Details
 

06/12/2026

Public Health Accreditation and Communications Specialist

Ottawa County Health Department

Job Title

Public Health Accreditation and Communications Specialist

Division

 Health Education

Immediate Supervisor

 Michelle Veliz

Salary Classification

Classified

FLSA

 non-exempt
Salary

$20-$30/hour

Employment Status

 Full-Time

Normal Working Hours

 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM

Position Summary: The Public Health Accreditation and Communications Specialist is responsible for coordinating accreditation activities, quality improvement initiatives, strategic planning support, and public health communications for the Ottawa County Health Department

. This position serves as the primary liaison for accreditation readiness and compliance while leading communication efforts that promote departmental programs, services, initiatives, and public health messaging. The specialist works collaboratively across all divisions to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, maintain performance management systems, support quality improvement projects, and communicate the impact of public health services to community stakeholders, funding agencies, and the public.

Essential Knowledge, Abilities and Skills, Education

• Applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, Community Health or other related degree;

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in public health, communications, accreditation, quality improvement, community engagement, project management or related experience is preferred;

• Experience with public health accreditation, quality improvement, grant reporting, strategic planning, or public information activities preferred;

• Valid Ohio Driver’s License with acceptable driving record

• Lean Six Sigma certification, PHAB accreditation training, or related professional certifications preferred

• Knowledge of public health principles and practices;

• Accreditation standards and performance management systems

• Quality improvement methodologies;

• Public health communication strategies;

• Community health assessment and planning processes;

• Data collection, analysis, and reporting methods

• Social media and digital communication platforms

• Skill in technical and professional writing;

• Public speaking and presentation development;

• Project management and organization;

• Data analysis and report preparation;

• Graphic design and communication software;

• Building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders;

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously;

• Work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;

• Interpret and communicate technical information to diverse audiences;

• Exercise sound judgement and maintain confidentiality;

'• Adapt to changing priorities and organizational needs;

• Effective verbal and written communication Essential Functions of the Position Accreditation and Performance Management

• Coordinate and support all activities related to public health accreditation

. • Maintain accreditation documentation and evidence files in accordance with accreditation standards.

• Monitor compliance with accreditation requirements and performance measures.

• Assist in preparing for accreditation site visits, reviews, and reporting requirements.

• Collaborate with department staff to collect, organize, and maintain accreditation documentation.

• Support development and implementation of strategic plans, community health assessments, and community health improvement plans.

• Monitor and report progress on departmental strategic objectives and performance indicators.

• Assist leadership in maintaining a culture of continuous quality improvement.

• Quality Improvement

• Coordinate quality improvement (QI) initiatives throughout the department.

• Facilitate QI projects utilizing evidence-based methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma principles.

• Track outcomes, performance measures, and improvement activities.

• Provide staff support for QI teams, workgroups, and committees.

• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service.

• Communications and Public Information

• Develop and implement public health communication strategies and campaigns.

• Create and distribute educational materials, newsletters, reports, fact sheets, and promotional content.

• Manage departmental social media platforms and digital communications.

• Coordinate public awareness campaigns, including print, digital, billboard, radio, and other media initiatives.

• Draft press releases, public statements, media advisories, and other communications.

• Ensure all public-facing communications are accurate, timely, and aligned with departmental goals.

• Coordinate promotion of departmental programs, services, and events.

• Assist with public information activities during emergency preparedness and response situations. Community Engagement and Outreach

• Support community engagement initiatives and public health partnerships.

• Coordinate outreach activities, events, health observances, and educational campaigns.

• Represent the department at meetings, coalitions, committees, and community events as assigned.

• Foster relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, government agencies, and stakeholders. Data Collection, Reporting, and Evaluation

• Collect, analyze, and interpret public health data and program outcomes.

• Prepare reports for leadership, governing boards, accreditation agencies, and funding organizations.

• Develop dashboards, presentations, and visual reports that communicate program impact and community health outcomes.

• Assist with grant reporting, data collection, and evaluation activities.

• Maintain records and documentation related to communications, accreditation, and performance management activities. Administrative and Special Projects

• Coordinate projects that support departmental priorities and strategic initiatives.

• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and maintain meeting documentation as assigned.

• Assist with grant coordination, including documentation, reporting, and compliance activities.

• Perform other duties as assigned by department leadership. Job Location

• Travel to off-site locations within Ottawa County and rarely out of county or state;

• Work a general schedule of 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM, although a flexible schedule may be required, including evening, weekend, and holidays to support community engagement activities, emergency response efforts, and special events;

• Work in office settings, in home environments, and outdoors. Occasional travel to community meetings, public events, training sessions, and other work sites. Equipment Used

• General office equipment;

• Any other necessary equipment. Physical Requirements

• Ability to load and unload vehicle with health education materials when needed;

• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds occasionally;

• Light office work. Other Responsibilities

• Respond to public health emergencies as appropriate and/or directed by the Health Commissioner and/or Supervisor of Health Education and Community Engagement;

• Contribute to continuous quality improvement of individual, program, and organizational performance;

• Performs any and all other related duties as assigned or directed in order to promote, further, and ensure the effective and efficient operations of the Ottawa County Health Department;

• Contributes to the development and implementation of organizational strategic plan. Ottawa County Health Department Mission Alignment This position supports the Ottawa County Health Department's mission by promoting health, preventing disease, advancing organizational excellence, ensuring accreditation readiness, fostering continuous quality improvement, and effectively communicating public health information to the residents of Ottawa County.

Ottawa County Health Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace.

NOTE:

while recreational marijuana may be legal in the state of Ohio, the County has elected to prohibit employees or applicants from using or testing positive for marijuana or THC. Any positive drug test will result in a withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Health Department will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Interested applicants should submit a resume to the Ottawa County Health Department, 1856 E. Perry Street, Port Clinton, OH 43452 or by email at info@ottawahealth.org.

Please direct any questions to Michelle Veliz, Supervisor of Health Education and Community Engagement.

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