Health Equity Intern -Oakland, CA
Organization: PolicyLink
Position Title: Health Equity Intern
Location: Oakland, CA
Hours & Compensation: 40hrs/week,$21.00 per hour
Application Deadline: March 3, 2014
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION
Background:
PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works®. PolicyLink collaborates with a broad range of partners to implement strategies to ensure that everyone—including those from low-income communities of color—can contribute to and benefit from economic growth and prosperity.
PolicyLink operates a summer internship program for continuing graduate students (master’s or doctoral) in public policy, urban planning, and related fields. Internships are paid and the duration is generally 10 weeks. PolicyLink occasionally hosts interns during the academic year, depending on project needs and student interest.
We strive to provide each intern with two main opportunities: 1) a meaningful and challenging assignment (or set of assignments) that provides a chance to apply and hone the skills they are learning in graduate school to influence public policy; and 2) the opportunity to learn about the process of policy change and the way that PolicyLink accomplishes our mission of advancing economic, social, and racial equity through policy change.
Each intern plays an integral role in helping our organization further policy impact through research, communications, capacity building, and advocacy. We have had interns from nearly 20 different universities and colleges, in programs such as urban planning, public policy, public health, community development, information management, and journalism/communications.
Interns gain insight into the field by assuming responsibility for a project under the guidance of experienced professionals. Most internship positions are based in our Oakland office; however, if space is available and there is need, we also host interns in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and New York. Communications interns are based in our New York office.
Position:
The PolicyLink Center for Health Equity and Place is seeking a graduate student intern to provide research support for projects focused on environmental and policy strategies that improve access to healthy food in low-income communities and communities of color. The intern will assist with two primary projects:
- Developing content for the Healthy Food Access portal.
- Supporting PolicyLink legislative advocacy efforts to promote access to healthy food in underserved communities, including the national Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
Assignments may include:
- Assist in deepening an understanding about the community benefit component of the Affordable Care Act and identify opportunities for PolicyLink engagement.
- Work with the PolicyLink health equity team to identify opportunities to embed health equity into county and statewide plans. Seek opportunities to build communities of practice within and across states. Assist in planning meetings and developing materials.
- Participate in research projects, written reports, and other activities to promote awareness of the health equity movement.
Research tasks may include literature reviews, web-based searches, and interviews with program leaders. Written products will include online content and may include internal research memos, case studies, and drafts of external publications.
Desired Qualifications & Skills:
- Graduate student in public health, urban planning, public policy, or related field, with an interest in environmental and policy approaches to improving community health. Experience with qualitative and quantitative research, as well as the ability to organize and communicate research findings.
- Experience and interest in health / public health / health inequities.
Additional Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research, as well as the ability to organize and communicate research findings.
- Commitment to economic and social equity issues.
- Policy/advocacy experience.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Extensive computer skills.
- Good team player.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Application Process
PolicyLink is accepting applications for summer 2014 internships. The deadline for applications is March 3, 2014. Review the PolicyLink website for additional information.
Candidates may apply to up to two internships. Separate applications should be sent to each position but the candidate should indicate that they have applied to two positions in their cover letter.
Applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to[email protected].
Please include in subject line: Your Name – Specific Internship Name.
We encourage you to submit the application components in a single document if possible (rather than three separate files) so we can print double-sided and save paper.
Interviews will take place during the month of March. Applicants will be contacted by telephone to schedule an interview that will take place in person or over the telephone. Candidates not selected for interviews will be notified by email in early April.
PolicyLink is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and a welcoming workplace.
