Public Health Exercise and Planning Documentation and Data Modernization Intern

The selected intern will work with the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management (OPEM) on projects that support emergency preparedness and response efforts, including the development of planning and exercise standard operating procedures to document existing processes to obtain continuity with similar tasks in the future. This role could provide new insight and serve as short term staffing support during the review and revision of emergency preparedness plans and the design and development of HSEEP consistent exercises and After-Action Reports / Improvement Plans. This role is ideal for someone with strong communication and organizational skills who is proactive and eager to contribute to important public health initiatives.

Background: OPEM plays a key role in managing the state's preparedness and response to public health emergencies. Which includes developing preparedness plans and exercises for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health offices and bureaus as well as supporting public health and healthcare operations across the state.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate to document existing processes and develop standard operating procedures related to Exercise Design and Plan Development and Implementation.
• Assist in establishing a maintenance schedule for review or development and exercising of all MDPH plans and annexes.
• As requested, support the on‐going development, revisions, and maintenance of the DPH Preparedness related plans in accordance with corrective actions.
• Support the development and revisions of emergency plans, trainings, and exercises.
• Facilitate with the data modernization of current exercise and planning tools and processes to improve effectiveness. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Technologically adept.
• A proactive, creative approach to work.
• Interest in public health and emergency preparedness is a plus but not required. 

Period of Service: 6/1/2025 - 12/1/2025

Additional Information:

• Benefits are unavailable with the exception of sick leave accruals.
• Merit and C.O.L.A. increases may be included.
• Contracts are renewable, subject to the Department approval, performance, and allocation of funds.
• All employees will be paid on a biweekly basis and must have direct deposit.

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.
 
We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
 
DPH coordinates progr