Summer Public Health Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Organization Statement:

The School of Public Health (SPH) at the University of Maryland College Park was first accredited as a School in 2010. However, beginning in the 1960's the Department of Health Education in the College of Physical Education, Recreation, and Health was created and by 1999 had an accredited MPH degree program in public health that served as the foundation for launching the School of Public Health a short eight years later. This MPH in Community Health was the model for the public health degrees that would follow with the official launching of the school. Within the department, this includes a B.S. in Community Health, an MPH and a PhD in Behavioral and Community Health. Our proximity to both our state and national capitals provide unparalleled opportunities for faculty and students to work with key government health agencies, non-profit associations, public policy organizations, and private corporations. Our department uniquely offers its undergraduates a semester-long full-time internships for our students to take advantage of this proximity but also uniquely offers these same style internships internationally.

The University of Maryland School of Public Health has an outstanding opportunity to join a team of passionate individuals serving as PROGRAM FACILITATORS for an evidence-based sexual assault prevention intervention being tested in a research study led by Dr. Sarah Peitzmeier. Program facilitators (PF) will be contributing to the mission of the Peitzmeier lab to rigorously evaluate novel, impactful interventions for sexual violence prevention as part of our broader work toward a world without gender-based violence. In this role, the successful applicants will join a collaborative team with 2 other facilitators on campus to deliver a feminist intervention based on Flip the Script with EAAA but modified for online delivery to transgender and nonbinary 18-25-year-old undergraduate students at US Campuses. In an earlier trial, Flip the Script with EAAA reduced the 1-year incidence of rape and attempted rape experienced by undergraduate women by 50%, preventing 1 attempted or completed rape for every 13 women reached by the program. The successful applicant will be part of the team trying to develop and deliver one of the first interventions shown to reduce sexual violence against trans students. You can read more about the original program here:
https://www.sarecentre.org/the-program/flip-the-script-with-eaaa

Program facilitators will help recruit and enroll students in the study and will develop expertise in how to deliver the five-session, 15-hour interactive group intervention over Zoom, in collaboration with a co-facilitator and with a support facilitator assisting. We seek highly competent, can-do candidates with clear communication skills who are passionate about preventing violence against trans and nonbinary individuals, ending sexual violence, and increasing access to sex-positive, trans-inclusive sexual education. An intellectually curious, self-motivated learner who takes ownership of tasks and effectively executes them to completion, and who is intentional about asking for clarification, help, or support as needed, will be successful in this position. This individual should enjoy giving and receiving open and respectful feedback as a vehicle for the growth and self -development of self and colleagues, and to support the aims of the research. The ideal candidate must be excited about developing strong working relationships with other facilitators to work together effectively to empower other trans and nonbinary people and respond to their needs and questions with sensitivity. Commitment to integrity and participant confidentiality are essential requirements for the position. Applicants from under-represented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The position involves:
Part-time employment in the School of Public Health, University of Maryland June 22, 2026- April 30, 2027
Up to 375 hours total at $29/hour. Hours will typically vary between 5 hours (weeks when not facilitating
programs) and 24 hours/week (weeks when facilitating programs or in training). An intensive 3-week summer training (40 hrs/week) is required and included in this estimate of total hours.
The PF will help deliver 2 sets of program sessions (each program consists of 5 three-hour sessions) during weekday evenings and weekend afternoons each semester. Other hours will be spent training, practicing
in the Peitzmeier Lab on campus, setting up and taking down of equipment, and other related duties.
Successful candidates must be:
Available to attend 3 weeks of mandatory in-person training in College Park, Maryland throughout August [weekdays between August 3rd-21st from 9:00 am - 5:00 p.m.]
Able to work evening and weekend hours in the Peitzmeier Lab on campus to practice and deliver the program with a Co-Facilitator to students who are joining remotely. Facilitation involves a minimum of 5 weekend afternoons (Sat & Sun) and 5 weeknights each semester (primarily in October/November and February/March).
Able to attend weekly 1-hour supervision meetings over Zoom that are typically held during business hours
Available to facilitate programs throughout the study's critical periods (September - November and
January - April), arranging vacation outside of these windows
Committed to work through April 30, 2027, as it is not possible for us to retrain new hires mid-year
Possibility of rehiring the following year if mutually desired

Duties and Responsibilities:
Become trained to deliver the TEA3 program (including self-defense instruction)
Learn the theoretical and empirical basis of sexual assault prevention and resistance education
Work with other facilitators to deliver the online program in five 3-hour sessions during evenings and weekends from the Peitzmeier Lab on campus
Conduct informed consent screening interviews with prospective participants to enroll them in the research trial (varied times including weekdays, weeknights, and weekends)
Organize equipment (e.g., computers, standing desks) and program materials, and set up and clean up for each session. [Note. If accommodations are required to perform these duties, please notify your
supervisor when hired.]
Maintain strict confidentiality of participants' identities, comments, and interactions during all phases of research and programming
Remind participants of upcoming program sessions using email, text, or chats
Use a REDCap database to view evaluations and enter interview data. [Training will be provided]
Communicate effectively with program facilitators, supervisors, and research team members
Participate in regular supervision meetings with peer facilitators and supervisor
Other duties as required (may include assistance with in-person participant recruitment)

Qualifications:
Lived or professional experience in trans communities
Received a bachelor's degree within the last 10 years (position requires recent familiarity with undergraduate life).
Comfort engaging over a prolonged period with difficult and sensitive topics, particularly sexuality and violence against transgender and nonbinary individuals, in the context of a supportive team; ability to talk
about these issues frankly and with sensitivity
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including comfort reading aloud, clearly and with emotion
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Comfort and effectiveness in dealing with conflict in a team
Ability to work as an effective team member both in delivering the program with co-facilitators and in contributing to the research
Good judgement and problem-solving skills
Ability to "think on your feet" to respond to unexpected participant questions or issues with technology during program sessions
Familiarity with computer technology, video conferencing, apps and software including Word and Excel and willingness to learn new applications including REDCap, SharePoint, and GroupMe.
Detail-oriented and able to follow complex protocols with fidelity
Ability to value feedback for improvement and foster a growth mindset
Flexible schedule and excellent time management skills, as hours will vary each week
Access to a computer and private space off site for supervision video-conferencing and other project related
duties

Preferred Qualifications:
Previous work/experience with issues around gender-based violence/violence against transgender and nonbinary individuals, trans health, or community empowerment
Previous work or volunteer experience as a program facilitator/group moderator on any topic

Physical Demands:

Available to attend 3 weeks of mandatory in-person training in College Park, Maryland throughout August [weekdays between August 3rd-21st from 9:00 am - 5:00 p.m.]

Able to attend weekly 1-hour supervision meetings over Zoom that are typically held during business hours
Available to facilitate programs throughout the study's critical periods (September - November and January - April), arranging vacation outside of these windows

Able to work evening and weekend hours in the Peitzmeier Lab on campus to practice and deliver the program with a Co-Facilitator to students who are joining remotely. Facilitation involves a minimum of 5 weekend afternoons (Sat & Sun) and 5 weeknights each semester (primarily in October/November and February/March).

Committed to work through April 30, 2027

Required Application Materials:

Please submit a cover letter explaining your lived or professional experience in trans communities and why you are interested in this position, your resume/CV, and contact info for two references

Best Consideration Date:

May 4, 2026

Open Until Filled: Y