Language Access Communications Specialist – Public Affairs Specialist 2

Oregon Department of Human Services

Leads communications planning and implementation to enhance equity and accessibility at Oregon Health Authority. Collaborates with various agencies and communities for Medicaid programs.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeSalem • Oregon • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $5,988 - $9,191 per monthWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Oregon Health Plan Community Engagement & Communications unit strengthens pathways for community and partner voice across Medicaid policy, operations, and member-facing communications.
This position leads communications planning and implementation to embed equity, plain language, accessibility, and culturally responsive standards across Medicaid and OHP programs.
The role analyzes and advises on communications and language access policies, ensuring information is clear, consistent, and responsive to members, partners, and impacted communities.
The position coordinates language access needs and supports strategic priorities such as HR 1, Open Card Transformation, Healthier Oregon, and 1115 Waiver cycles.
It develops content, applies language access best practices, manages multilingual communications, and provides project management to ensure broad accessibility.
The position collaborates with diverse communities most affected by inequities and builds strong, respectful partnerships.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree and two years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs OR Five years experience directly related to the position under recruitment; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.
Experience developing and implementing language access, communications, outreach, or engagement strategies that advance health equity.
Knowledge of health service delivery systems and public programs, especially OHP/Medicaid.
Experience supporting multilingual communications, language access initiatives, translation or interpretation coordination, and accessibility practices.
Ability to foster collaboration and build effective working relationships with agencies, programs, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and external partners.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including developing and presenting public materials, reports, presentations, training, or correspondence tailored to varied audiences and communication needs.
Demonstrated project coordination or project management experience managing multiple priorities, timelines, partners, and deliverables in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preference for full proficiency in English and one of Oregon’s five most common non-English languages: Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, or Korean.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/ Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

language access strategiescommunications planningmultilingual communicationsproject managementhealth equitytranslation coordinationinterpretation coordinationaccessibility practicespublic relationsoutreach strategies

Soft Skills

collaborationrelationship buildingstrong oral communicationstrong written communicationpresentation skillstraining developmentadaptabilitycultural responsivenessstrategic thinkingcommunity engagement