Public Health Workforce Development Internship Program - SUM ‘24

Welcome to the Maryland Department of Health's (MDH) Public Health Workforce Development Internship Program! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our sixth cohort for the Summer 2024 term, commencing on June 5, 2024. This program is designed to establish collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, providing invaluable student internship opportunities and fostering a seamless transition from graduation to the public health workforce.

The Summer session will span 10 weeks, running from June 5, 2024 to August 13, 2024. We invite undergraduate and graduate students with a strong academic standing and a specific interest in public health to apply. To accommodate different preferences and circumstances, we offer a range of options, including remote, hybrid, and in-person internship opportunities. During the 10-week period, students can work up to a maximum of 400 hours, averaging approximately 40 hours per week.

Our program encompasses various exciting areas of this cohort, including Health Policy, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Health Informatics, Community Health, Environmental Health, Healthcare Administration, Health Education, Public Health Communications, Behavioral Sciences, and more.

To ensure a tailored experience, please complete a supplemental questionnaire that allows you to indicate your preferred subject areas, your interest in in-person, remote, or hybrid opportunities, and the county or counties where you would like to intern. Rest assured that your application will be reviewed by program managers who match the criteria you select.

While students may be considered for multiple openings, please note that each student will be selected for only one position. Additionally, students can only accept one opening. To complete your application, please remember to submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts.

We kindly request that all student applications be submitted by Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:59:00 PM. Following the application deadline, students will be invited for interviews in the subsequent weeks, and final student selections will be made shortly after.

Thank you for your interest in the MDH Public Health Workforce Development Internship Program. We look forward to welcoming talented students like you to our team and contributing to your professional growth in the field of public health.

 *These dates are subject to change.

Statewide (Multiple Counties throughout Maryland) - Please indicate your counties of interest on your application.

Hybrid, in-person, and remote opportunities will be available.

Interns will be employed in various roles supporting different departments throughout the Maryland Department of Health.  Interns will be engaged in various projects that uphold MDH's mission to promote and improve the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement. 

The internships offered within this category emphasize various aspects of communications and outreach efforts aimed at promoting public health initiatives and educating the community. Whether focusing on developing strategic communications plans, creating educational videos, managing media materials, or supporting community services, interns will play essential roles in disseminating accurate health information and engaging with stakeholders. Responsibilities include content development, media management, outreach event support, and program administration tasks. Interns will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to the creation of informative materials such as blog posts, press releases, videos, and brochures, and assist in tracking program performance metrics. These roles provide valuable opportunities to enhance communication skills, gain practical experience in public health promotion, and make meaningful contributions to advancing the health and well-being of Maryland residents.  This description includes projects from each worksite within this category.  These duties will vary with each worksite.  Duties will be reflective of the specific worksite.

Job Titles Available:  Communications Intern, Public Health Communications Intern, Children and Youth with Specific Health Care Needs Outreach and Education Intern, Coordinator of Community Services Intern, Health Communications Intern

Internships may be available in the following programs:  Kent County Health Department - Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition (Chestertown, MD), Office of Communications (Baltimore, MD), Office of Children and Youth with Specific Health Care Needs (Baltimore, MD), Dorchester County Health Department (Cambridge, MD), Administration (Baltimore, MD)

Seeking candidates who:

• Are knowledgeable in a broad range of health strategies affecting behaviors, clinical care, and social/economic factors.

• Have a background in communication, journalism, or public relations with a desire to gain hands-on experience.

• Are proficient in video production (preferred but not mandatory).

• Have the ability to simplify complex information into easily understandable language.

• Have effective teamwork and independent work capabilities.

• Are proficient in file sharing and communication platforms such as Google Drive and Google Meet.

• Have experience in creating outreach/educational materials is a plus.

• Familiarity with electronic records, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms), and customer service experience.

• Interest in public health with strong communication skills, including visual, verbal, and written, and a background in graphic design is advantageous.

Candidates must possess the following:

• At least 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university with current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program.

• Must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

• Recent graduates from an accredited college or university may also apply.  Recent graduates are defined as individuals who have completed a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university within one year of the start of the internship term.  

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.  Applications must be accompanied by a CV or a resume.  Upon selection, interns will be required to sign an agreement and provide proof of intern credit (if applicable).

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal-opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to the recruitment, retaining, and promoting of employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING

In one document, please upload a cover letter discussing your qualifications, background, and interest in the position, your resume, and transcripts from your most recent academic program.