Public Health Intern

This position is part of a cohort of 15 UVM summer interns working with organizations that support the Brattleboro community, including resettled New Americans, in partnership with the Brattleboro Development Credit Corp and the School for International Training (SIT). The UVM Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships will fund a stipend of $4,000 per intern and provide housing at the SIT campus in Brattleboro, Vermont. All interns must be planning to be enrolled at UVM in the Fall of 2026.

This is a 20-hour-per-week internship with the following components:

• 15 hours per week: Primary internship as described in this posting
• 2 hours per week: Collaborative work with other cohort members to support the New Vermonter Education Program’s ESL instruction and program activities, providing additional hands-on experience working with refugees in an educational setting
• 3 hours per week: Weekly intern cohort workshops focused on professional development, networking, and reflection, including a community orientation and a final sharing event in August 2026

Questions about the cohort? Contact UVM Internship Coordinator kristen.andrews@uvm.edu 

Overview
The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary for all people to achieve the highest level of health and well-being. Our work focuses on promoting health equity, preventing disease and injury, and strengthening community health systems across Vermont.

Our team is a dynamic group of public health nurses, supervisors, epidemiologists, nutritionists, chronic disease specialists, and emergency preparedness coordinators who work collaboratively to support communities. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and values each person’s strengths and perspectives. We actively work to address inequities and injustices in public health and strive to create meaningful, lasting impact.

We value collaboration, inclusion, and thoughtful work practices. Our work environment supports teamwork, professional growth, and a balanced approach that allows staff to care for themselves while supporting others.

Interning with the Division of Local Health offers a meaningful, hands-on learning experience. This is a dynamic opportunity where interns can contribute to real-world public health efforts while building practical skills and exploring different areas of the field.

Skills We’re Looking For

Areas of Interest or Experience:

• Public health, community health, social services, or related fields 
• Interest in health equity, community engagement, or population health 

Helpful Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work with diverse populations in a respectful and inclusive manner 
• Attention to detail and organization 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively 

Technology/Tools:

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, data entry) 
• Comfort learning new systems and tools 

Expected Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Work:

• Support ongoing public health initiatives and programs 
• Assist with administrative and organizational tasks 
• Participate in team meetings and collaborative projects 
• Help collect, organize, and review program data as appropriate 
• Contribute to outreach and community engagement efforts 

Independent Project:
After onboarding and training, the intern will complete a project aligned with program needs and their interests. Examples may include:

• Developing a provider outreach list to support community partnerships 
• Creating a newsletter template for internal or external communication 
• Assisting with outreach or educational materials 
• Supporting a small process improvement or organizational project such as helping the Health Department prepare for a TV and Radio show

Skills You Will Gain

Job-Specific Skills:

• Exposure to public health programs and interdisciplinary teamwork 
• Experience supporting outreach, communication, and data-related tasks 
• Understanding how public health initiatives are implemented at the community level 

Career Competencies:

• Professional communication 
• Time management and organization 
• Team collaboration across disciplines 
• Adaptability and problem-solving 

Community Connections:

• Opportunity to connect with public health professionals across multiple roles 
• Exposure to community partners and organizations 
• Insight into career pathways in public health