Health Information Specialist

HEALTH INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Health Information Specialist positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).

HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the direction of the Agency Director, a new and dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Specialized Medical Services and Public Health Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community. 

THE DEPARTMENT
The Office of Communications, a division within the Director's Office, comprises a diverse and talented team dedicated to supporting HCA's vision. Serving as the public information team, they handle dissemination of health information and prevention messages, social media messaging, handle media inquiries, press releases, and emergency communications. Internally, they assist in disseminating information about HCA opportunities and activities through a variety of internal channels. Responsibilities include crisis communications oversight, advertising management, strategic communication initiatives, content creation (e.g., newsletters, brochures, videos), social media management, development of talking points, and brand standards, managing internal communications, and collaborating with external partners, including government agencies and local authorities. 

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Health Information Specialist will report directly to the Public Information Officer (PIO) and will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Manage HCA’s social media account initiatives, creating, posting and scheduling daily content (including videography) to support Public Health Services, Behavioral Health Services, Emergency Medical Services and other service area initiatives. Support Communications team efforts to promote key health recognition events (i.e., Mental Health Month, etc.).
• Lead the development of the HCA monthly internal newsletter, coordinating the submission of articles, photos, and messaging to staff about events, initiatives, and program accomplishments, as well as writing key articles. Take photos of prominent events and team efforts.
• Manage a high volume of project requests that come through the HCA Communication inbox and coordinate project requests with appropriate staff (creative, projects, and media inquiries) and/or internal teams. Additionally, lead the proofing of all submitted documents by staff for public-facing materials (PPT, flyers, etc.).
• Support PIO activities with press clippings and follow up on press activities such as writing content for news features, press releases, articles and other media content.
• Coordinate the Employee Recognition program, which includes years of service awards, SOAR awards, and Peer-to-Peer recognition, including ensuring correct pins are available and distributed, photographing winners, and ordering recognition plaques and pins.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess at least two (2) or more years of experience in communications, writing and editing (newsletter, intranet articles, reports, and press), social medica management (content and design), public relations and project coordination. 

Experience in public sector is desirable but not required. 

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

Professional & Technical Expertise

• Applying principles and practices of public relations or community relations
• Using engaging storytelling techniques to connect with the public, raise awareness, and communicate important County-related issues and initiatives 
• Leveraging relationships with community organizations throughout Orange County to increase awareness and educate underserved communities about available County resources, programs, and initiates 
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures regarding communications and language access for County departments
• Ensuring adherence to policies and procedures relating to communication needs for the County
• Successfully developing and implementing both internal and external communications and community relations programs to connect with internal and external audiences

Action & Results Focused

• Planning and leading the execution of operational procedures to ensure that projects and deadlines are met
• Effectively analyzing problems and situations before taking corrective actions
• Working independently to manage time wisely and to effectively prioritize multiple, competing tasks

Writing, Oral & Presenting Communication Skills

• Preparing and presenting information in person and in writing to County elected officials, management, department heads, staff members, and private, public, and community stakeholders
• Capturing compelling photographs and videos to accompany news articles for both print and online publications
• Creating engaging and informative written and media content for various platforms, including blogs, websites, and social media
• Utilizing effective communication skills to define and communicate strategic Department goals to staff and stakeholders clearly, succinctly, and persuasively

Building and Maintaining Relationships

• Utilizing tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality in dealing with difficult and sensitive situations
• Engaging with online community, and responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Working effectively as part of a team to tackle and resolve issues while providing creative solutions to problems that achieve program and project objectives
• Building effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and staff to ensure departmental goals are accomplished
• Adhering to high ethical standards in all interactions with relevant parties

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for details on the Health Information Specialist classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Online Assessment (Un-proctored, Weighted 100%) 
Applicants who meet qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job related assessments. Applicants will be notified of their test date and access code, if applicable. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION 

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION  
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.    

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.     

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions. 

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Mariah Cuellar at [email protected] or (714) 834-3179.