Public Health Internships in Philadelphia: Opportunities for Growth and Development
Philadelphia, a city with a rich history and a vibrant public health landscape, offers numerous internship opportunities for students and graduates seeking to gain practical experience and contribute to the well-being of its communities. These internships span various domains within public health, providing invaluable exposure to diverse areas such as behavioral health, environmental health, and health policy.
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS)
The City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) and its partners are dedicated to promoting recovery, resilience, and self-determination. Recognizing its employees as its greatest asset, DBHIDS provides intellectually driven individuals with career opportunities focused on improving the lives of others. Joining the DBHIDS team offers opportunities to advance one's career and make a significant impact.
DBHIDS offers a variety of career and internship opportunities within the City of Philadelphia. The Personnel Department collaborates with City departments, agencies, boards, and commissions to attract and retain a competitive and diverse workforce. Community Behavioral Health (CBH) employs a highly diverse staff in roles such as Member Services, Clinical Management, Provider Relations, Quality Management, Network Development, Claims Management, Information Services, Financial Management, Data Entry, and Human Resources.
PMHCC provides administrative services to Philadelphia City offices and programs that address behavioral health, intellectual disability, and substance use services.
Internship Opportunities within the Department of Public Health
The Department of Public Health provides a multitude of internship opportunities year-round. These internships offer pre-professional training to individuals interested in pursuing careers in public health.
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Philly Forward Summer Internship
The Philly Forward Summer Internship is an eight-week paid internship designed to provide pre-professional training to those interested in pursuing careers in public health. Each Philly Forward intern will work directly with Health Department leaders on a specific project or projects involving data collection, data analysis, program implementation, grant-writing, preparation of reports, and/or community engagement. As an example, the 2025 internship will begin on June 9 and conclude on August 1, 2025.
Urban Health Policy Fellowship
The Urban Health Policy Fellowship is a two-year paid fellowship in urban health policy designed specifically for those with baccalaureate degrees in public health. During the program, Urban Health Policy Fellows will work directly with senior leaders of one of the nation’s most innovative health departments on high priority projects, while receiving on-the-job training in public health policy development. As an example, the fellowship will begin in July 2025 and continue through June 2027.
Environmental Health Services Internships
Environmental Health Services offers paid summer positions to college students to conduct mosquito surveillance. Students must have at least 30 credit hours and be a science or health science major.
Food Protection Internships
Food Protection offers paid summer positions to college students to conduct inspections of summer feeding sites. Students must have at least 30 credit hours and be a science or health science major.
Public Health Lab Internships
The Public Health Lab offers summer internships to assist with food and water testing in the Environmental Laboratory. Depending on experience and ability, interns may also assist in other laboratory areas.
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Research & Evaluation Group Internships
The Research & Evaluation Group is committed to supporting the future generation of public health professionals. They offer internships to graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in developing qualitative and quantitative research and program evaluation skills in a nonprofit setting. Most interns work on more than one project; this allows interns to enhance their content area expertise in multiple areas and to learn about varied research and evaluation methods. Interns are expected to work 15-20 hours per week, with details arranged on a case by case basis.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status.
Skills Development and Exposure
These internships provide opportunities to develop a wide array of skills essential for a successful public health career. Interns gain practical experience in:
- Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering and analyzing data to identify trends, patterns, and health disparities within communities.
- Program Implementation: Assisting in the implementation of public health programs and interventions, contributing to the improvement of community health outcomes.
- Grant Writing: Developing grant proposals to secure funding for public health initiatives.
- Report Preparation: Preparing comprehensive reports on public health issues, providing valuable insights for decision-making.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with community members to promote health awareness and participation in public health programs.
- Policy Development: Participating in the development and implementation of public health policies.
- Research and Evaluation: Conducting research and evaluating the effectiveness of public health programs.
Eligibility and Application
The eligibility requirements for public health internships in Philadelphia vary depending on the specific program. However, common requirements include:
- Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in public health or a related field.
- A strong academic record.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A demonstrated interest in public health.
Interested individuals can find information about available internships and application procedures on the websites of the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health, DBHIDS, and affiliated organizations.
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