Community Intern Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Pay Range:
$16.80 - $35.00 Hourly
Department:
Health Department
Job Type:
Intern
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
September 07, 2026
The Opportunity:
THIS WORK MATTERS!
Pay Rate: $24 per hour
Telework: Hybrid work environment that includes one mandatory in-person day and the flexibility for additional on-site work based on operational demands. In-person work is encouraged.
Building Physical Location: Gateway Children's Center Service Building: 10317 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97216-2733 and additional clinic and outreach locations.
We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities.
Multnomah County's Public Health Division is a vital resource for residents, working to promote physical and mental health, prevent disease and injury, and ensure access to essential health services. Some of our key functions and services include: preventing and controlling diseases, supporting maternal and child health, addressing mental health and substance use, ensuring environmental health, and promoting health equity.
The Prevention and Health Promotion (PHP) unit within the Public Health division works to improve community well-being through four core programs that focus on chronic disease prevention, tobacco control, adolescent health, and reducing health disparities among specific populations. These initiatives utilize strategies such as community engagement, policy advancement, and direct support to foster safe, healthy, and equitable environments for all residents.
The PHP Immunization & Community Health Intern acts as the operational backbone of the population health team, helping to fulfill state immunization reporting requirements (ORS 433.235-433.284 and OAR 333-050-0140) while supporting community outreach, data management, and family education.
As the PHP Immunization & Community Health Intern, your work will include:
Community Engagement & Outreach

• Coordinate low-barrier mobile immunization clinics in partnership with community organizations to serve high-need populations, while developing and distributing culturally tailored educational materials.
• Educate the community on the importance of vaccines and manage essential communications to families regarding health, safety, and immunization requirements.

Communication Materials Development

• Collaborate with staff and community members to develop and refine accessible resources that clarify immunization mandates and school exclusion regulations for families and educators.

School, Community & Program Support

• Community Outreach: Organize vaccine fairs, share resources, and answer public inquiries.
• School Immunization Support: Implement immunization programs to help families navigate exclusion laws, keeping students protected and in school.
• Growth: Identify and share process improvements as the role evolves.

Policy, Systems & Logistics:

• Compliance: Support the Vaccine Access Program (VAP) by monitoring temperature logs, updating tracking tools, and performing data entry/registry alignment (e.g., Oregon ALERT IIS).
• Data Management: Ensure accurate data entry and record management to support public health decision-making and identify coverage gaps.
• Research: Conduct literature reviews on vaccine hesitancy to propose policy and systems changes.

Program Sustainability & Strategic Planning Support:

• Support long-term sustainability by refining SBEAR (Situation, Background, Equity, Assessment, Recommendation) planning documents.
• Use data-driven insights to modernize workflows and reach under-vaccinated populations.
• Assist with compiling reporting data (e.g., PE 43 workplan, ALERT Reporting).

TO QUALIFY:
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Education/Training: Enrollment in an accredited institution leading to a post-graduate degree or equivalent program
Experience: One (1) year of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/ transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Master-level student in Public Health, Health Promotion, Community Health, Epidemiology, or other Health Professionals.
• Public Health & Community Experience: Lived experience or volunteer work in public health, health literacy, communications, community organizing, or addressing systemic inequities.
• Data & Administrative Excellence: Demonstrated accuracy in data entry, record management, and the use of tools like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace to track and report data.
• Communication Skills: Ability to translate technical public health information into clear, empathetic, and accessible communication for families and community members.
• Initiative, Independent Work & Team Collaboration: Applicants should possess strong initiative, a commitment to working independently, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience with Diverse Populations: Experience working effectively with Multnomah County's high-need, or culturally diverse communities.
• Program Support: Experience and/or interest assisting with project coordination, event planning (such as vaccine fairs or mobile clinics), or supporting long-term program sustainability.
• Preferred Technical Proficiency: Experience with immunization registries (such as Oregon ALERT IIS), database management, or electronic health records (EHR).

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.
SCREENING & EVALUATION (REQUIRED):
The Application Packet: You must submit ALL requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed an incomplete application.

• A completed online application.
• A resume that explains all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in your resume.
• A cover letter that expands on your resume, addressing what school-and year in school-you are in, how you qualify for the position, and why you are interested in the role

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the 'Overview' and 'To Qualify' sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process.
The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Background, reference, and education checks

Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Type of Position: This position is eligible for overtime
Type: Intern
FLSA: Non-exempt
Schedule: Monday through Friday, with evening and weekend availability required based on community, operational and business needs.
Work Location: Gateway Children's Center Service Building: 10317 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97216-2733 and additional clinic and outreach locations.
Salary/Pay: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.
Our Commitment to Safety, Trust and Belonging: Multnomah County is committed to developing, nurturing and continually improving workforce equity by identifying and addressing the structural and policy barriers to equal employment opportunity faced by our employees and communities. County employees across the organization have stepped forward to develop a strategic plan and help create a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential. Learn more by reading our Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and exploring our Core Competencies for all County employees
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters: Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference. Review our veterans' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Sinar Brenes
Email:
sinar.brenes@multco.us
Phone:
+1 (503) 9889269 x89269
Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Job Profile:
8008 - Graduate Intern