Job Description
Public Information Specialist
526060
PHOENIX
REMOTE OPTIONS
AHCCCS
Full-time
AHCCCS
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Accountability, Community, Innovation, Leadership, Passion, Quality, Respect, Courage, Teamwork

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency, is driven by its mission to deliver comprehensive, cost-effective health care to Arizonans in need. AHCCCS is a nationally acclaimed model among Medicaid programs and a recipient of multiple awards for excellence in workplace effectiveness and flexibility.

AHCCCS employees are passionate about their work, committed to high performance, and dedicated to serving the citizens of Arizona. Among government agencies, AHCCCS is recognized for high employee engagement and satisfaction, supportive leadership, and flexible work environments, including remote work opportunities. With career paths for seasoned professionals in a variety of fields, entry-level positions, and internship opportunities, AHCCCS offers meaningful career opportunities in a competitive industry.

Come join our dynamic and dedicated team.
Public Information Specialist
Office of the Director (OOD)

Job Location:
Address: 801 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
This position is eligible for full-time remote work (including virtual office arrangement).

Posting Details:
Salary: $60,000 - $70,000

Grade: 21

Open Until Filled

Job Summary:
This position performs high profile public communications work under the direction of the Public Information Officer, including all aspects of video production, social media content creation and management, media relations, and internal and external communication. As such, this position is a trusted member of the Communications team, creating strategic communications vehicles to reach targeted audiences.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor the agency's official social media accounts including developing engaging and informative text, graphics and video content; respond to inquiries received on social media and escalate issues as needed; engage with stakeholders: track and report social media effectiveness. Use industry knowledge and sound judgment to make editorial decisions about how and when to best communicate agency news.
• Shoot, edit, and produce high-quality video content for AHCCCS' social media channels and stakeholders.
• Assist the agency’s editorial proofreading process to ensure all public-facing documents (web pages, presentations, reports, letters, and postings) are written in a consistent voice and tone and are accurate.
• Assist in the planning, designing, writing and editing content for internal and external audiences, including press releases, newsletters, web pages, videos, presentations, fliers, and reports.
• Work within the community as an AHCCCS representative to help build trust, public engagement, and share the agency's story.
• Work with the Public Information Officer to compile, route, and track incoming public information inquiries including timely media relations inquiries, public records requests, and other public information requests, when needed. Serve as the back up to the Public Information Officer for all media relations inquiries, when needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge:

• Mass communication techniques and distribution methods
• Video production trends to engage new and existing audiences
• AP and MLA Styles, the differences, and when to apply
• Government public information communication procedures, records retention, and crisis communication
• Continuous Improvement (CI) and Lean methodologies
• Industry standard media relations techniques

Skills:

• Proficient computer literacy in Word, Excel, and Google Suite
• Proficient in graphic design software including Adobe Creative Suite, Powtoons, and Canva
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Video production
• Social media content creation, management, and measurement

Abilities:

• Work independently and with flexibility and accountability to prioritize tasks based on urgency
• Manage multiple projects, and meet ever- changing deadlines
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders of various levels of understanding and English proficiency
• Produce high quality, error-free material
• Build trust with stakeholders at all levels of government
• Communicate with diverse audiences in a way that promotes equity and inclusive

Qualifications:
Minimum:

• 3+ years experience performing public relations or communications work which included video production, and writing and editing a variety of communications (e.g., news releases, promotional material). Bachelor's degree in communications, videography, journalism, public relations, public administration, business administration, or related field will substitute for some of the experience.

Preferred:

• Candidates with Bachelor's Degree and who are bilingual in Spanish.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
• Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:
Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:

• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military.
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• A variety of learning and career development opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:
Lifetime Pension Benefit Program

• Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
• Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
• Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).

Deferred Retirement Compensation Program

• Voluntary participation.
• Program administered through Nationwide.
• Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

Contact Us:
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing [email protected].
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Application Instructions

Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!