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State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...

DSHS ESA Child Support Communications and Equity Chief

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health..., Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502


Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.

Description

Join Us as the

Communications and Equity Chief for the Division of Child Support

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of child support services, ensuring they are accessible and effective for all. We are looking for a dedicated leader to champion equity, foster strong community relationships, and enhance our communication strategies. As a key member of the executive management team, you will advise DCS leaders on communication responses to the public, the legislature, and the press.

Our agency is excited to offer an opportunity to join the Division of Child Support (DCS) within DSHS's Economic Services Administration (ESA) as the Communications and Equity Chief. This role is pivotal in enhancing our child support services, promoting equity, and fostering positive community relationships. This is an excellent opportunity to guide a dedicated team, build on their strengths, and make a meaningful impact on families and communities across Washington. Your leadership will be key in promoting a supportive and inclusive environment at DCS.

This Olympia-based role will utilize a hybrid telework schedule from within the South Puget Sound area. Periodic travel throughout the state of WA will be expected.

Some of what you will do

Lead and maintain open communications with staff, field offices, federal, Tribal, and local government agencies, and the public.

Develop and implement communication strategies based on risk assessments and trends.

Establish and maintain relationships with community-based organizations and leaders, ensuring two-way dialogue and shared leadership.

Provide equity and diversity consultation to the DCS Executive Leadership Team, staff, and partners.

Support the division in adopting ESA’s anti-racism and equity goals, and the Governor’s plan to increase equitable opportunities.

Oversee and lead organizational change management activities to ensure smooth transitions and business partner adoption.

Manage public outreach efforts by communication team partners, including developing materials, website, and social media content, and responding to media inquiries.

Supervise a team focused on community relations, employer relations, and communication involving legislative updates, agency and program changes.

In the first six months , you will establish professional rapport and trust, develop communication to act as the voice of executive management, and ensure effective communication with the community, leadership, and policy teams. Develop a communication style in alignment with the Director of the child support program.

Who should apply

Professionals with 9 years* of communications, public relations, community engagement, advancing equity, social diversity, organizational change management, or public administration in a large and complex public/social services organization; concurrent work experience should include 5 years demonstrating the following:

Leadership and management; ability to lead and manage with integrity, respect, and professionalism.

Ability to research, analyze, and develop effective engagement strategies for a variety of audiences.

Polished writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a manner that is understandable to the audience.

Collaboration and facilitation skills.

Ability to coach, mentor, develop, and support team members, creating a workplace where differences are embraced; and foster collaborative sense of team through diverse points of view, talents, and capabilities.

We are also looking for 2 years of demonstrated ability to effectively advance equity and diversity initiatives within a large organization, effectively lead organizational change, and identify and implement opportunities for innovation.

A master's degree in social services, public administration, business administration, or related discipline is preferred and will substitute for 6 years of above work experience. A bachelor's degree will substitute for 4 years of above work experience.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Division of Child Support work experience will be helpful; or thorough knowledge of child support laws, regulations, and policies, with experience managing equity, diversity, inclusion programs, and access programs, and leading organizational change in complex environments.

Proven ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external partners, build relationships, and cultivate an inclusive, respectful, and engaging environment.

Exceptional communication skills, capable of producing high-quality work under tight deadlines, and adept at addressing problems with creative solutions and negotiating effectively.

We partner with people to access support, care, and resources.

This job is classified as a EMS02.

Interested?

Please list 3 professional references’ contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.

Questions?

Email bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or phone Jenny at 360-791-4168, reference 12350. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

#WeAreHiring #InclusionWorks

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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