, and improve health for all. We focus on health equity by developing programs and systemic solutions that reduce disparities for the people and communities we serve.

Alameda County Health’s departments and programs focus on services and supports that provide care for the whole person. Cross-agency programs include: Housing and Homelessness Services, Emergency Medical Services, HealthPAC, and Healthy Schools and Communities.

Learn more about us!


The POSITION

Under general direction, to develop, maintain, and coordinate public information activities within a County Department or Agency; to advise and assist management in public information/relations activities; and to perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The class of Public Information Specialist is in multiple departments/agencies within Alameda County and is responsible for internal and external public information/relations activities. The Public Information Specialist class is distinguished from the next higher class of Departmental Communications Manager in that the latter is responsible for supervising/managing a departmental communications unit and may report to an executive level manager or directly to the department/agency head.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements for this position, the ideal candidate will possess the following critical attributes:

1. Creates and develops informative, user-friendly, customer-focused, and visually compelling content across a variety of platforms (i.e., websites, social media, mobile applications, broadcast, video, photography, or print marketing) for internal and external communications.

2. Researches and synthesizes information; develops and edits publications, composes press releases, staff reports, video and slide scripts and interpretative materials; designs such materials and distributes them accordingly.

3. Maintains regular contact with media representatives and community partners and arranges for exposure or explains activities; responds to questions directed to the department/agency.

4. Facilitates editorial meetings to gather departmental/agency news and activities for promotion to a variety of audiences on different platforms; prepares plans and procedures relating to development of information resources and methods for improving their effectiveness and versatility.

5. Monitors and updates organization’s internet, intranet and social media platforms and channels, and coordinates with County ITD and/or departmental/agency IT staff to communicate a variety of information related to the program and services.

6. Acts as editor of departmental/agency publications and newsletters; develops communication plans; collaborates with others in preparation of publications, website development or maintenance, newsletters, and related matters.

7. Manages multiple projects, prioritizing appropriately and meeting the demands of both highly sensitive and routine communication projects.

8. Serves as a staff writer available to assist in writing applications for grants and projects.

9. Arranges and conducts facility tours.

10. Makes recommendations on public affairs needs; represents the department/agency before civic and community groups in disseminating public information.

11. Create and maintain media logs, press files, publications, and media coverage that enhance public’s understanding of department/agency functions.

12. Prepares annual reports, newsletters, and media correspondence.

13. Interfaces with media relations and community groups in maintaining strategic marketing relationships and community outreach.

14. Provides risk communications to the public in the event of an epidemic or disaster.

15. Coordinate disaster preparedness documents, and related communications for the department/agency.

16. May be responsible for training and coordinating the work of other staff.

PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, English, business administration, or a closely related field.

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of two (2) years of experience in journalism, public relations, media, social media strategy, marketing, advertising, or closely related field which included the development and editing of a variety of documents, publications and/or new releases and the exposure of working with media representatives in the coordination of public information and other related program activities.

Substitution:
Additional experience listed above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

*Preferred Qualifications:
1. Video production experience, particularly in operating camera, lighting, and audio equipment, as well as video editing.
2. Graphic design skills (Adobe applications and Canva)
3. Proficiency in one of the County’s threshold languages (i.e., Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Vietnamese, Farsi, and Cambodian)
4. Ability to work in a fast-moving environment
5. Knowledge of safety net behavioral health services

Special Requirements:

· Some positions will require a full background check and fingerprint to determine suitability for assigned work. A felony conviction may be disqualifying.

HOW TO APPLY

Deadline: TBD

Please submit a County of Alameda Job Application, resume and cover letter to:

Tyler Clark, (HCSAJOBAPPS@ACGOV.ORG)

The application template is available online on Alameda County’s Online Employment Center @


NEW USERS can click on “New User Registration” to fill out an application template. Once the application is completed, candidates can click on the “Review” tab to “Print My Application” or “SAVE as PDF”.

Alameda County Health is enriched with a diverse workforce. We believe the best way to deliver optimal programs and services to our communities is to hire and promote talents that are representative of the communities we serve. Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS

In addition to a competitive salary, employees also enjoy an attractive benefits package with the following elements:


For your Health & Well-Being

· Medical and Dental HMO & PPO Plans

· Vision or Vision Reimbursement

· Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance

· Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

· Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance

· Short and Long -Term Disability Insurance

· Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness and Legal Services

· Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)
Annual Cost of Living Adjustments as determined by bargaining units
May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
May be eligible for up to $1,200 in annual County allowance

For your Work/Life Balance

12 paid holidays
4 Floating holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Vacation purchase program
Catastrophic Sick Leave
Employee Mortgage Loan Program
Group Auto/Home Insurance
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits Program
Employee Wellness Program
Employee Discount Program
Child Care Resources
*Benefit rates are dependent upon the management employee's represented or unrepresented classification.