OUT Against Big Tobacco Los Angeles Program Intern*

*Los Angeles, California

Position Summary:

The California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network (The Network), a program of Health Access Foundation, seeks a dedicated and enthusiastic candidate for the OUT Against Big Tobacco Los Angeles (OABT-LA) Program Intern role to advance LGBTQ+ health equity in Los Angeles County. In addition to supporting the overall health equity goals of The Network, this position will specifically work on a project to reduce LGBTQ+ tobacco-related health disparities through education, outreach, media, and systems change. This includes conducting trainings, event planning, coalition development, outreach and recruitment, and strategic campaign planning.

The OABT-LA Program Intern will be a skilled coalition organizer and policy advocate. Strong communication skills, work ethic, and passion for LGBTQ health and equity is essential. Candidates must be able to work within a team, have proven leadership ability and experience handling a great deal of responsibility. Strong self-direction and the ability to take initiative are also necessary qualifications.

The position is based in Los Angeles County with a hybrid work structure. This position will include occasional travel to different parts of Los Angeles County and will be directly supervised by the CA LGBTQ HHS Manager of Programs with oversight from the CA LGBTQ HHS Director.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• In collaboration with the program coordinator, assist with the planning and coordination of program activities.
• Passion for and commitment to addressing the issues, needs and interests of LGBTQ people of color, youth, adults, families and community, including knowledge of the spectrum of gender identity and transgender issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with marginalized communities, including an understanding of power, privilege, and oppression within LGBTQ+ communities.
• Maintain relationships with members of the OABT-LA Coalition and Community Engagement Program (subcontractors) by helping plan, facilitate, and coordinate meetings with our partners.
• Recruit new members and affiliates to the coalition through community outreach efforts.
• Support in the development of online trainings, resources, materials and tools that are utilized by the OABT-LA’s coalition members, partners, and subcontractors.
• Assist in the collection of LGBTQ+ tobacco-related data by conducting Key Informant Interviews, Public
• Intercept Surveys, and Youth Adult Tobacco Purchase Surveys. Trainings on survey data collection will be provided.
• Assist in the planning of community events to promote tobacco-free LGBTQ+ communities in Los Angeles County.
• Support in advocating for policies that will help reduce LGBTQ+ tobacco-related health disparities in Los Angeles County.
• Assist in researching, identifying, and recruiting potential supporters of tobacco-free policies by conducting educational presentations and requesting letters of support.
  Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

We know it’s common for women, femmes, Black, Black/Brown, TGI, and formerly incarcerated folks, and/or LGBTQIA2+ individuals to not apply for positions unless they believe they have every competency. Whether or not you meet all of the competencies/qualities, we welcome you to apply. We don’t expect candidates to meet every qualification or preference. We also value non-traditional career pathways.

• Actively enrolled in a California College, University, or Trade-School. If selected for the role, must provide a letter of acknowledgment from career counselor at the college, university or trade school. 
• Based in Los Angeles for the duration of the internship 
• Valid Driver’s License  
• Passion for and commitment to addressing the issues, needs and interests of LGBTQ people of color, youth, adults, families and community, including knowledge of the spectrum of gender identity and transgender issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with marginalized communities, including an understanding of power, privilege, and oppression within LGBTQ+ communities.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to stay focused with attention to detail while working on multiple projects.
• An independent thinker and problem-solver, who is also self-motivated and a team player.
• Ability to meet multiple, shifting deadlines and priorities with nimbleness and flexibility while maintaining a perspective on long-term goals.
• Excellent speaking and writing, and analytical skills.
• Commitment to inclusive, multi-cultural programming; prior experience working within coalitions with diverse communities and an understanding of intersectional oppressions is a plus but not required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a wide range of personalities.
• Ability to collaborate and participate in complex decision-making processes.
• Effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
• Write professional correspondence.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office environment).
• Bi-lingual skills a plus but not required.

Outcomes:

This internship will provide emerging public health leaders with an opportunity to gain valuable skills while supporting the work of The Network and its mission to advance LGBTQ+ health equity in California. This includes:

• Real world professional experience working in a LGBTQ+ non-profit organization
• Understanding of non-profit program management, public health, public policymaking process, and community organizing.
• Development and improvement of various skills, including policy advocacy, coalition outreach and engagement, public speaking, event planning, and research and data collection.
• Hands-on experience in a non-profit public health program, community outreach and engagement, and LGBTQ+ health advocacy.
• Opportunity to learn and practice LGBTQ+ health equity through an intersectional lens
• Learning about the issues and laws affecting the LGBTQ+ community
• Understanding the social determinants of health impacting LGBTQ+ communities.

Compensations and Benefits:

Health Access Interns are paid $17.00 per hour. Health Access reimburses for travel-related costs when necessary. The Network Communications intern is expected to complete a minimum of 15-20 hours per week for up to 52 weeks (about 12 months). We will acknowledge college credit arrangements; they must be arranged and approved by the course professor.

About the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network:

The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network is an LGBTQ-specific program of Health Access, bringing together more than 60 non-profit providers, community centers, and researchers to advocate collectively for state level policies and resources that will advance LGBTQ health. Founded in 2007, the Network provides coordinated leadership about LGBTQ health policy in a proactive, responsive manner that promotes health and well-being as part of the movement for LGBTQ equality and ensures that there is a distinct LGBTQ voice in health policy decision-making venues.

How to Apply

Please email hajobs@health-access.org and include:

• “OABT-LA Program Intern” in subject line of email
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Unofficial transcript

Health Access, comprised of Health Access Foundation, a 501(c)3, and Health Access California, a 501(c)4, a consumer advocacy coalition advocating for more accessible, equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare for all Californians, seeks a bold and strategic leader, builder, advocate, and visionary to serve as its next Executive Director.

Founded in 1987, Health Access was created toward the goal of quality, affordable, equitable health care for all by building a broad coalition of member organizations representing California's diverse communities. Today, Health Access is one of the preeminent consumer advocacy coalitions in the country, a statewide leader and recognized voice in California representing health care consumers and promoting health policies toward securing and expanding coverage, protecting patients, holding the industry accountable for quality, equity, and lower costs, and encouraging a healthier state, through successful campaigns like #Health4All, #Care4AllCA, and others. By building a successful and diverse coalition of dozens of member organizations across California, Health Access has advanced policies through direct lobbying and advocacy, research, organizing, and public education, working for broad and bold solutions while also ensuring that the unique needs and experiences of their diverse constituents are reflected and responded to. In that spirit, as a host of the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, Health Access has also supported advocacy and coalition-building toward advancing LGBTQ health.

Health Access seeks an Executive Director to build upon this legacy, committed to advocating for the needs of consumers, poised to expand the coalition to reflect the needs of diverse communities, and driven by a deep passion for the organization's mission. During a pivotal moment for the future of healthcare, the Executive Director will guide the organization by providing visionary leadership, as well as by enacting a strategic plan that will promote the success of the organization, its members, and California consumers. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to continue the success of Health Access as a state model in advancing accessibility and affordability for all Californians, not limited to but especially the most vulnerable populations.

To be successful, the Executive Director will be expected to address the following key opportunities and challenges:

• Champion a vision for Health Access as the leading consumer advocacy coalition in California;
• Achieve strategic, tangible, and measurable policy wins that advance health access for all;
• Cultivate a broad and inclusive coalition that reflects the diverse needs of consumers;
• Collaborate closely and effectively with both Boards of Directors;
• Facilitate strong internal operations and ensure the ongoing financial vitality of the organization.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. For best consideration, please apply by September 4, 2024. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted here. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Cati Mitchell-Crossley is leading this search with Carley Davenport, Luciano Zuniga, and Thea Kosmack.

Promoting diversity is integral to the mission of Health Access. Health Access seeks applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Health Access embraces equality of opportunity and treatment for all employees in all employment matters.