Iowa HHS Medicaid Division Communications SpecialistPrint (overnmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/4616720)ApplyIowa HHS Medicaid Division Communications SpecialistSalary$61,110.40 - $94,806.40 AnnuallyLocationDes Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IAJob TypeFull-timeJob Number25-00263Agency400 Health & Human Services - MedicaidOpening Date08/12/2024Closing Date8/22/2024 11:59 PM CentralLinkedIn Tag#LI-POSTPoint of ContactAlex Murphy at alex.murphy@hhs.iowa.gov+ Description+ Benefits+ QuestionsJob DescriptionThe Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ (Iowa HHS) External Relations’ Bureau of Communications is seeking a dedicated, hard-working, knowledgeable and well-rounded communications professional to join the dynamic, highly-collaborative and face-paced team, serving as the communications specialist for both the Division of Medicaid and the Division of Administration.This position is a key member of the Iowa HHS Bureau of Communications within the External Relations Division. With an $11 billion budget, Iowa HHS serves all Iowans through public health work, and directly provides services to nearly a third of all Iowans. This includes child welfare, Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, behavioral health, public health, aging and disability services, child support and much more. Over the past two years, seven state agencies were consolidated into one agency—Iowa HHS.The Division of Administration includes many of the critical internal functions of the department that support employees and the citizens of Iowa. The Division includes the bureaus of Finance, Information Technology, Transformation, Performance and the Office of Health Equity.Iowa Medicaid provides health coverage to over 700,000 Iowans every year, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government.Duties include:• Develops and maintains comprehensive communications plans, media strategies, goals and objectives to promote agency programs, products and services.• Prepares and implements effective strategic communication plans based upon the needs of the Division.• Establishes and organizes development and release of communications based on timelines and adheres to established Iowa HHS agency communications protocols.• Assists in development of and reviews and approves all internal and external communications materials produced by division staff which could include anything from press releases, newsletters, letters of support, one-pagers, presentations, etc.• Assists the Director of Communications/PIO with any researching, gathering and drafting responses to media inquiries, drafting op-ed materials, pitching media interviews and other relevant newsworthy content to the Director of Communications as well as developing talking points for leadership on requested topics.• Assists in explaining and interpreting diversified agency programs and services into plain language in all aspects of internal and external communication.• Responsible for regularly maintaining, updating and creating content for the Medicaid section of the Iowa HHS website, under the direction of and in coordination with the Website Manager.• Development and implementation of social media and website strategies for program initiatives.• Oversees all aspects for numerous printing contracts valued at approx. $1 M.• Participate in and contribute to division projects, attending division meetings and serving as the communications liaison for the division as well as attending, participating and serving in Communications Bureau meetings.• Provide support to improve existing communication tools and identify creative dissemination strategies to increase visibility of the division and its successes.Other Duties• Carries out other duties as assigned for the Communications Bureau.How to Apply:For help creating a profile or entering your information, please go to the online Benefits: Employment Application Guide.Benefits:We have a great total compensation package for all our full-time employees, including:• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) (Employee contributes 6.29%/State of Iowa contributes 9.44%)• Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan) (State of Iowa matches up to $75/month)• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (See below for more details)• Vacation Leave (96 hours/year to begin, and increases with years of service)• Sick Leave (144 hours/year)• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)• Flexible Spending Accounts• Life Insurance ($20,000 paid for by the State of Iowa)• Long-Term Disability InsuranceFor additional information on our amazing benefits, click on this link Benefits at a Glance.Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.Director’s Statement:HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).E-Verify Statement:Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.Minimum Qualification RequirementsApplicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications and experience equal to four years of full-time work planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking.2) All of the following (a and b):a. Four years of full-time work experience in planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking; andb. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of fulltime experience.3) Number two above, where twenty-four semester hours of postgraduate coursework in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required full-time work experience.4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 18 months of full-time work as an Information Specialist 2.For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (owa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/InformationSpecialist3-00754-90754.pdf)Additional Qualification RequirementsSome agencies may require applicants to present a portfolio of writing, layout, or other public relations efforts to demonstrate past experience and training.Why Choose the State of Iowa?At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:Competitive Compensation:Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (owa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.Health and Wellness:Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.Retirement Planning:We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (rg/members) .Paid Time Off:Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.Professional Development:Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.Employee Assistance Program (EAP):We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.Diversity and Inclusion:Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.Join Us - Elevate Your Career:Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (ttract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!01Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.+ Yes - I understand and agree.+ No02PLEASE READ CAREFULLYHave you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq03Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications?IF YES,How many years do you have of full-time work experience planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking.+ Not applicable – I do not have a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications+ No experience in the identified areas+ Less than two years of experience in the identified areas+ Two years to less than four years of experience in the identified areas+ Four or more years of experience in the identified areas04All of the following (a and b): a. Do you have four years of full-time work experience in planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking;ANDb. Do you have a combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of fulltime experience. Note – total experience and education from "a" and "b" must equal a minimum of 8 years+ Yes+ No05How many years do you have of a combination of postgraduate coursework in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications AND full-time work experience in planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? (24 semester hours of graduate course work equals one year of experience.)+ Not applicable - I have none of the identified experience and education+ Less than four years of the identified experience and education+ Four years or more of the identified experience and education06If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (Executive Branch): How many months do you have of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 2 for the State of Iowa?+ No experience as an Information Specialist 2+ Less than 18 months of full-time work as an Information Specialist 2+ More than 18 months of full-time work as an Information Specialist 2+ Not applicable – I am not a state employee for the State of IowaRequired QuestionAgencyState of IowaWebsitehhs.iowa.govApplyPlease verify your email addressVerify Email
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Iowa HHS Medicaid Division Communications Specialist_