Hourly Project Assistant II (Internship)

Health Research, Inc. • Albany, NY

3d • $20 - $20

About The Position

Health Research, Inc. is seeking an Hourly Project Assistant II to support the Oral Health Program at the New York State Department of Health. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful public health initiative focused on community water fluoridation. The incumbent will assist in creating detailed profiles for each county across New York State, compiling data on water systems, fluoridation status, and total population; verifying population and fluoridation status in support of noting discrepancies in data reported by public water systems participating in water fluoridation. Using the SDWIS database (Safe Drinking Water Information System) and existing New York State Department of Health data, the incumbent will help analyze changes in fluoridation coverage over the past decade and support the development of a statewide report and dashboard. The project aims to lay the foundation for future mapping tools and cost-benefit analyses that will promote improved oral health outcomes for New Yorkers. The Hourly Project Assistant II will work with the oral health staff within the Division of Family Health at the New York State Department of Health. The program is dedicated to advancing public health through prevention and promotion efforts, with a strong focus on health equity and improving oral health for all communities across the state. This opportunity provides exposure to real-world public health challenges and the chance to contribute to impactful initiatives that support healthier communities. The Hourly Project Assistant II will apply skills in data collection, management, and analysis using tools like Microsoft office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word). The incumbent will also gain experience in accessing and entering public health data into databases, which will be critical in shaping the project’s deliverables. This role encourages teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication as the incumbent collaborates with program staff and stakeholders. The Hourly Project Assistant II will learn about public health equity and advocacy, report preparation, and leadership in health programs. They will develop skills in decision-making and data analysis, gaining a strong foundation in public health program planning and evaluation. The incumbent will work will contribute to advancing water fluoridation efforts in New York State, positively impacting population health and disease prevention. This position is part of the Pathways to Public Health Internship Program and the purpose is to strengthen career pathways to public health by bringing together individuals of all disciplines and academic levels with public health professionals to create a space of exploration, learning, and development.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a relevant training program or pursuing a related degree or certificate in a related field

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as SAS and R
• Strong digital literacy and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data with attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Interest in public health advocacy and community health promotion
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience analyzing issues and proposing solutions, such as through project work, research, process improvements, or troubleshooting responsibilities
• Experience coordinating multiple tasks, deadlines, or projects, with demonstrated ability to meet timelines
• Experience producing written materials (reports, presentations, correspondence) and/or delivering verbal communication (presentations, meetings)
• Relevant experience related to public health, community outreach, health education, or advocacy

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating detailed profiles for each county across New York State, compiling data on water systems, fluoridation status, and total population
• Verify population and fluoridation status in support of noting discrepancies in data reported by public water systems participating in water fluoridation
• Using the SDWIS database (Safe Drinking Water Information System) and existing New York State Department of Health data, the incumbent will help analyze changes in fluoridation coverage over the past decade and support the development of a statewide report and dashboard
• Apply skills in data collection, management, and analysis using tools like Microsoft office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
• Gain experience in accessing and entering public health data into databases, which will be critical in shaping the project’s deliverables
• Collaborate with program staff and stakeholders
• Contribute to advancing water fluoridation efforts in New York State, positively impacting population health and disease prevention

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees