Health Disaster Preparedness Computer Science or Engineering (Unpaid Intern)

HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional provider, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through coordination of public and private sector resources.

Specialized Medical Services is comprised of multiple divisions that provide oversight of care and delivery of care to some of the most vulnerable pediatric and adult populations in Orange County. These include California Children’s Services, Office of the Public Guardian, Emergency Medical Services and Health Disaster Preparedness. In addition, the Employee Health Services division provides oversight of the occupational health of the County of Orange’s 18,000 employees.

We are committed to serving both the Orange County community and County of Orange employees with a consistent focus on quality of services provided and steadfast dedication on achieving and maintaining the highest standard of care in each specialized area.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Health Disaster Preparedness Section of the Orange County Health Care Agency is seeking a tech-savvy and motivated intern with a background in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering. This unpaid internship offers a unique opportunity to apply technical skills in support of public health emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Interns will contribute to projects that enhance the agency’s technological capabilities, improve data systems, and support operational readiness for disasters and public health emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities

Interns may assist with a variety of technical and project-based tasks, including:

• Supporting the development or maintenance of internal databases, dashboards, or tracking tools
• Assisting with automation of routine processes using scripts or low-code platforms
• Troubleshooting and documenting technical issues related to emergency preparedness systems
• Supporting GIS mapping, data visualization, or analytics projects
• Assisting with IT inventory tracking and asset management
• Participating in technical planning meetings and providing input on system improvements

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university majoring in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Health Information Management, Emergency Management, Computer Science, Public Safety, Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Fire Science, Public Affairs, Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, or a related field. Recent graduates are also eligible to apply.
• Familiarity with tools such as Excel, Power BI, Python, SQL, or GIS platforms is a plus
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Interest in applying technology to public service and emergency management

TIME COMMITMENT 
Immediate placement is available. A minimum of 8 hours per week is required over one semester or quarter. Interns may extend their internship up to 12 months if desired. Hours must be scheduled during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
 
BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INTERNS
Although this is an unpaid internship that does not lead to permanent employment or include employee benefits, the position offers students or recent graduates experience in working within a large governmental entity. The Health Disaster Preparedness section provides exposure to many different aspects of health care as it relates to disaster preparedness and response, as staff coordinate daily with local, state and federal governmental stakeholders as a part of routine operations.
 
Health Disaster Preparedness is one of the few assignments within the County that the intern may be exposed to a multi-faceted government coordination. This assignment also provides an opportunity for students to explore career options, apply academic knowledge and skills to the workplace, gain career skills, build resumes and network with professionals in their fields of interest including mentorship from a Health Disaster Preparedness Chief.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 
REQUIRED BACKGROUND SCREENING/REFERENCE CHECK 
Prior to placement, applicants may be asked to submit contact information for reference checks, and a background screening will be conducted that requires a state issued driver's license or ID card and a U.S. Social Security number and live scan.EMAIL NOTIFICATION:

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

For additional internship postings, please check our Web site at the following link: https://hrs.ocgov.com/careers/volunteer-intern/internships/internship-opportunities

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.