Graduate Intern

Description

DESCRIPTION: Under the general supervision of the accountable project Executive, the Graduate Intern will work in a professional internship designed to provide hands-on learning, project-based experience, and exposure to the organizational environment in Public Health. Courses of study may include operations, clinical specialties, HR or Finance. The intern will engage in various assignments, and limited project-based activities of varying complexity, structured to enable the intern to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform at a professional level, typically identified with an exempt position. Receives training and mentorship in planning and carrying out activities and assignments. This is a hybrid, limited term position, typically 10 – 12 weeks.

This is a structured educational internship and is not intended to replace, supplement, or perform the core duties of any established position. The Graduate Intern will not be assigned ongoing operational responsibilities or independent workload coverage. All activities are training and educational-focused. This position is intended for individuals in a structured learning experience and is not a substitute for regular employment. 

This position supports the organization's mission, vision, and values through excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership. 

Salud Para La Gente (Salud) provides high quality, comprehensive and cost-effective medical, dental, behavioral health, optometry and other services to underserved, low-income communities in the Monterey Bay area, including Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Salud began in Watsonville in 1978 as a storefront free clinic, and became a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) in 1992. With 4 health center sites, satellite and school-based health centers and over 500 employees, we provide high quality services to patients of all ages. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides intermediate to advanced-level professional services, under supervision of managers, as appropriate to support the assigned project aligned with learning objectives.
2. Undertakes and/or participates in discrete, time-limited projects and programs designed to develop professional skills and expertise appropriate to support learning objectives and professional development.
3. Participates in the planning and implementation of projects and initiatives within their area of expertise.
4. Interacts directly with colleagues, clientele, and/or other internal or external constituencies for educational purposes
5. Receives guidance, training, and mentoring from managers in planning and carrying out activities and assignments.
6. As appropriate to the learning experience and as specified by management, conducts original research and prepares reports based on findings, to include recommendations or alternative proposals for action.
7. May undertake related studies or enrichment programs as appropriate to the specific objectives of the program or project.
8. Performs other learning-related duties as assigned.
9. Consistently adheres to and/or exceed SPLG’s communication guidelines and expectations with internal and external customers including co-workers, patients, and external partners. 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Project planning skills
• Entry-level knowledge at the Masters level within specified area of professional specialty

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Learn quickly and be able to produce high quality work in short periods of time
• Understand and follow complex, detailed instructions
• Work both independently and in a team environment
• Think critically; analyze complex issues comprehensively
• Proficiently use Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and protected information
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be currently enrolled in a Masters degree program (or higher) from an accredited university, or have completed such a program within the last year. Preferred areas of study include Public Health or a related field (depending upon assignment). Commitment to health equity, community-based care, and serving diverse populations

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3.0 GPA or above
• Experience working or volunteering in the health care industry, preferably within an FQHC.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships as well as strong interpersonal skills
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred and/or experience working in bicultural or diverse communities preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with extensive interpersonal contact and frequent interruptions. Physical demands include sufficient ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (up to 20 pounds); to extensively operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information; see in the normal visual range with or without correction; hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. 

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Wage: $22.00 - $26.74 an hour

Location: Hybrid

Program Length: 10-12 weeks

• Employees on temporary assignments are eligible for holiday pay and California sick pay, both pro-rated based on hours worked.

**SALUD PARA LA GENTE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. EMPLOYEES SHALL NOT BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE OF RACE, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ETHNICITY, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, COLOR, MARITAL STATUS, MEDICAL CONDITION OR ANY OTHER BASIS PROTECTED BY LAW.**