Description

Apple Health Communications Consultant (CC4/COM)

71073402

Are you a strategic communications professional who thrives in a high-visibility, high-accountability environment? This communications consultant role serves as the lead for communications reaching nearly 2 million Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) clients and stakeholders statewide. The position oversees a large, complex portfolio of public-facing assets and ensures messaging is accurate, accessible, equitable, and aligned with evolving state and federal requirements. Success in this role requires strong systems thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to balance competing priorities while delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. It requires strategic oversight of high-volume, high-impact communications that directly affect access to health coverage and services for Washington residents.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

The Communications Division provides strategic leadership and operational support for external and internal communications on agency business and strategic initiatives for HCA.

About the position:

Under the direction of the Apple Health Communications Manager, this position manages, plans, coordinates, and implements outreach, communications, and marketing for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), Apple Health Expansion, and COFA Islander Health/Dental Care program clients and stakeholders.

This position leads external stakeholder and client communications for nearly 2 million Washington residents enrolled in more than 65+ Apple Health programs.

This position is eligible to telework but may be required to report on-site to meet business needs.The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

Provide strategic oversight and governance for the development and lifecycle management of a high volume of Apple Health and COFA communications assets—including forms, infographics, publications, fact sheets, FAQs, and client correspondence—by establishing content standards, prioritization frameworks, and quality controls.
Direct the management of a large and evolving body of Apple Health and COFA client-facing web pages on HCA website, using user testing and quantitative data to inform edits and information architecture.
Provide strategic direction to the Apple Health communications team and leadership on utilization of communication assets.
Leverage data to evaluate communications effectiveness, identify gaps, and drive process improvements that enhance client experience, engagement, and equitable access to information.
Foster and maintain relationships with the five Apple Health managed care plan communication leads through facilitation of regular meetings, management of communication and marketing guidelines, and regular content review.
Lead annual review of managed care plan web pages and publication content.
Advise Apple Health leadership on and facilitate manual mailings to Apple Health and COFA clients.
Serve as advisor and support external communications relating to Apple Health, including policy management, writing stories, producing Apple Health content, and drafting talking points for call center staff on emerging issues.
Represent HCA in the coordination and implementation of Apple Health public information policies and initiatives by engaging with external vendors, the Governor’s Office, state agencies, community partners, advocates, and key committees.
Conduct research and draft responses to media inquiries.
Lead and systemize annual review process for Apple Health and COFA Islander program publications.
Oversee translation of Apple Health and COFA materials into multiple languages.
Advise and ensure meaningful community engagement in development of outreach materials including publications, letters, and web content through the Apple Health Notices workgroup and other advisory committees.
Oversee and lead the planning and implementation of a comprehensive, data-driven Apple Health outreach plan to promote Apple Health statewide and with hard-to-reach populations.
Support provider, clinical, video, and social media communications including communications planning, fact sheets and talking points, publications, GovDelivery, translations, social media tools and accounts, printing and manual mailings, web content, presentations, client notices, and video.
Manage and oversee the promotion of Apple Health through client success stories.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Eight (8) years of professional experience in communications, journalism, or related community information/relations positions that include writing, editing, and planning.

Option 2:

Associate degree in communications, journalism, or a closely related field and
Six (6) years of work experience in communications, journalism, or related community information/relations positions that include writing, editing, and planning.

Option 3:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a closely related field and
Four (4) years of work experience in communications, journalism, or related community information/relations positions that include writing, editing, and planning.

Required competencies:

The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Demonstrated ability to plan strategically, identify communications needs, and develop goals and comprehensive work plans for achieving those goals.
Clearly communicate complex technical information verbally and in writing to a non-technical audience, including the application of plain language principles to legally precise documents.
Knowledge of methods of determining needs for public information and education; methods and techniques of evaluating effectiveness of public relations programs; state government and departmental organization, programs and functions.
Excellent writing and proof-reading skills.
Curiosity about and enthusiasm for telling an organization’s story to internal and external audiences.

Preferred qualifications:

Demonstrated professional experience with HCA programs and policies.
Experience in a fast-paced environment that includes balancing a variety of tasks, duties, and competing priorities across a broad book of business.
Demonstrated professional understanding of local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
Experience working with government agencies, health care providers, health care insurers, managed care organizations, and/or public/private health care stakeholders/customers.
Demonstrated ability to use qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., analytics, client feedback, demographic data, performance metrics) to inform communications strategies, improve processes, and implement changes that better meet the needs of clients and stakeholders.
Experience with Apple Health (Medicaid) programs or related public-sector, government, or health services programs.
Experience in advising top management officials on communications and outreach strategies for programs.
Experience in selecting effective methods and techniques of disseminating a variety of information.
Knowledge of other state health care programs, commercial health care insurance and current health care issues.
Understanding of health equity principles and how to apply them to communications strategies.
Demonstrated ability to use social media and video tools to communicate with multiple audiences.
Knowledge of human-centered design principles and tactics.
Ability to work independently and in groups.
Accreditation in public relations.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
Current resume
Submission of writing samples are preferred but not required.

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov or 360.725.0945.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Washington State Health Care Authority

About Company

Apple Health Communications Consultant (CC4/COM)