Children and Families Communications Specialist – Public Affairs Specialist 3

Oregon Department of Human Services

. Lead strategic planning, development, and execution of community communications for the Oregon Health Plan .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeSalem • Oregon • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $6,581 - $10,105 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in community communications, strategic planning, and public affairs within the healthcare sector, particularly focusing on Medicaid and health equity initiatives. Proficient in fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and effectively communicating complex information to various audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Community Communications LeadershipHealth Equity Policy ImplementationPublic Affairs ManagementProject ManagementBilingual Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Public RelationsStrategic PlanningCommunication Effectiveness EvaluationHealth Services Delivery KnowledgePolicy AnalysisData PresentationCultural ResponsivenessHuman-Centered Change ManagementBudget ManagementResearch and Evaluation

Soft Skills

Strong Oral CommunicationStrong Written CommunicationInter-Agency CollaborationRelationship BuildingFacilitation Skills

Industry Keywords

Oregon Health PlanMedicaid AdministrationCoordinated Care OrganizationsSocial Safety Net ProgramsChildren's Medicaid ServicesEPSDTCommunity-Based OrganizationsCulturally Responsive CommunicationPublic Affairs ActivitiesCommunity-Centered Policies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead strategic planning, development, and execution of community communications for the Oregon Health Plan
Ensure members, families, providers, Tribes, CCOs, and community partners receive clear, accurate, and culturally responsive information
Provide direction to the OHP Community Communications team
Supervise public affairs staff
Oversee member- and provider-facing materials supporting understanding of OHP benefits, system navigation, and policy changes
Oversee public affairs activities for Medicaid’s Children & Families Policy Team, including EPSDT and other children’s Medicaid services
Establish communication standards and manage budgets
Evaluate communication effectiveness
Consult Medicaid leadership on communication impacts of policy decisions
Collaborate with diverse communities and build partnership-based relationships with community groups

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science, or related field and five years of professional-level experience in public relations or public affairs; OR eight years of experience directly related to the position, including five years at the professional level
Full proficiency in English and one of Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, or Korean is a desired attribute
Experience leading or supporting policies and programs advancing health equity
Knowledge of health services delivery systems, particularly Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid administration in Oregon
Experience working with Coordinated Care Organizations, social safety net programs, health service providers, or community-based organizations
Knowledge and experience supporting and leading implementation of federal policies for children covered by Medicaid
Ability to foster inter- and cross-agency collaboration and facilitate coordination of community-centered policies, programs, and continuous quality strategies
Strong oral and written communication skills across varied forums
Experience communicating qualitative and quantitative information accessibly, culturally responsively, inclusively, and appropriately
Experience presenting and articulating research and evaluation data for quality assurance, strategic planning, and decision-making
Demonstrated project management experience, including managing multiple timelines and priorities and promoting human-centered change management
Employment contingent upon a criminal records check and driving records check meeting OHA criteria
Must be authorized to work in the United States; position does not provide visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family
Optional life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare
11 holidays
3 personal days
Monthly sick leave
Vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month
Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
Training and development opportunities
Hybrid work arrangement