Health - Public Health Prevention Internship

Multnomah County•Portland, OR

4d•$16 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

Bring your interest in Public Health and a desire to contribute to health promotion programs in our local community to this internship with the Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (PHP) unit of the Public Health Division of the Multnomah County Health Department. This internship focuses on supporting community food access, youth engagement, and culturally responsive programming through initiatives such as the People’s Farmers Market in Rockwood and related outreach efforts. Our unit is made up of three programs: Community and Adolescent Health (CAH): Our work is upstream prevention. This means we look at the root causes of violence and work to address them to prevent violence from impacting people in the future. We work with young people (ages 10-24), who are the most impacted by violence in Multnomah County. We support youth-driven activities, projects and events that are done in partnership with trusted adults (teachers, mentors, coaches, etc.) Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH): REACH works with local organizations, other government programs and agencies, businesses and community members to prevent chronic disease and improve the collective health of Black and African communities (including immigrants and refugees) of Multnomah County. We also work with the ACHIEVE (Action Communities for Health, Innovation and Environmental Change) Coalition. Multnomah County's REACH program focuses on three strategy areas: Nutrition, Physical Activity and Built Environment, and Breastfeeding. Tobacco Control and Prevention (TCPP): The Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) which handles licensing, inspections/enforcement, and training for the 700+ licensed tobacco retailers in the county. The Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP), funded by Oregon Health Authority (OHA), which works to help promote tobacco prevention and cessation through Policy, Systems and Environmental strategies. These strategies include partnering with community based organizations, as well as schools and county health clinics; media campaigns; and policy promotion at the local and state level. Gain hands-on public health experience while supporting community-based food access, youth engagement, and health equity initiatives. The intern will contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the People’s Farmers Market in Rockwood and related community programming. This includes working with youth, families, vendors, and community partners to promote healthy eating, social connection, and economic opportunity. Based on the intern’s skills and interests, internship activities and deliverables will be finalized collaboratively from the options below.

Requirements

Candidates should have completed within one year or enrolled in a college/university academic institution.
Pursuing degree in public health, health-related including social service, and communications
Promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values

Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Youth-Focused Programming Support planning, coordination, and implementation of the People’s Farmers Market in Rockwood
Support market-day operations, setup, and breakdown
Join PHP staff at community events such as Juneteenth, Reclaiming Black Joy, Pride NW, and Portland Parks & Recreation summer programs
Support outreach to promote food access programs and community resources
Assist in developing youth-centered activities related to food justice, nutrition, and community wellness at the People’s Farmers Market
Help facilitate youth engagement workshops, listening sessions, or creative projects
Promote safe and welcoming “third spaces” for young people
Collaborate with youth advisory groups when applicable
Training Development Review and provide feedback on outreach materials, trainings and educational resources
Support Staff in developing culturally responsive programming
REACH Communications and Outreach Support distribution of flyers, social media content, and promotional materials
Assist with documenting People’s Farmers market activities through photos, stories, and reports
Help collect community feedback and testimonials
Support short-term outreach campaigns focused on food access and youth engagement
REACH Food Access, Community Health & Policy Research Review policies related to farmers markets, SNAP and Double Up food Ducks Participation
Support evaluation of barriers to participation (permits, fees, transportation, language access, etc)
Help identify policy and system level opportunities to strengthen community food programs
REACH Data Collection and Program Evaluation Assist with tracking attendance and community engagement
Support survey development and data collection for market evaluation
Contribute to summary reports and recommendations