The Office of Public Affairs and Equity (OPAE) uses an innovative approach to foundational policy, communications, and partnership work. We accomplish this work through strategic communications, health promotion and education, community relations, and health equity.
This position supports the Community Relations and Equity team, which includes three accountabilities:
- Strategic relationships and partnerships with community and state-level organizations.
- Partnerships with academic institutions.
- Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion outreach and strategies.
Reporting to the Equity & Social Justice Manager for Policy and Systems, the Equity & Social Justice Strategist (ESJ Strategist, Management Analyst 5) leads efforts to address and undo systemic inequities through pro-equity and anti-racist policy and systems change interventions.
This includes providing the leadership, project management, resource development, training, and coordination necessary to advance all related agency initiatives, policies, and organizational change opportunities. All efforts will require significant collaboration with other divisions, offices, programs, partners, agencies, stakeholders, and impacted communities.
The ESJ Strategist is responsible for developing, operationalizing, and implementing program and project plans to advance ESJ strategies that advance equitable agency policies and systems. Adequate planning will require building new partnerships with state government and related community organizations. The incumbent will be well grounded in Agency Consultation, Collaboration, and Confer processes to ensure appropriate and proactive engagement of Tribes and Urban Indian Health Organizations for relevant projects.
This position will be focused on advancing the Health Equity in all Policies initiative, which requires completing and presenting formal Equity Impact Assessments for bill analysis during the legislative session, agency request legislation and decision packages, and internal DOH policies. In addition, you’ll provide expert-level support to DOH programs on equitable rulemaking practices, policy implementation, and highly impactful standards, guidance, and policy recommendations. The ESJ Strategist will work in close partnership with People Services, Deputies, the ESJ Collaborative CORE, and policy owners on integrating an ESJ, trauma-informed, and anti-racist lens to develop and revise internal policies and procedures.
All projects will require collaboration and alignment with enterprise-level efforts, including compliance with related federal laws, state laws, the Governor’s directives, Office of Equity priorities, and the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities recommendations. You’ll report on these projects’ progress quarterly and annually to the ESJ Collaborative and executive/agency leadership team. This position may represent the agency on select external equity, diversity, and inclusion committees and related enterprise-level business resource groups.
The duty station for this non-permanent (12-month appointment) hybrid position is in Tumwater, WA. Telework (mobile work) is currently expected. The incumbent will work with their supervisor to establish a work schedule to include telework and reporting to the Tumwater duty station for work activities as needed.
Work that matters
Public health promotes and protects the health of the people of the state of Washington in the communities where they live, learn, work and play. We realize that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begins with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.
About us
The Department of Health (DOH) works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state. We are committed to our cornerstone values of
Equity, Innovation, and Engagement (EIE)
to reenergize our commitment to health for all — creating policies and conditions so everyone can live their healthiest lives. We cannot embark on this journey alone. We must collaborate with communities, community-based organizations, local public health entities, governmental partners, health care providers and systems, the private sector, Tribal Nations, and many, many more. Infusing our agency’s values into how we transform our services, go about our activities, and strengthen our core work, is critical to the bright and robust future ahead. Learn more about our Transformational Plan.
Why DOH? We offer
- One of the most competitive benefits package in the nation that is designed to meet the needs of you and your family. Beyond the traditional benefits such as Health, Life Insurance, Retirement, and related benefits, we offer Flex Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Assistance, Deferred Compensation, and so much more.
- A commitment to work/life balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions.
- A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion that fosters an inclusive environment.
- Employees earn between 14 and 25 days of paid vacation per year, depending on the length of employment.
- A wellness program that offers education, access to healthy food, and fitness classes.
- An infant at Work Program based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.
- Employee resource groups that provide forums for employees to gather and share ideas about matters that affect their personal and professional lives and support career development.
- DOH is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Learn more about this program.
Our Ideal Candidate
Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understand how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative.
Required Qualifications
Option 1: A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in public health, community health, social work, health communications, public administration, business administration, or a related field;
AND two (2) years of experience leading, developing, or coordinating projects or programs that focus on diversity and inclusion, equity, addressing health disparities, social justice, cultural humility, community engagement, and/or working with historically marginalized groups.
Option 2: Four (4) years of experience leading, developing, or coordinating projects or programs that focus on diversity and inclusion, equity, addressing health disparities, social justice, cultural humility, community engagement, and/or working with historically marginalized groups.
AND
Experience and commitment in the following:
- Engaging in difficult conversations and/or leading training on topics that relate to diversity and inclusion, oppression, racism, and/or inequity.
- Program planning including experience with assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Leading and managing multiple, complex projects at the same time.
- Addressing root causes of systemic inequities and social determinants of health.
- Excellent organizational and communication (verbal, written and interpersonal) skills.
- Ability to exercise a high level of emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and judgment during challenging or ambiguous situations.
Application Process
Intrigued? Click “Apply” to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:
- A cover letter (without personal pictures) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
- A current resume (without personal pictures).
- Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section, which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.
Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos, letters of recommendation, or
private information (social security number, year of birth, transcripts, etc.).
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.
If you have questions, need alternative formats, or need assistance, please contact Zach Covington at (360) 236-2406, Zach.Covington@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).
This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
All employees working for the Department of Health must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their hire date. The Office of Human Resources will verify proof of vaccination after an employment offer has been extended.
Please contact Human Resources at HR@doh.wa.gov if you need medical or religious accommodation information.
With or without accommodation, I am willing and able to:
- Work a full-time 40-hour work week and willing to occasionally adjust work-schedule to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends. A flexible work schedule will be considered upon request and supervisor approval.
- Occasionally travel, as needed, alone or with another person, overnight, for several days, in and out of state.
- Legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation while on state business.
- Participate in emergency response exercises and emergency events/high-priority assignments as assigned.
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