Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Mental Health

Job Classification Title

Information & Communications Spec III (NS)

Position Number

60043459

Grade

NC16

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services is seeking a Communications Specialist who believes in the power of storytelling to move people toward services that can transform lives. As part of the Division’s External Affairs team, you’ll help shape the public voice of one of North Carolina’s most impactful health divisions. : Embedded within one or more of the Division’s program areas, you’ll surface compelling stories, elevate community voices, and make sure people know how and where to get help.


What You’ll Do

- Build and refine communication processes that keep our messaging sharp, consistent, and effective.
- Develop content for a twice-weekly newsletter that highlights funding opportunities, new initiatives, events, awareness recognitions, and real stories from across the state.
- Write high-visibility messages for the Division Director and craft strong, engaging social media content.
- Produce timely awareness messaging that keeps stakeholders informed.
- Plan and support communications for campaigns, events, and webinars across your program area.
- Coordinate closely with subject matter experts to translate complex work into accessible, meaningful updates.
- Partner with the NCDHHS Office of Communications on media events, press releases, and cross-division messaging.

Why This Role Matters
Every message you craft helps someone understand a system, find a resource, or feel seen. Your work will reduce stigma, increase access to services, and elevate the voices of people and families across North Carolina.

We're Looking for Someone Who....

- Writes clearly, quickly, and with purpose
- Thrives in a fast‑moving, collaborative environment
- Knows how to translate complex ideas into compelling, people-centered stories
- Values diversity, inclusion, and dignity in every communication
- Is excited to build processes while also being a go-to creator of timely content

If you want your work to make a real difference—and you love using storytelling to connect people to life-changing services—this role is for you.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Range: $57,983 - $101,470

Recruitment Range: $57,983 - $74,000

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge Skills and Abilities/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred.

• Knowledge of DMH/DD/SUS and its programs
• Experience writing for executive leaders
• Experience using Social Media

This position is funded in part through federal funds. 

This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date.

About the NC Division of Mental Health (DMH):
The North Carolina Department of Mental Health provides quality support to achieve self-determination for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and quality services to promote treatment and recovery for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders.

Compensation & Benefits:
The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.  Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).  Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.  In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.  

Visit website for State Benefits

Supplemental and Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

               

Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media, journalism, English, or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Lisa M Sasser

Email:

[email protected]