Come join our team of dedicated and mission-driven communication professionals and be part of our effort to help Vermonters of all backgrounds and abilities have a fair and equitable chance to live healthy lives in healthy communities. This Public Health Communication Officer position is in the Health Department’s Communication Office, which is part of the Commissioner’s Office. Its focus is to advise and support Health Department staff to communicate public health information clearly, considering the language, needs and social/cultural norms of a diverse array of communities. We are seeking candidates of all backgrounds who are dedicated to improving economic, social, health and environmental conditions for all Vermonters, and who are committed to a vision of Vermont that embraces all its residents.
MAJOR JOB DUTIES: Language Access – Lead and collaborate with department staff to inform, develop and promote communication guidance, standards, strategies and systems to produce public information products that are clear and accessible to all Vermont residents, including the BIPOC/global majority, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and people who are unhoused – populations the Health Department has prioritized for health equity. Training – Design or identify training for department staff to enhance understanding and skills to ensure that public information and messaging, vital documents, and data reports are written in plain language, are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and are produced in accessible formats. Products – Work with communication and health equity staff and lead our equity communication team to prioritize messaging identified through community engagement that meets the needs of intended audiences. Coordinate messaging products that can be produced by the Health Department, or in partnership with community organizations. Design and produce the monthly Equity newsletter. Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication – Serve on the Crisis Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) team during public health events and emergencies to ‘be first, be right, be credible’ with information. Collaborate with state government and partner agency communication professionals to deliver coordinated, accurate and credible public health and safety messaging that is accessible to all Vermont residents.
This is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.
This position is focused on health equity, and reflects the Health Department's mission, vision, culture and values. We are seeking candidates of all backgrounds who are dedicated to improving economic, social, health and environmental conditions for all Vermonters, and who are committed to a vision of Vermont that embraces all its residents.
OUR MISSION and VISION – This work reflects the Health Department’s mission to protect and promote the best health for all Vermonters, and our vision of healthy Vermonters living in healthy communities. Our goals are: Effective and integrated public health programs; Communities with the capacity to respond to public health needs; Internal systems that provide consistent and responsive support; A competent and valued workforce that is supported in promoting and protecting the public’s health; A public health system that is understood and valued by Vermonters; Health equity for all Vermonters.
OUR CULTURE and VALUES – The Health Department’s culture is one in which our success and our workplace culture are interdependent. Our culture is driven by passion for the mission. We are committed to these values: Creativity, innovation, and calculated risk-taking; Open and transparent leadership; Staff expertise, autonomy, and excellence; Professional growth through individual development plans, special projects and opportunities to stretch; Wellness and work-life balance.