Mission of the Office of Communications & Marketing: To advance the public’s understanding of OhioMHAS and its role in providing a high-quality mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery system that is effective and valued by all Ohioans.
The duties of the Public Information Officer include, but are not limited to:
- Assists in the planning, design and production of various agency communications materials for print, digital and video channels
- Develops material used to promote OhioMHAS programs & initiatives to the general public, community mental health and addiction boards & agencies, mental health and addiction advocacy groups & other stakeholders, media, elected officials, and others
- Works with assigned program areas to identify storytelling opportunities to promote the work of the department to stakeholders and the general public
- Provides information about agency activities to media representatives, constituents, general public, community mental health boards & agencies, mental health advocacy groups & other stakeholders
- Monitors & uses independent judgment to respond to agency inquiries (e.g. constituent communications, requests for speeches &/or presentations) updates events calendar, coordinates arrangements with media representatives)
- Collaborates with Office of Legal Services to comply with public records requests
- Produces certificates & proclamations; provides consultation & advice to staff regarding agency communication initiatives & protocol (e.g., design, development, & presentation of communication material)
- Strong understanding of communications tactics and familiarity with AP Style
- Builds & fosters a collaborative relationship with agency offices/bureaus (e.g., attends meetings, serves on agency committees & work teams as necessary
- Conducts research, provides written reports & updates); monitors media coverage
- Assists in planning & coordination of agency exhibits & displays for special projects & events (e.g., conferences, meetings, forums, seminars, & speaking engagements)
- Produces written material & graphics for exhibit; sets-up & removes exhibits & displays
- Coordinates completion of print jobs with State Printing
- Coordinates archival of documents & monitors record retention
- Must be a self-starter with a strong work ethic who is able to work collaboratively, as well as independently. Ideal candidate will be able to think strategically and identify opportunities to promote the work of the agency.
Why Work for the State of Ohio
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
- Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Qualifications
Completion of undergraduate core program in journalism or communication; 6 mos. exp. in public multi-media techniques & relations in field of journalism or communication; valid driver's license.
- Or 30 mos. exp. in field of journalism or communication dealing in public multi-media techniques & relations, public speaking, news writing, reporting & editing or technical report translation & communication dealing in public meetings; valid driver's license.
- Or 12 mos. exp. as Public Information Specialist, 64420; valid driver's license.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
Preferred Qualification:
Familiarity with behavioral healthcare
Technical Skills - Communications
Supplemental Information
All answers to the supplemental questions must be answered completely and supported by the work experience/education provided on your civil service application.
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Currently operating under a hybrid schedule. Two days in-office per week, subject to change.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
