Overview

The Vermont Department of Health's Division of Substance Use Programs (VDH-DSU) seeks an organized and outgoing person to join the Planning Unit which oversees divisional marketing, communications, strategic planning, workforce development and health equity initiatives. The Substance Use Information Specialist position works with the Planning Unit to advance the Division's strategic goal that "All people in Vermont have a compassionate, empathic, and informed understanding of substance use, its root causes, and have an awareness of resources available across the system of care" [www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/dsu-strategic-plan-2025-2028.pdf]. This will be accomplished by assisting with the research, design, revision, and dissemination of print and electronic communications that are culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and in alignment with DSU communications strategy. The successful applicant will lead divisional social media engagement, serve as the division's lead for supporting accessibility (including divisional adherence to the federal Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 [www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/]), support use of translation services, and aid in managing divisional content on HealthVermont.gov, among other responsibilities. People who have experience with the impacts of substance use and/or have used substance use services are encouraged to apply.

Examples Of Work

Liaise with the Central Communications Office of the Health Department in developing social media (Meta, Front Porch Forum, LinkedIn, etc) and health department newsletter content that promotes awareness of substance use data, services, and guidance.
Act a primary divisional support for accessibility by representing the division on the department's accessibility workgroup, supporting use of the department's accessibility guidelines, and employing translations services, as appropriate.
Lead the ongoing maintenance of the 'DSU Program Briefings' posted on the division's Programs & Services page [www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/programs-services].
Work with other divisional communications staff to maintain web content.
Support internal communications through ongoing maintenance of Planning Unit content on the DSU SharePoint site.

Core Competencies

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Effective project management, collaboration and partner engagement
Ability to manage competing and often changing priorities and timelines
Awareness of, and willingness to support, the Health Department's Health Equity approach and priorities [www.healthvermont.gov/about/our-vision-mission-values/health-equity]

Who May Apply

This position, Substance Use Information Specialist - Limited Service (Job Requisition #55075), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Roy.Belcher@vermont.gov

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in a standard office setting. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. Duties sometimes require rapid turnaround of assignments and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate degree in public health, public administration, human services or a health related field and one (1) year of experience in health promotion, marketing, advertisement, media communications or public relations.

OR

Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience in health promotion, marketing, advertisement, media communications or public relations.

OR

Associate's degree and three (3) years of experience in health promotion, marketing, advertisement, media communications or public relations.

OR

High school graduate and five (5) years of experience in health promotion, marketing, advertisement, media communications or public relations.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with Vermont substance use system of care
Proficiency in social media management
Experience with video and photo editing and graphic design
Experience working with people impacted by substance use
Experience with accessibility tools for documents, videos and websites
Experience with website editing
Experience working in public health, government, or nonprofit organizations

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
Low cost group life insurance
Incentive-based Wellness Program
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.

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Substance Use Information Specialist - Limited Service