Job Req # R-14699. Hybrid Work Available. Salary Range: $15.45 – $35.00, depending on education and experience. Application deadline: June 2, 2024.

The Opportunity: This Work Matters!

We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment.  At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities. 

Job Summary: We seek a passionate Public Health Graduate Intern to support our initiatives addressing environmental justice and health disparities in the Portland area. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in research, community outreach, and partnership building, with a focus on reducing toxic exposures and promoting the health of underserved communities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Outreach, Engagement, and Partnerships
    • Assist with planning and executing outreach events, including focus groups.
    • Build and strengthen relationships with community-based organizations, fishing clubs, and relevant agencies.
    • Actively promote a work culture grounded in respect and understanding of the diverse populations we serve.
  • Research and Analysis
    • Collect, transcribe, and analyze qualitative data to understand community perceptions of fishing advisories and fish exchanges.
    • Collaborate with the Oregon Health Authority, Multnomah Health Department, and other stakeholders.
    • Apply environmental justice principles to your research and projects.
  • Advance Equity and Disrupt Institutional White Dominance
    • Lead your work with an equity-centered mindset.
    • Proactively seek educational opportunities to deepen your understanding of equity issues.
  • Professional Development and Administrative Tasks
    • Participate in webinars, informational interviews, and job shadowing opportunities.
    • Network with professionals in the field.
    • Complete internship documentation and actively contribute to team meetings.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Required:
    • Enrollment in a graduate program related to Environmental Health, Public Health, or a closely related field.
    • Demonstrated interest in environmental justice, health equity, and community engagement.
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Preferred:
    • Experience in qualitative research methods (e.g., focus group facilitation, interviewing).
    • Familiarity with Google suite applications (Docs, Sheets, Forms).
    • Fluency in a second language relevant to communities served by the program.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don’t just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee you will create a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County’s attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. 

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

  • Enrollment in a graduate program related to Environmental Health, Public Health, or a closely related field
  • 1+ years of relevant experience in applying principles of environmental justice, health equity, and community engagement or applicable life experiences
  • Must pass a reference check.

Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

  • Experience in qualitative research methods (e.g., focus group facilitation, interviewing).
  • Familiarity with Google suite applications (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Gemini).
  • Fluency in a second language relevant to communities served by the program.

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION:

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

  • Initial review of minimum qualifications
  • An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
  • Consideration of top candidates/interviews
  • Background, reference, and education checks

Pay Equity: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate’s relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Required: The Application Packet: You must submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

  • A completed online application.
  • A resume that explains all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in your resume.
  • A cover letter that expands on your resume, addressing how you qualify for the position, and why you are interested in the role.

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/ skills and how it is related to those shown in the overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials may be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview.

Please be mindful of checking your email inbox for messages from the Recruiter as you may be emailed requesting additional information. If a response is not received in a timely manner your application may not be considered.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Type of Position: This hourly position is eligible for overtime.

Schedule: Flexible, may vary in days and hours depending on need.

Hybrid Telework: This position is designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will be working both remotely (from home) and in person at an onsite location. Some outreach events may be located at various locations across Multnomah County. Mileage reimbursement is available. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Work Location: This position works onsite at Lloyd Corporate Plaza at 847 NE 19th Ave. Suite 350, Portland OR 97232

Serving the Public, Even During Disasters: 

Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page. 
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don’t just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employee

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions? Recruiter:Sinar Brenes. Email:sinar.brenes@multco.us. Phone:+1 (503) 9889269 x89269.

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.