Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
San Mateo County Health System (Health Policy and Planning Division Internship Program)
Types of volunteer opportunities: Policy and Planning Intern
Agency and location: San Mateo County Health System - Health Policy and Planning Division, 225 37th Avenue, 3rd Floor, San Mateo, CA 94403
Contact person and info: Naida Pare, Community Program Specialist II, npare@co.sanmateo.ca.us; 650-573-2496; http://www.smhealth.org/smc/department/home/0,,1954_5352214_588877287,00.html
Benefits to student (skills and exposure to careers): hands-on learning in health policy and planning, mentoring, shadowing of health care professionals, paid internship experience
Site looking for students interested in: health policy and planning, allied health professions, public health, community health, and health education; students of color are strongly encouraged to apply
Education and age of desired intern/volunteer: College: 18 yrs. +
Description of opportunity and duties: Work on specific health policy and planning projects on topics including reducing childhood obesity, increasing linguistic access to healthcare, epidemiology, role of faith-based organizations in healthcare, community engagement and capacity building, and youth development; attend professional seminars, go on field trips to increase understanding of health and policy issues.
Type of health care settings:
- Alternative: San Mateo County Health System
Experience type: Paid internship
Duration and time of commitment: June-August; 28-40 hours per week
Application Process: 1) Complete On-line application which requires 2 letters of recommendation or references and a resume (http://www.smhealth.org/smc/department/home/0,,1954_5352214_588877287,00.html); 2) Interview; 3) Final selection of candidate by staff. APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR SUMMER – APRIL 13, 2009.
Requirements and qualifications needed: be a college student or recent graduate, have an interest in public health; cannot be a current San Mateo County employee.
Patient populations (i.e. children, seniors): general community
Amount of patient contact: medium contact – depends upon nature of project
Liability issues (relevant if part of internship vs. job shadowing): Not applicable.
Transportation options: 2.5 blocks from Hillsdale Caltrain station; shuttle to and from CalTrain station; accessible by SamTrans