NYSA Public Health Intern

Job Description

Position: Public Health Intern Reports to: Youth Program Coordinator, Biss Cauchois Position term and Hours: June 1 - 30, 2022 (part time, minimum 15 hours per week, preference to candidate seeking more hours) July 6, 7, 8 (full days of training) July 11 - August 26, 2022 (Minimum 15 hours per week, preference to candidate seeking more hours)

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Since 1999, the IRC has developed partnerships with New York City public schools, community-based organizations, and local colleges and universities to support the positive development of newcomer youth and their communities in New York City. The Education and Learning department provides year round programming working directly with youth, their parents and families, and their schools.

SCOPE OF WORK: The Newcomer Youth Summer Academy is a six-week program focusing on preparing newly arrived refugee youth to succeed at their grade level in the New York City public school system. Up to 130 students ages 5 – 21 from over 20 countries will participate in academic, creative arts, physical education, and social emotional learning classes. Field Trips are held on Fridays.

The Public Health Intern will work with the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy’s administrative staff to support COVID-19 mitigation measures among students, staff, and families. The Public Health Intern will play a pivotal role in the conduct of contact tracing, health data management, and procurement. They will support educational and operational initiatives within the Academy to do with public health and safety.

This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Develop skills in data organization & management 2. Learn effective parent/caregiver outreach and engagement strategies 3. Develop strategies to communicate important public health messages across linguistic and cultural divides

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Complete all staff training, as well as participating in program meetings and staff development activities thereafter - Prior to the start of the Academy, support with data collection of Vaccine status for enrolled students - During the program, support with data collection & organization of Daily Health Screenings - Assist with preparation of educational materials for families around COVID Safety & Orientation to NYSA - Develop educational materials around COVID protocols and safety for NYSA families - Liase with members of the on-site interpretation team as well as IRC community interpreters to ensure outreach materials are translated into high incidence languages - Place and field calls from families & individuals on testing, isolation and quarantine related to COVID-19 - Coordinate with NYSA staff around Contact Tracing needs & next steps - Point person for students who report exposure on their Daily Health Screening, or become symptomatic while at the program. Coordinate contact home & next steps to NYSA Instructional staff. - Support Operations team on procurement of COVID-19 mitigation supplies - Provide support to parents and caregivers, connecting them with teachers, the student support team or other Newcomer Youth Summer Academy personnel as needed - Assist in enrolling new students into the Academy in compliance with IRC policies and procedures

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

- Minimum pursuing Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or related field - Comfort working with newcomer and immigrant adults from a variety of backgrounds, including those with limited formal education and/or literacy skills - Experience working with newcomer or immigrant students and families - Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment - Strong interpersonal skills - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Reliable, responsible, and dedicated - Fluency in written and spoken English required. Second language proficiency in relevant language highly desirable (including Spanish, French, Pashto, Fulani, Wolof, Dari, Farsi, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandingo, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Tigrinya, Mam, Garifuna) - Must be available for all training days and for the entire duration of the Academy

Working Environment: The Academy takes place in a centrally located New York City public school. All participants must be willing to relocate to New York City for the entirety of the Program.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.