The Health Services Intern works in close coordination with the Health Program Coordinator, Health Aide, refugee clients, and local healthcare providers to coordinate and advocate for the healthcare and preventative health needs of refugee, SIV and asylee clients of the International Rescue Committee. Upon arrival to the United States, they face a new set of challenges to effectively navigate the US healthcare system and access important community health resources. Interns will gain experience networking with healthcare providers, coordinating client appointments, and working with multi-cultural individuals.

• Number of intern positions available: 1
• Time Commitment: 10+ hours per week (3 month minimum; 6 months preferred)
  
• Duties:
  • Provide clients with transportation to refugee medical screening appointments
  • Help coordinate connections to primary care
  • Provide training to clients on how to use the bus/public transportation system to get to appointments
  • Serve as patient advocate, accompany clients to medical appointments, report follow-up referrals from providers, and record all activity as directed
  • Provide training to clients regarding making appointments, pharmacy services, and understanding how to access prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Assist with referrals to specialist care when needed
  • Assistance with administrative tasks such as case filing, making phone calls, and data entry relevant to health services provided
  • Work closely with the Health Program Coordinator to build relationships with local health care actors to increase the availability of health resources for clients
  • Assist clients with finding health resources which best meet their needs, including implementing action plans tailored specifically to the health needs of individual clients with medical barriers
  • Reinforce clients' understanding of treatment instructions, medical service plans, and follow-up care
  • Provide in-home health education sessions to newly arrived refugee families
• Preferred Skills:
  • Preference given to applicants able to make multi-semester commitment
  • Ability to speak another language a plus
• Required Skills:
  • Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize competing demands
  • Understanding and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information
  • Willingness to use the bus system to train clients on how to navigate to and from appointments
  • Ability to speak on the phone professionally with community providers
  • Driver's license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, and clean driving record required
  • Working knowledge of Excel
• Learning Objectives:
  

The Health Services Intern will gain knowledge about Medicaid eligibility and benefits in Colorado, skills in creating partnerships with health actors in the community, and medical coordination/case management experience. The intern will also learn how refugee health works in Colorado, including appropriate reporting procedures. The intern will have the opportunity to work with refugee clients one-on-one and will learn how ot effectively deliver health education to refugee families.