DSHS BHHA Communications Consultant

DSHS BHHA – Communications Consultant 4

We’re looking to hire a Communications Consultant 4 to support communication efforts at the Gage Center of Forensic Excellence at Western State Hospital. This position plays a key role in advancing communications that support the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of the Gage Center, Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA), and DSHS.

The Gage Center is a 427-bed inpatient psychiatric center providing evaluation and treatment for individuals with serious or long-term mental illness across 19 counties. The Center works closely with individuals, families, advocates, healthcare providers, community partners, and government organizations to support effective behavioral health services. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Pierce County employees are also eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

• Develop and manage complex communication plans, programs, tools, and trainings for WSH, BHHA, and DSHS audiences.
• Serve as a backup to the Communication Director in their absence.
• Deliver timely information through All Staff emails, intranet, digital displays, posters, newsletters, and social media, including the Gage Center quarterly newsletter.
• Prepare incident reports, talking points, briefings, presentations, and executive communications for Gage Center leadership.
• Develop and evaluate strategic communication plans, anticipating audience response to policies, procedures, and critical events.
• Serve as a communications subject‑matter expert for work groups, committees, Town Halls, hospital events, and other initiatives, including strengthening two-way communication and family participation.
• Lead web development and content for Gage Center programs and services, oversee WSH's SharePoint site, and capture and edit photos while ensuring patient privacy, consent, and policy requirements.
• Serve as Public Information Officer during Hospital Command Center activations, as needed, and collaborate with BHHA and DSHS communications teams on media relations and strategy.
• Represent the Gage Center in DSHS-wide communications meetings, bringing statewide initiatives to leadership and coordinating follow‑through. Periodically participate in after‑hours or weekend on‑call coverage, with compensation provided.

• A Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
• Three years of writing/editing/translating experience
• Equivalent education/experience.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or sensitive information to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of copy‑editing and Associated Press (AP) style.
• Photography and videography skills, with the ability to produce engaging visual content and videos.
• Strong decision‑making, problem‑solving, and follow‑through skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• The ability to communicate effectively about equity, diversity, access, and inclusion with internal and external partners.

• Additional 5% premium pay may be eligible for opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week, in addition to advertised salary.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license.

Employees driving a privately…