Quality Improvement & Accreditation Intern Ryan White Planning CouncilAt — Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) Councils and Commissions provide a formal county-supported space for community leaders to engage in place-based and population-specific community health improvement. We deliver backbone support and capacity building for community leaders who serve on the Alameda County Public Health Department's community advisory bodies. Through this partnership with community leaders, we uplift perspectives to inform ACPHD policy and systems change.
Internship Description
The intern will support the Ryan White Planning Council’s work by conducting research and analysis on federal policy, guidance for local jurisdictions, and local implementation activities related to Ryan White planning requirements. This may include synthesizing policy guidance, reviewing planning documents, attending Planning Council Meetings and activities, and summarizing findings to support Planning Council processes and decision-making.
Intern Task & Responsibilities
• Review relevant sections of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program legislation and identify how HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) guidance outlined in the Ryan White Part A Manual aligns with legislative requirements.
• Conduct a crosswalk between federal law, program manual, Council bylaws, and other implementation practices.
• Identify gaps in local implementation, identify best practices outlined in the Part A Manual or from other jurisdictions’ planning councils, and create a report with recommendations for the Oakland TGA.
• Present findings to the Planning Council and staff team.
Desired Skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Strong analytical and writing skills appropriate for diverse audiences
• Familiarity with federal or local government structures preferred
• Community outreach and engagement experience
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse stakeholders and comfort in participating in meetings
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of advisory bodies is a plus
• Interest or background in public health policy, HIV services, or community planning
• Experience conducting policy, legal, or regulatory research and synthesizing guidance documents
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to compare and crosswalk legislation, policy guidance, and local implementation practices
Skills – Practice Learn
• Analyzing and synthesizing public health policy and federal guidance
• Application of policy within a local context
• Effective verbal and written communications across diverse audiences
• Community governance and engagement
Final product/ outcome/ deliverable
• Annotated summary of federal law and guidance
• Crosswalk between Federal policy, guidance, and local jurisdiction practices with annotated references
• Report and presentation with recommendations for strengthening local compliance and alignment
By the end of this opportunity, students will have learned...
- Apply academic knowledge to real-world tasks and challenges.
- Develop effective communication skills in a professional setting.
- Strengthen time management and organizational abilities.
- Gain experience in working collaboratively within a team.
- Acquire hands-on experience with industry-specific tools, software, or procedures.
- Understand workflows, processes, and responsibilities relevant to the field.
- Learn how to conduct research, analyze data, or support projects in a practical context.
- Clarify career goals by experiencing a professional work environment.
- Build a professional network by connecting with mentors, colleagues, and supervisors.
- Develop a strong understanding of workplace culture and expectations.
- Practice decision-making in real-life work situations.
- Analyze problems, propose solutions, and reflect on outcomes.
- Develop adaptability in response to new challenges and tasks.
- Recognize how your role and organization contribute to the community or public good.
- Reflect on ethical and societal implications of the work you're involved in.
- Explore opportunities to engage in or support civic initiatives or community outreach.
- Identify personal strengths and areas for improvement.
- Set learning goals and reflect regularly on progress
- Increase confidence in navigating professional and interpersonal dynamics.
ACPHD student intern will receive training to support their role in strengthening Alameda County Public Health Department Councils and Commissions, which serve as county-supported spaces for community leaders to advance place-based and population-specific health improvement. Training will focus on understanding advisory body structures, supporting backbone functions, and assisting with capacity-building activities for community leaders. The intern will learn how community perspectives are uplifted to inform policy and systems change, gaining hands-on experience in community engagement, health equity, and public health governance.
How will you provide ongoing support and supervision to students?
The student intern will receive ongoing support from their supervisor through regular check-ins, guidance on assigned tasks, and timely feedback to promote learning and skill development. The supervisor will remain accessible for questions, provide clarification as needed, and ensure the intern feels supported in navigating their responsibilities. Students will also engage with Workforce Development team who supports with secondary supervision and professional development.
Student Training or Experience Needed
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Effective customer service skills.
- Effective problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work with a broad, cross-section of people representative of the Bay Area.
- Ability to demonstrate empathy with a broad, cross-section of people representative of the Bay Area.
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team setting.
- Ability to prioritize and handle simultaneous assignments in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated and self-directed.
- Ability to review and learn materials provided.
- Comfortable leading activities or public speaking.
Please apply by March 11, 2026. Virtual interviews will take place March 16th - 20th.
Interested students should apply here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fb2534386cc440959f92e3e328a9fe5c
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 400 | hours per week |