What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Health Communications Specialist - Contractor position at Department of Public Health?
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (MDPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction (BSAS) is seeking dynamic applicants to fill the role of Strategic Health Communications Specialist. Under the general direction of the Director of Policy, the Strategic Health Communications Specialist will provide oversight and expertise related to the development and ongoing implementation of a comprehensive strategic health communications plan. This position helps BSAS to leverage communication strategies grounded in behavior change theory to advance policy and programmatic goals across a range of topics related to substance use and addiction.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and are not all-inclusive):
- Assist the Director of Policy in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy when implemented, will broaden awareness of our bureau, our key messages, and our accomplishments. This includes providing strategic direction, helping to identify creative and cross-cutting messages that reflect the bureau's work and priorities, and providing technical assistance and support to bureau staff on how to leverage and utilize effective health communication strategies in their day-to-day work and planning Coordinating responses to inquiries and requests for information from internal and external stakeholders.
- Help develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy when implemented, will broaden awareness of our bureau, our key messages, and our accomplishments. This includes providing strategic direction, helping to identify creative and cross-cutting messages that reflect the bureau's work and priorities, and providing technical assistance and support to bureau staff on how to leverage and utilize effective health communication strategies in their day-to-day work and planning.
- Work closely with internal and external content experts to produce written materials including but not limited to remarks, talking points, newsletters, and presentations for a wide variety of audiences including consumers, state agencies, legislative groups, and the public in conjunction with BSAS units and DPH Communications Department.
- Ensure the development and implementation of communications materials and strategies have a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Enhanced knowledge of substance addiction treatment services in Massachusetts and understanding of the policies and funding mechanisms of Massachusetts’ substance addiction programming.
- In-depth knowledge of State and Federal contracts, regulations and laws governing Substance Addiction Services and their fiscal management.
- Understanding of Electronic Invoice Management/Electronic Service Management information system.
Additional Contract Information:
- Contract Period of Service: 2/24/2025- 2/24/2026
- Benefits are unavailable with the exception of sick leave accruals.
- Contracts are renewable, subject to the Department approval, performance, and allocation of funds.
- All employees will be paid on a biweekly basis and must have direct deposit.
About the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services:
The Mission of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) is to foster healthy life choices through culturally responsive services that prevent, treat, and promote recovery from substance-related disorders.
Our Guiding Principles include:
- Addiction is a chronic disease that can be successfully prevented and treated.
- Eliminating the stigma associated with addiction is essential to our work.
- Substance use disorders affect individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth.
- No single treatment is appropriate for everyone, and medications are an important element of treatment for many individuals.
- People affected by substance addiction should be treated with dignity and respect.
- The Bureau of Substance Addiction Services acknowledges the history of structural racism in the United States and its impact on health outcomes. The Bureau is committed to improving the quality of life for all Commonwealth residents, focusing on traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations.
About the Department of Public Health:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.
We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to ensure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.
More information can be found at: the MA Department of Public Health
Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. # 4
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: None.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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