What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at Health & Human Services Comm?
Information Specialist IV
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Communications Coordinator positions within Access and Eligibility Services (AES), Strategic Engagement and Employee Support - AES Internal Communications. AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans, services and supports by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services.
Under the supervision of the AES Internal Communications Manager, the Communications Coordinators focus on internal communications efforts within Access and Eligibility Services. This includes intranet administration and communications support for a wide range of AES programs and special projects.
The Communications Coordinators participate in a variety of initiatives encompassing communication strategy, web/intranet support, internal campaigns, writing, editing, creative thinking, multimedia conceptualization and implementation. The candidates selected will be joining a close-knit communications group.
The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes: innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in your work, embracing our differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement.
Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position is eligible for part or full time telework.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Communications Coordinator positions within Access and Eligibility Services (AES), Strategic Engagement and Employee Support - AES Internal Communications. AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans, services and supports by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services.
Under the supervision of the AES Internal Communications Manager, the Communications Coordinators focus on internal communications efforts within Access and Eligibility Services. This includes intranet administration and communications support for a wide range of AES programs and special projects.
The Communications Coordinators participate in a variety of initiatives encompassing communication strategy, web/intranet support, internal campaigns, writing, editing, creative thinking, multimedia conceptualization and implementation. The candidates selected will be joining a close-knit communications group.
The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes: innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in your work, embracing our differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement.
Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position is eligible for part or full time telework.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Serves as writing support for AES internal communications, including but not limited to, newsletter articles, feature stories highlighting staff and their accomplishments, intranet content, talking points, scripts, presentation speaker's notes and email messages. Coordinates with subject matter experts to develop complete, accurate and compelling content. Generates creative and engaging themes for messaging to capture attention in a fast-paced environment. (35%)
Works collaboratively with HHS Communications division by providing key facts to be included in stories on specific to AES initiatives. Also, acts as a liaison between AES and HHS Communications as needed to support to their development of external client communications. (15%)
Works on the AES intranet, which may include design work, page and content development, plus some technical troubleshooting. Supports AES staff across the state in developing an intranet strategy for their individual sections and/or teams. (10%)
Participates in the creation, planning and execution of communications plans and editorial calendars for AES initiatives. (10%)
Attends various project workgroups and brainstorms to provide guidance on communication and identifies opportunities to ensure staff are given timely information on various initiatives. (10%)
Contributes to the development of mechanisms for evaluating the effectiveness of communication and leads to improvement. (5%)
May develop or provide training on various topics to small or large audiences. (5%)
Acts as a "quality check" proofreader for content written by other team members. (5%)
Performs related work as assigned. (5%)
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Serves as writing support for AES internal communications, including but not limited to, newsletter articles, feature stories highlighting staff and their accomplishments, intranet content, talking points, scripts, presentation speaker's notes and email messages. Coordinates with subject matter experts to develop complete, accurate and compelling content. Generates creative and engaging themes for messaging to capture attention in a fast-paced environment. (35%)
Works collaboratively with HHS Communications division by providing key facts to be included in stories on specific to AES initiatives. Also, acts as a liaison between AES and HHS Communications as needed to support to their development of external client communications. (15%)
Works on the AES intranet, which may include design work, page and content development, plus some technical troubleshooting. Supports AES staff across the state in developing an intranet strategy for their individual sections and/or teams. (10%)
Participates in the creation, planning and execution of communications plans and editorial calendars for AES initiatives. (10%)
Attends various project workgroups and brainstorms to provide guidance on communication and identifies opportunities to ensure staff are given timely information on various initiatives. (10%)
Contributes to the development of mechanisms for evaluating the effectiveness of communication and leads to improvement. (5%)
May develop or provide training on various topics to small or large audiences. (5%)
Acts as a "quality check" proofreader for content written by other team members. (5%)
Performs related work as assigned. (5%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of general professional writing principles and standards. Ability to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Familiar with internal communications best practices.
Ability to think strategically about communications.
Skill in researching, planning, developing and evaluating communications materials.
Knowledge of basic HTML and/or SharePoint administration.
Prefer knowledge and skill in using Adobe Creative Suite for design, layout, and/or video editing. Willingness to learn new programs and technology to increase effectiveness of communication.
Ability to see hidden problems by looking beyond the obvious and responding accordingly.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities. Ability to respond to requests with a sense of urgency, partiality, accountability, integrity and speed.
Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
Skill in using a personable and approachable verbal communication style with the ability to quickly gain the respect of staff at all levels; practices attentive and active listening. Able to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with staff.
Knowledge of general professional writing principles and standards. Ability to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Familiar with internal communications best practices.
Ability to think strategically about communications.
Skill in researching, planning, developing and evaluating communications materials.
Knowledge of basic HTML and/or SharePoint administration.
Prefer knowledge and skill in using Adobe Creative Suite for design, layout, and/or video editing. Willingness to learn new programs and technology to increase effectiveness of communication.
Ability to see hidden problems by looking beyond the obvious and responding accordingly.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities. Ability to respond to requests with a sense of urgency, partiality, accountability, integrity and speed.
Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
Skill in using a personable and approachable verbal communication style with the ability to quickly gain the respect of staff at all levels; practices attentive and active listening. Able to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with staff.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, public relations, English or related field.
At minimum, 2 years’ experience with progressively increasing responsibilities for communication, web content, and organizational communication strategy development and execution.
Experience with government or large organization communication programs and strategies.
Experience communicating in writing and verbally.
Experience editing and proofreading.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, public relations, English or related field.
At minimum, 2 years’ experience with progressively increasing responsibilities for communication, web content, and organizational communication strategy development and execution.
Experience with government or large organization communication programs and strategies.
Experience communicating in writing and verbally.
Experience editing and proofreading.
Additional Information:
MOS Code:
46Q, MC, 340, 4341, 3N0XO
46Q, MC, 340, 4341, 3N0XO
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
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