Clinical Communications Consultant (CC3/COM) 71106670     We're seeking a dynamic candidate to support strategic communication efforts for Apple Health and clinical programs. In this role, you'll advise agency leaders and program managers, ensuring our messages are clear, actionable, and aligned with our mission. You'll anticipate and navigate communication challenges, craft strategies to engage diverse audiences, and coordinate efforts across multiple health initiatives including dental, data, pharmacy, and health information technology. Your expertise will also support social media and video production and enhance our communication team's overall impact.   All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.   About the division: The Communications Division (COM) provides strategic leadership and operational support for external and internal communications on agency business and strategic initiatives for the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). The clinical communications consultant supports the mission and goals of HCA by ensuring high-quality and strategically planned communications and engagement efforts to the Clinical Quality and Care Transformation (CQCT) Division. This position reports to our Apple Health Communications Manager.   About the position: The Clinical Communications Consultant plans, develops, coordinates, and implements communications for clinical programs and initiatives and Apple Health providers. This position advises program managers and agency leadership on strategies to ensure communications are understandable, actionable, and convey consistent, clear agency messages. This position is also required to use strategic thinking to anticipate potential communications challenges and public reactions, evaluate proposed actions and timelines, align actions with the agency mission and goals, make strategic changes to communication plans accordingly, and develop strategies to ensure our messaging reaches a diverse audience.   This position is eligible to telework but may be required to report on-site to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis. Some of what you will do:   * Write, edit, and publish a variety of communications materials, including forms, webpages, infographics, publications, fact sheets, reports, FAQs, and letters, ensuring clarity and adherence to standards. * Consult with and advise program staff and website contributors, working closely with the web content manager to develop and maintain Apple Health client-related content. * Analyze visitor data to continually improve website content, including optimizing information architecture, ensuring adherence to plain talk principles, and implementing document accessibility enhancements. * Plan, organize, and schedule GovDelivery bulletins to inform Apple Health billers, providers, and other stakeholders of program updates. * Coordinate with graphic designers to develop and refine forms, publications, and other materials for billers, providers, and stakeholders. * Support internal communications relating to clinical initiatives by writing feature stories, producing content for agency all-staff meetings, and drafting content for HCA general staff through HCA Digest and InsideHCA. * Develop a holistic view of provider related content across the website and ensure consistency.  * Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and recommend adjustments to improve outreach and engagement with stakeholders.  * Facilitate meetings and address any concerns or questions from program staff to ensure alignment with communication goals. * Provide backup support for HCA social media and video production needs. * Capture high-quality in-person video and photo content for the agency at the direction of the video lead, including setup, lighting, audio recording, filming, takedown, and executive photos. * Take high-quality in-person photos for HCA executives and staff, including setup, lighting, and takedown. * Oversee agency social media tools, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube in the absence of the social media lead. * Support Apple Health client communications and HCA social media/videography.  * Back up client communications for Apple Health, COFA, Washington Healthplanfinder, Washington Connection, and other cross agency collaboration regarding communications. Required qualifications:   Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:   Option 1:  * A bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field  AND  * Three (3) years of writing/editing experience; or equivalent education/experience.   Option 2: * Seven (7) years of work experience or training in communications, journalism, or related public relations/community information positions that included writing, editing, and planning.     Qualifying candidates will also have: * Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate complex technical information verbally and in writing to a non-technical audience, including the application of plain language principles to legally precise documents.  * Excellent writing and proof-reading skills.  * Ability to work independently and in groups.    Preferred qualifications:   * Knowledge of media relations best practice and experience talking with the news media. * General knowledge of health care systems. * Understanding of legislative and Tribal partnership processes. * Knowledge of plain language writing techniques and understanding of how to effectively implement them within a state agency.  * Experience managing contracts pertaining to communications, and knowledge of state government contracting laws and rules.  * Experience writing and coordinating leadership-level talking points and presentations.     How to apply:  Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach: * A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position * Current resume    To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following: * Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.  Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.  About HCA:  Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.   There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.     What we have to offer: * Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA  * A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values * A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options. * A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits * A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.  * Tuition reimbursement * And free parking!    Notes:   Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.   HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Julie Laney at (360) 725.5130 or julie.laney@hca.wa.gov.    The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.