Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Summer Intern - 2024

 
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Program within the Bureau of Performance at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking an intern to assist with compiling and interpreting Iowa’s adult-reported Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) surveillance findings. The intern will assist on a specific project to prepare data and visualizations that communicate findings related to risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and mental health. The BRFSS Program Intern may also be involved in assisting the BRFSS Epidemiologist with ACEs-related data requests and dashboards during the internship period.
 
Tasks and activities involved in this project:

1. Explore adult-reported ACEs findings by reviewing surveillance data and academic literature.
2. Use Excel, Canva, or other visualization software to create ACEs-related data visualizations.
3. Determine type and content of communication materials based on the review of findings.
4. Design data visualizations and write content of communication materials.
5. Assist BRFSS Epidemiologist in additional ACEs-related data requests or dashboards.

 
A successful applicant will have a willingness and aptitude to learn new applications, specifically Canva, and competency in data interpretation and visualization. Applicants must also have basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and should have experience in creating data visualizations. Applicants who have taken at least one course in epidemiology, data science, public health, human development and family studies or related field that includes communicating data findings are preferred.
 
The length and schedule of the internship are negotiable, but can be between 15 and 40 hours for 6-12 weeks (up to 200 hours) between May 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024. The start date is negotiable.

 Hybrid and remote options are available. The internship will be paid ($22.10/hour); stipend is dependent on amount of time worked.
 
About the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS): Iowa HHS is the state health and human services agency whose mission is to provide high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individual, families and communities. Iowa HHS is guided by six principles which include: data-driven, accountability, integrity, equity, communication and collaboration.
 
Iowa HHS seeks to recruit candidates with diverse skills and perspectives, and experience with underserved populations. Ideal candidates are those with a willingness to learn, cultural humility, listening skills, and competencies required to effectively understand and address health inequities.
 
About the Iowa BRFSS Program: The Iowa Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS Program) is located within the Bureau of Performance and Division of Administration of Iowa HHS. This program is responsible for collecting, analyzing and disseminating adult (18+) public health surveillance data, as well as providing support and/or technical assistance to internal and external partners related to specific public health surveillance data needs.
 
This is a non-merit, internship position.
 
 Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.  Applicants need to follow directions in "To Apply" field to apply.