Public Information Specialist

This is a reinstatement, transfer or voluntary demotion opportunity for current and former regularly appointed employees of Alameda County.

Reinstatement:
Pursuant to Civil Service Rule 1744: On the request of a department head and approval of the Commission, a regularly appointed employee who resigned in good standing may, within three years after the effective date of his/her resignation, be reinstated in a position in the class from which he/she resigned or in a position in another class for which he/she may be eligible as determined by the Commission. Appointments by reinstatement following resignation are subject to the probationary period established for the class. You must have been a classified County employee in the same job code or in a job code at the same salary maximum and left the County in good standing. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

Transfer:
You must be a current County classified employee in the same job code or in a job code with the same salary maximum for which you are applying. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

Voluntary Demotion:
You must be a current County classified employee in a job code which is at a higher salary maximum than the vacancy for which you are applying. In addition, you must meet the minimum and special qualifications of the specific position.

THE AGENCY

Alameda County's Health Services Program is administered by the Health Care Services Agency and includes the following program areas: Behavioral Health Care, Public Health, Environmental Health, and Agency Administration/Indigent Health. The ultimate mission of the Health Care Services Agency is to provide fully integrated health care services through a comprehensive network of public and private partnerships that ensure optimal health and well-being and respect the diversity of all residents. Health Care Services Agency currently has multiple career opportunities for experienced professionals to become part of a service delivery team dedicated to the optimal health and well being of Alameda County residents.

THE POSITION

Under general direction, to develop, maintain, and coordinate a public information program for a large County department or agency; to advise and assist management in public information/relations activities; and to perform related duties as required.

The California Department of Health Care Services has awarded Alameda County Health Care Services Agency $140 million for 2016 through 2020 as part of the competitive Whole Person Care Pilot (WPCP) program. Alameda County’s program is called Alameda County Care Connect, and our vision is to create a system of whole person care that helps high-need patients achieve optimal independence and health. AC Care Connect focuses on individuals who are either 1) homeless; or 2) repeatedly using crisis services (e.g., the homeless system, emergency department, psychiatric emergency services, substance use services, and the criminal justice system) without getting better. AC Care connect aims to improve integration of services across multiple sectors and strengthen the County-wide system to better help patients move from conditions of crisis and acute care toward increased stability and wellness.   

Through AC Care Connect, Alameda County HCSA is engaging in a change process that will move us toward becoming a coordinated system of care across multiple systems. Outcomes of the project will include creation of a community health record and coordinated care management system that can be used by each enrolled client’s full care team to enhance their care and health outcomes.

TYPICAL DUTIES

NOTE: 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.

1. Develops and edits publications, composes news releases, staff reports, film and slide scripts and interpretative materials; designs such materials and distributes them accordingly.

2. Contacts media representatives and arranges for exposure or explains activities; responds to questions directed to the department/agency.

3. Gathers news items from established departmental sources regarding departmental activities; prepares plans and procedures relating to development of information resources and methods for improving their effectiveness and versatility.

4. Acts as editor of departmental publications and newsletters; provides assistance to others in preparation of publications, website development, newsletters, and related matters.

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

6. Arranges and conducts tours.

7. Represents the department before civic and community groups in disseminating public information.

8. Maintains media logs, press files, publications, and media coverage to enhance public’s understanding of department/agency functions.

9. Prepares annual reports, monthly newsletters, and media correspondence.

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

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

12. Coordinate disaster preparedness drills for the department/agency.

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, public relations, advertising or a related field,

AND

Experience:

Two years of full-time experience in journalism or public relations which included the development and editing of publications and/or new releases and the exposure of working with media representatives in the coordination of a public information program. (Additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

· Understanding of the working media.
· Departmental/agency programs and activities.
· Information dissemination techniques and methods.
· Marketing strategies and techniques.
· Media Relations and Outreach.
· Risk Communications.
· Computer applications.
· Web-based communications.

Ability to:

· Determine potential public information items.
· Develop a public information program.
· Speak and writing effectively.
· Develop effective working relationships with media representatives.

To apply please contact Alida Crowder at (510) 346-1063 or alida.crowder@acgov.org to apply.

You are encouraged to apply immediately as this posting is open until filled and may close at anytime.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity Employer