Opioid Abatement Funds Program Internship

About Our Job

This position is expected to stay open until 11:59 PM MDT on 6/30/2024. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than 11:59 p.m. on that date to ensure consideration.

Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) is dedicated to advancing Denver's environmental and public health goals. DDPHE works collaboratively with city, state and community partners to conduct education, community engagement, and enforcement to promote healthy people, healthy pets, and a sustainable environment. DDPHE oversees a number of services related to public health and the environment and is comprised of six divisions: Division of Shared Services and Business Operations; Community & Behavioral Health; Public Health Investigations; Denver Animal Protection; the Office of Medical Examiner; and Environmental Quality. For more information on DDPHE’s programs and services, visit the DDPHE website at: Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.

We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the values, customs, and authenticity of everyone and by implementing equitable public health strategies so Denver communities can thrive.

Community & Behavioral Health (CBH) promotes population health and health equity by developing, implementing, and evaluating sustainable, evidence-based public health policies, interventions, and systems. The Division conducts multiple types of health-related assessments; creates, implements and evaluates the City’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP); and develops policies and initiatives aimed at improving the health of Denver residents while advancing equity at all levels. Additional information and resources can be found on the Division’s website at: DDPHE: Community and Behavioral Health.

The CBH team has an opening for a part-time Opioid Abatement Funds (OAF) Program Intern. The position is eligible for up to 150 paid hours between September 3, 2024 – December 31, 2024. This position will apply a public health lens to enhance community engagement, equity, strategic planning, and operations for the OAF Program. The OAF Program Team oversees contract and fiscal administration of Denver’s opioid settlement funds, provides support to the Denver Opioid Abatement Council (DOAC), and coordinates with a variety of community partners and City agencies to enhance Denver’s opioid abatement efforts.

The City and County of Denver receives local and regional shares of Colorado’s opioid settlement funds. Denver is designated as Region 11 in the statewide regional distribution framework. The framework for the distribution of funds and approved uses are outlined in the Colorado Opioids Settlement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and upheld by the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council (COAC). Approved uses for the distribution of settlement funds fall into the broad categories of treatment, prevention, and additional areas. Since October 2022, Denver has received over $11 million from Colorado’s regional and local shares of settlement funds. Colorado expects to receive additional settlements over at least the next fifteen years.

As an intern you’ll get to experience some of all of the following and we are open to adapting the focus of this position to your skills and interest areas:

• Compiles and distills relevant resources, best practices, data, research, and guidance related to the use of opioid settlement funds.
• Identifies and implements practices that increase equity in the funding allocation process.
• Identifies ways to incorporate best practices into DOAC and OAF Program operations.
• Participates in conversations with the OAF Program Team and the DOAC around strategy and program development.
• Works with the CBH data and evaluation team to identify key findings from data collection that can support the strategic planning process.
• Identifies opportunities for community engagement.
• Assists with the design, organization, establishment, and revision of work processes to ensure delivery of program services.
• Participates in Denver metro regional opioid abatement planning.
• Maintains collaboration with stakeholders and community partners.
• Develops DOAC/OAF handbooks and standard operating procedures.
• Miscellaneous OAF Program/DOAC administrative support.
• Job shadowing and training opportunities with other DDPHE teams.
• Identifies and recommends improvements or solutions to problems within the program.
• Actively participates on the Department’s emergency preparedness and response team(s) to support meeting the Department’s public health and environmental responsibilities outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan.

Location

The City and County of Denver utilizes a hybrid model workplace that balances the responsibilities of public service with the benefits of a flexible work environment.  Employees work in the office, at a city site and/or in the field at least three days per week and telecommute remotely at a designated workplace within the State of Colorado the remaining days.

About You

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

Our ideal candidate some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:

• Pursuing a major in public health, sociology, social work, public administration, or another related field
• Experience working in public health programming or a related field
• Problem solving- Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
• Learning - Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development.
• Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and politeness to others and relates well to different people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
• Excellent customer service skills, along with initiative, empathy, flexibility, and patience.
• Positive attitude and desire to be a team player.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills

We realize your time is valuable so please do not apply if you do not have at least the following required minimum qualifications:

• Education requirement: Current enrollment in an accredited college program leading to a certificate, licensure, associates, bachelor’s, or higher degree in, or a recent graduate (completed specified program within 1 year of completion).
• Experience Requirement: None
• Education/Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted.

To be considered for this position, you must include the following on your job application (upload the attachment(s) to the Resume/CV section on the My Experience tab):

• 1-2 page Resume (with most current information)
• Transcripts – either official or unofficial; dated within your current academic term
• On another attached form, please answer the following:
  • 1. Why are you interested in an internship with the OAF Program.
  • 2. Please detail your prior experiences or knowledge regarding public health programming and/or the opioid crisis.  

About Everything Else

Job Profile

TA3181 Professional Administration Intern

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Oncall

Position Salary Range

$19.28 - $21.79

Starting Pay

$19.28 - $21.79 per hour based upon education

Agency

Dept of Public Health & Environment

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. 

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days’ notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For more information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.