Public Health Specialist / Public Information Officer

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County’s natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty.  A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We were recently identified as “Best in Class Winner” among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being. We have also received the Impact Award for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!

Job Summary: 

This position serves as the public information officer for the local public health department under the supervision of the Public Health Planning and Preparedness Manager. The Public Information Officer plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates internal and external communications of public interest on behalf of the Allegan County Health Department. This position leads the department's communications strategy and related initiatives to convey a consistent, timely, and accurate message supporting the Allegan County Health Department’s services, programs, mission, strategic goals, and objectives. Makes recommendations for actions and messaging. Assists in policy and procedure development and implementation related to communications.

Starting Wage: $28.75 per hour to start, full-time 

Excellent Benefits Plan:  Health benefits begin on the first of the month after your hire date
- Medical, Dental & Vision (3 medical plans to choose from, 2 of which have a $0 premium)
- County-funded Health Savings Account with our two high-deductible medical plans
- County-paid employee life insurance coverage
- County-paid short-term disability coverage, up to 52 weeks
- Generous retirement plan, including a county contribution of 7% of your annual earnings
- Tuition Reimbursement Program for college degree courses
- Generous PTO plan, including front-loaded hours into PTO bank at hire, and annually on January 1.
- 13 paid holidays, in addition to PTO
- FREE use of Allegan County government's two fitness centers 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Serves as media liaison between Allegan County Public Health, other agencies and the public.
2. Develops marketing campaigns for Public Health services and programs.
3. Complies with the Public Health’s continuous quality improvement (CQI) policy and plan; Actively participates in quality improvement planning and CQI committee meetings.
4. Engages in emergency preparedness and response activities as required.
5. Serves on various committees with community agency representatives to ensure that community health needs are met.
6. Develops and maintains the Department’s media platforms and campaigns.
7. Prepares data, reports, literature, statistics and other resources for public dissemination.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, Journalism or Marketing is preferred.  
• Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Education and/or Public Health will be considered.
• One (1) year of experience in Communications

Allegan County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. A copy of our EEO Utilization report is available on our website:

https://www.allegancounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/2802/637974740005930000

Salary : $29