Public Health Communications Officer

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 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. 

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. 

• Work irregular hours, including some nights and weekends, and be on call and available to respond to County emergencies as necessary.