Health Communications Specialist

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), Division of Disease Control (DDC), works to prevent, control, and report on diseases and conditions that are contagious and/or affect the public’s health. DDC helps prepare for public health emergencies and educate the community on how to stay safe and healthy.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), through its Immunizations program in the Division of Disease Control, oversees the purchase and distribution of federally funded vaccines to local healthcare providers. As one of 64 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded program areas, the Philadelphia Immunization Program is charged with the mission to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and increase the immunization coverage levels among infants, children, adolescents and adults in Philadelphia.  

JOB SUMMARY

Working with the communications team, this position will be responsible for producing clear, accessible health information for health care providers and the public. This position will be responsible for developing and disseminating clearly written, well-designed health communication materials for public health prevention partners in a variety of formats, such as web content, blogs, newsletters, training materials, reports, etc. Additionally, this position will provide support for the clearance of developed materials as needed and briefings to management and partners. The position will be largely responsible for project managing materials requested from the communications team and will take a primary role in ensuring materials are ready in a timely fashion.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

               Responsibilities/Duties

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate traditional and message strategies that meet public health mission and goals.
• Translate complex medical ideas to plain language.
• Work with Medical Specialist to write blogs, immunization program updates, and health advisories.
• Work with our VFC, VFAAR, and outreach teams to create newsletters or other supportive outreach materials.
• Work with other members of the Communications Team to create copy for educational public and provider facing print and digital materials.
• Partner with organizations and online partners to develop effective opportunities for message planning, research, message development, and message delivery.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure communication activities are based on accepted principles, methods, and best practices.
• Attend internal and external meetings as requested.
• Complete assigned contract deliverables, including required reports, within established timeframes.
• Manage project work, as needed, including quality assurance and deliverable compliance
• Respond in real life public health emergencies.

• Other duties as required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of relevant experience in a public health setting or equivalent combination of education and experience. Masters' degree is preferred. State or local health department experience is a plus.

Skills/Experience

• Candidates should understand communication theory and practices
• Spanish speaking candidates encouraged to apply
• Knowledge of 508 compliance and accessibility
• Experience engaging public health preventions partners at the state and/or local level, as well as digital media strategy and implementation
• Previous experience working in a healthcare setting preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written as well as interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a team environment, and an interest in interacting with the public in a variety of settings
• Must be authorized to work legally in the U.S.

Evidence suggests those from marginalized groups often only apply to jobs if they meet all of the qualifications. However, perfect candidates don’t exist! You are encouraged to apply if the above duties interest you, and the sum of your professional and academic experience balance to overcome the absence of some of the education or experience preferences highlighted below. 

Work Environment:

This is not a remote role. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, talk, and hear. This job may require moderate physical effort including lifting materials and equipment of less than 50 pounds and involves viewing a CRT or VDT screen 50 to 75 percent of the time. The position requires responding to public health emergencies on short notice and some after-hours activities to achieve Program Objectives.

Position Type and Work Schedule:  Full time position, typical hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. 

Travel:  Some travel may be necessary provided that public health guidance allows it.

Physical Demands:  Must be able to lift 25lbs.

Salary and Benefits:  $58,000-62,000, commensurate with experience.  Our employees are our most valuable resource, so we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which can include:

• Medical with vision benefits
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life, AD&D and long-term care insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan, with a company contribution
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, personal and holiday
• Employee Assistance Program

Eligibility and participation are handled consistent with the plan documents and HFP policy.