Job Description

Office of the Medical Officer of HealthCompetition #: 0049-22Position: Communications OfficerThe Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU) is recruiting for a permanent, full-time Communications Officer in the Office of the Medical Officer of Health Division, Communications Department, based in our Port Hope office.Position Summary: The Communications Officer is responsible for assisting with the development and maintenance of the Health Unit's communications program. The Communications Officer will work with the Manager, Communication Services to provide strategic media relations advice in response to media inquiries; assist in the development of potential story ideas; write feature articles for target markets and produce support materials for the media.Duties & Responsibilities: Administration and Human Resources

• Assists in providing cost quotes for communication strategies and advertising campaigns
• Provides timely and complete job and financial progress reports as requested
• Assists in the maintenance of a current media listing
• Responsible for collecting and distributing to staff daily media links and updates
• Works in accordance with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
• Consults with the Chief Nursing Officer on matters related to professional practice
• Provides administrative support for responsibilities such as the distribution of advertising, development of ad hoc cost charts

Professional

• Provides consultative support to Health Unit programs, staff, and committees on the development of communication materials
• Provides input and suggestions on communications strategies to Health Unit staff
• Provides input, training and consultative support to Health Unit staff responding to media inquiries
• Develops and maintains a strong working relationship with media in the surrounding area
• Keeps abreast of trends in both print and broadcast media
• Maintains professional competency by attending appropriate continuing education workshops, conferences, seminars, and through private study

Financial

• Provides timely and complete financial progress reports on projects and advertising as requested

Program

• Assists in the writing and editing of copy used in the production of Health Unit publications and products, including newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, media advisories, advertising campaigns, workshop materials, social media posts, blogs and newspaper columns
• Assists in the development and maintenance of editorial content of the Health Unit's online communication vehicles, including the website and intranet
• Assists in the costing, selection and co-ordination of projects done by out-of-house design, print and production companies
• Assists in the development and production of Health Unit promotional videos as required
• Assists in the development and production of advertising/promotional campaigns, and supporting materials
• Assists in the negotiation of contracts for cost-effective paid advertising
• Provides website support, as required
• Organizes or provides assistance in the co-ordination of special events
• Photographs/videotapes Health Unit staff, events and programs for use in promotional materials
• Responds to public inquiries for information
• Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives as assigned
• Participates in the implementation of the emergency preparedness and response plan as assigned
• Complies with the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee's relevant best practice documents

Other

• May assist with graphic design projects using Adobe Creative Suite
• Assumes other duties as assigned by the Manager, Communication Services
• Uses initiative and creativity to complete projects in a timely, cost-efficient method
• Seeks direction and intervention from Manager, Communication Services when errors result from inappropriate recommendations or decisions
• Assists in the identification and elimination of health hazards in all assigned areas
• Does occasional physical activity with frequent long periods of visual and/or auditory concentration

The successful candidate will have:1. Education

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in corporate communications, journalism, public relations or marketing

OR

• The equivalent education and/or experience as determined by the Director, Corporate Services

2. Experience

• Experience in planning and developing advertising/promotional campaigns for diverse populations
• Experience in developing communication strategies for diverse populations
• Ability to develop and implement communication strategies and vehicles for a wide variety of target groups with varying levels of budget
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills
• Experience in media relations and media advocacy
• Experience in photography/videography
• Experience with website design and maintenance
• Ability to research and provide comprehensive reports
• Ability to work with senior management, media, elected officials and members of the public in a diplomatic and tactful manner
• Graphic design skills and experience with the Adobe Creative Suite is considered an asset
• Attentive to detail and deadlines and an ability to balance multiple tasks
• Ability to apply innovation and creativity to all projects
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to be a self-starter who can work independently
• Excellent computer skills that includes experience with programs such as Microsoft 365, Outlook and WordPress

3. Other

• Knowledge of the OPHS
• Valid Ontario driver's license and access to a vehicle
• Current and satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
• Proof of immunizations required by HKPRDHU
• Satisfactory completion of probationary period (6 months)
• Demonstrates critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Demonstrates customer service and interpersonal skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization
• Excellent time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines with the ability to deal with multiple demands
• Excellent written communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills and the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Demonstrates initiative consistently with a commitment to quality and process improvement

Location: Port HopeFTE: 1.0 Permanent Full-TimeHours: 35 hours/weekSalary Range: CUPE Salary Grid 2022 - $65,431 - $72,863Start Date: ASAPAccommodations are available, upon request, to support the participation of persons with disabilities in the recruitment process. All recruitment documents are available in alternative format, upon request.Qualified applicants are invited to send a resume and cover letter by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.Job Type: Full-timeSalary: $65,431.00-$72,863.00 per yearBenefits:

• Dental care
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Port Hope, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application deadline: 2022-08-29