The Position

Contra Costa County is recognized as a top service organization where innovation and public service combine to improve the quality of life and well-being of people, businesses, and communities. Our employees value partnerships, communities, quality services, accountability, and excellence.

We are currently looking to fill one (1) Community and Media Relations Specialist vacancy in the Health Department. However, the eligible list resulting from this recruitment can be used to fill vacancies in other departments when they become available.

Why join the Contra Costa Health Services Department?
Contra Costa Health is the largest department of County government, employing more than 4,400 individuals. Only 10% of the CCHS budget is from the County's general fund. The remaining 90% is supported by federal and state funding programs, such as Medi-Cal and Medicare as well as program grants and fees.

• 
  We provide high-quality services with respect and responsiveness to all.
• We are an integrated system of health care services, community health improvement, and environmental protection.
• We anticipate community health needs and change to meet those needs.
• We work in partnership with our patients, cities, and diverse communities, as well as other health, education, and human service agencies.
• We encourage creative, ethical, and tenacious leadership to implement effective health policies and programs.

We are currently seeking a skilled and motivated individual to join our team as a Community and Media Relations Specialist in the Contra Costa Health Office of the Director, Community Education, and Information Office. In this role, you will have the opportunity to plan and coordinate community and media relations activities for our Health Department.

As our Community and Media Relations Specialist, you will play an important role in promoting our programs and projects by disseminating information to the public and County staff using various mediums. You will assist in facilitating our media advocacy efforts and developing strategies to effectively conduct media and public information campaigns. Your contributions will help us to raise awareness of our programs and services and to build strong relationships with our community.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Aware. You will need to address issues impacting different cultural groups.
• Proactive. Willing to take initiative but knows when to ask for help.
• Organized. You will act as a project manager and need to track many tasks simultaneously.
• Creative. You will need to gain attention in the digital space.
• Compassionate. You need to be understanding of public sentiment and frustration that is often shared online.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Enhancing public understanding of events through effective social marketing and media advocacy
• Researching and thoughtfully designing fliers for public awareness and educational programs
• Collaborating with program staff to accurately respond to requests for information from the public or media
• Ensuring the public is informed about issues by developing an effective marketing and distribution plan
• Designing and editing material that will be released to the public

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have the opportunity to improve the reputation of Health Services
• Our services are highly visible and in demand
• You will have the opportunity to develop and implement the overall strategic goals of the organization

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Many of the services we provide require 24/7 communications response
• Communications services are in high demand in the organization so tasks and priorities often change
• This function has been decentralized which means that expectations and operations are inconsistent

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Design Sense: Creating work products that are functional, intuitive and aesthetically pleasing
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Communication: (Oral/Written/Informing) Engaging effectively in dialogue; Communicating effectively in writing; Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications

You can read the complete job description at: www.cccounty.us/hr.
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Journalism, English, Mass Communications, Marketing, or a closely related field.

Experience: One year of full-time (or its equivalent) experience performing public relations, media advocacy or other related work.

Substitution for Academic Major: One year of additional experience as the type described above may be substituted for the academic major.

Selection Process