Tobacco & Substance Use Prevention & Control… at Maine · Augusta

Tobacco & Substance Use Prevention & Control Communications Specialist Location: Augusta, Maine If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State. . Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Planning & Research Associate I Opening Date: May 8, 2026 Closing Date: May 21, 2026 Job Class Code: 0039 Grade: 20 (04) Salary: $43,014.40 - $60,070.40 per year Position Number: 09590-0042 Location: This is a full-time position located in Augusta.This position allows for partial telework with manager approval. Core Responsibilities: The Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention & Control (TSUPC) Health Communications Specialist supports the effective operation of the Maine CDC’s Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control Program by ensuring high-quality, consistent internal and external communications. The specialist also provides key assistance to the Communications and Policy Program Manager. This role is essential in maintaining cohesive integrated communications across the TSUPC Program, including initiatives supporting the Maine Prevention Network. The Specialist serves as the Communications and Policy Team Lead for substance use and tobacco use prevention efforts, providing oversight that includes health-literacy review and the development of appropriate communication strategies for priority population groups. As a key member of the Communications & Policy Team, you will also: •        Lead all Maine Prevention Store operations, including fulfilling orders within 10 business days, updating inventory on the website, coordinating and ordering domain specific print material, and providing monthly reports on orders, stock, and print activity. •        Propose, coordinate and maintain an annual exhibiting schedule and professionally represent the Maine CDC at conferences and community events. Prepare materials, staff tables, and engage the public with strong customer service skills. •        Coordinate with program staff to develop the annual social media plan with monthly themes. Create monthly social media content, blending campaign materials and original posts, and share final content with the Communication & Policy Program Manager two weeks before each month begins. •        Create and distribute the quarterly Prevention Partner Update and manage information-sharing through the program Listserv. •        Identify and implement innovative approaches for improving our reach at tabling events in the community as well as strategies for creating more efficient processes in the Maine Prevention Store operations. •        Ensure communications materials and outreach strategies reflect health literacy guidelines, health equity principles and effectively reach priority populations. •        Assist in reviewing internal and external documents for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with Maine CDC standards. •        Participate in program and organizational meetings and support additional tasks or initiatives, as requested. •        Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of all communications program activities, including but not limited to Maine Prevention Store operations, public engagement events, and staff feedback, to support continuous improvement and cohesive program operations. Minimum Qualifications: A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of the principles of research and planning. Please submit a cover letter and one (1) professional writing sample required as part of the application process. The writing sample can be 1 page in Word or 3-5 slides in Power Point on a public health topic of your choice. The professional writing sample should be self-authored. Applications submitted without a cover letter and writing sample will be deemed incomplete and may not be processed. Preferred candidates will also have: o        Outstanding oral and written communication skills. o        The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners. o        Demonstrated skill in applying public health best practices for health literacy and communication. Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart. Agency information: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine. Application Information: For additional information about this position please contact Madelene Cyr, Communications & Policy Program Manager, at (207) 215-9725 Please submit all documents or files in a PDF or Word format. To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov Benefits of working for the State of Maine: No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value). Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act. State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. . If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.