Harlem Health Advocacy Partners Program

Harlem Health Advocacy Partners Program

Community Service Society, Health Initiative Department

Unpaid Internship

Program Description:

Harlem Health Advocacy Partners (HHAP) is a free City program that aims to improve the health and well-being of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents in East and Central Harlem. Using a community health worker model, the HHAP provides health education to residents with uncontrolled asthma, hypertension, and diabetes, engages the broader resident population using health and wellness workshops and activities, and advocates for access to health and social services. Through monthly Community Activation Team meetings, residents help lead the HHAP, identify systemic barriers to health improvement in the developments, and build capacity for community organizing and advocacy.

CSS’s Health Advocates help residents find affordable health insurance coverage, understand their health insurance, and advocate for their right to access health care services. As a pilot program, the HHAP is currently being evaluated to rate its effectiveness at improving health outcomes.

Internship Description:

CSS is looking for two fall interns to assist the Health Advocates in engaging non-English speaking residents and solving access to health care issues. The interns will gain experience in health program planning and implementation, health law and policy, and community outreach and organizing challenges and strategies.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Engaging residents through outreach and serving as an interpreter for Health Advocates
  • Scheduling workshops and other outreach events
  • Conducting research with regard to health insurance coverage and access issues
  • Drafting and translating outreach, educational and policy materials
  • Carefully following client privacy protection guidelines
  • Potential opportunity to assist Health Advocates maintain their caseloads
  • Interviewing clients and drafting Story Bank content
  • Supporting staff with identifying trends and making recommendations for improvements in the health          insurance system
  • Perform other activities and duties as may be required

Candidate Requirements:

  • Interest in serving low-income populations
  • Interest in health equity, advocacy and/or community organizing
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Strong writing and research skills
  • Competency in languages other than English (Cantonese and Spanish preferred)

 

 

 

 

 

Submit resume, cover letter, and writing sample to:
Community Service Society of New York
633 Third Avenue, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Human Resources Department –EH-1
cssinterns@cssny.org
EOE/AA

Visit our programs: Benefits Plus Learning Center   |   Community Health Advocates   |   Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program   |   Independent Consumer Advocacy Network