Health Access Intern (Unpaid)
Support healthcare access for clients in a refugee program
Overview
Support healthcare access for clients in a refugee program
You have:
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way
- Educational background in public health, health promotion or social work
- Previous experience working with vulnerable populations preferred, but not required
- Experience working in social work/social services preferred, but not required
- Comfortable working with diverse populations and non-English speakers
- Possess a personal vehicle and valid driver's license
Activities
- Conduct bus orientations to Primary Care Clinics with clients - Serve as patient advocate, accompany clients to medical appointments, transport clients for lab work and other diagnostic testing, and report follow-up and referrals from providers. - Provide training to clients regarding pharmacy services and understanding how to access prescription and over-the-counter medications • Schedule and coordinate medical and health appointments for clients. - Assist clients to become self-sufficient in accessing transportation to medical appointments by providing training and assisting with applications to special transportation services as needed. - Assist clients in ensuring medical bills have been billed to Medicaid. - Attend organizational meetings. - Case note/document client services in various databases
Learning Objectives
- The intern will gain professional experience in case management and care coordination efforts. - The intern will deepen understanding of the refugee resettlement process, refugee health topics, the social determinants of health and the public health significance. - The intern will gain experience with navigating the U.S. Health Care System and the Medicaid Health Insurance System. - The intern will gain direct experience of working with people from different background than their own and will develop inter-personal and professional development skills.
Time Commitment For the sake of stability and continuity, the IRC asks for a minimum commitment of 3-4 months, with at least 10 hours per week. Training In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand the various needs of clients accessing services. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.
Qualifications - Comfortable working with diverse populations and non-English speakers. - Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way. - Educational background in public health, health promotion or social work. - Previous experience working with vulnerable populations preferred, but not required. - Experience working in social work/social services preferred, but not required. - Possess a personal vehicle and valid driver’s license.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you helped someone navigate a difficult situation? | This question assesses your problem-solving and advocacy skills. | Share a specific example that highlights your communication and interpersonal skills. |
| How would you approach working with clients from diverse backgrounds? | The interviewer wants to understand your cultural competency and adaptability. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What interests you about working in public health with vulnerable populations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |