THE POSITION

The Washington County Department of Health and Human Services is looking for a Bilingual Emergency Preparedness, Outreach, and Education Specialist to join the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Team.

In this position, you will engage Washington County community members to promote healthy, resilient communities that are prepared for all-hazards emergencies (pandemic, wildfire, extreme heat, flooding, etc.). You will also coordinate a cadre of medical licensed service volunteers in the Medical Reserve Corps to assist in medical surge capacity during planned or emergency events. Depending on the business needs, this position will have periodic weekend and evening events/meetings to attend. Additionally, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule including remote work for 1-2 days per week.

What we are looking for:
The ideal candidate will have experience in outreach and enjoy working with people in diverse communities. They will also have the ability to create easily approachable and welcoming environment and convey subject matter expertise so the information they are providing is trusted. Additionally, they will be passionate about providing resources and education to historically under-served communities and have experience working with volunteers, preferably managing the volunteer programs. It is highly desired if they already have knowledge of emergency preparedness, but we would love to have someone as long as they have a drive to learn.
Bilingual Positions:
Designated bilingual positions require that the incumbent have knowledge of the Spanish language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skill in writing Spanish accurately; ability to speak Spanish fluently; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing are required. If you possess these skills, you are encouraged to apply. An additional $75/per pay period for bilingual skills will be paid to qualified employees. Pay periods are every two weeks.

Why Washington County?
Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resolution. Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County’s services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program under "Benefits" tab above!

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Emergency Preparedness, Outreach, and Education Specialist is a working title. This position is classified as a Senior Program Communication and Education Specialist. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review this classification, please use this link: Senior Program Communication and Education Specialist.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• 
  A bachelor’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Education, education in program-related area, or related fields; AND two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach programs, including demonstrated experience in communications and media relations.

Additional Licenses, Certificates, Physical Abilities and Specialty Requirements:

• Possession of a Driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy. To review the Driver's License and Record Policy, please use this link: Driver's License & Records Policy.
• Bilingual positions will require the ability to speak, read, write, and translate Spanish into English and English into Spanish.
• This position is required to pass a criminal background check post offer.

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Washington County is committed to using a Merit-based System in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• 
  Apply today! Instead of submitting a resume, we ask that you complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Law.
• MQ Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes.
• Panel Interview(s): Candidates who pass the initial MQ review will be invited to participate in a panel interview. A further preferred qualifications review may be conducted depends on the volume of applications received.
• A final candidate will be required to take and pass an online written and oral Spanish language aptitude examination.

Please note: candidates that are successful in the evaluation process may have their applications referred for additional vacancies in the same classification, or job family.

Status of Your Application :
You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about job postings.

Veterans' Preference :
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' Preference for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points Instructions.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act :
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail at: HR@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Questions (?) Regarding This Recruitment
Yeji Seo, Talent Acquisition Business Partner
Yeji_Seo@washingtoncountyor.gov

Additional Resources:

• New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
• For technical support, contact Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.

This is a non-represented position and is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!
Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you’ll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:

• Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
• Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
• Alternative Care Coverage
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee
• Bike lockers and repair stations
• A charitable giving program
• Oregon College Savings Plan

To learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, plan summaries, and premium rates, click here .

Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual “use it or lose it” requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.