INTERNSHIP GUIDELINES 2004 CENTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY CENTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH Internship Guidelines 2004 TABLE OF CONTENTS Internship 2004 Timeline/Checklist………………………………………………………. i I. Internship Overview……………………………………………………………………1 Purpose Academic Requirements Roles and Responsibilities Non-discrimination Statement Health Insurance and Liability II. Internship Agreement…………………………………………………………………. 5 Purpose and Process Learning Objectives in a Practice Setting Tips for Writing Learning Objectives III. Mid-Point Review and Evaluation………………………………………………… 8 IV. Final Assignment…………………………………………………………………… 9 Purpose Organization Profile Organizational Analysis Self-evaluation of the student’s performance Integration of Scholarship and Practice V. Evaluations………………………………………………………………………… 13 Sample Internship Agreement (attachment) Skills, Competencies and Knowledge for Public Health Professionals (attachment) Center for Public Health Practice Contact Information (attachment) INTERNSHIP 2004 TIMELINE/CHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS AND PRECEPTORS Center for Public Health Practice School of Public Health University of California, Berkeley Week 1 Orientation to Organization __ Introductions to colleagues and staff __ Read organizational mission and vision __ Brief on equipment and supplies available __ Review organizational policies and procedures __ Begin scheduling appointments for informational interviews within organization __ Review learning objectives and projects/activities Week 2 Internship Agreement __ Student submit draft Internship Agreement to Field Supervisor for review __ FS returns Agreement to site for signatures by student, preceptor, and supervisor (if different than preceptor) __ Final copy returned to FS for signature __ Signed Internship Agreement sent to student and preceptor Week 6 - 7 Mid-Point Review and Evaluation __ Student and preceptor review Internship Agreement to evaluate progress to date, need for revision __ Conduct a mid-point evaluation using the Post-Internship Assessment to mark professional progress (optional) __ Site visit or phone conference between student, preceptor, FS Weeks 11 - 12 or Final 2 Weeks Final Assignment __ Student submits draft of Final Assignment to FS __ Preceptor reviews Organization Description section of Final Assignment __ Student schedules meeting in September with FS to review final assignment/internship Final Evaluations __ Student and preceptor jointly complete Post-Internship Assessment; send copy to FS __ Student completes Site Evaluation and Course Evaluation and sends to CPHP Practice Coordinator I. INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW Public health practice is an integral part of the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health. The requirement for an approved, supervised internship applies to MPH students in the two and three year programs and to all areas of concentration. The Center for Public Health Practice (CPHP) provides the academic and administrative structure for the practice component of the MPH program. Purpose An internship provides the opportunity to integrate classroom learning and practice in a public health work environment. The intern contributes to a community's resources and to the solution of public health problems while developing personal confidence and leadership as a public health professional. A planned, supervised internship and the preparation leading to it fosters professional development in several areas: The application of public health core knowledge and specialty skills The development of new practice-based skills Attention to professional self-assessment and personal growth Emphasis is placed on demonstrating an awareness of how the intern’s activities and projects are part of a larger public health context. A practice experience provides an important first step to a career in the field if a student has little or no prior experience. If the student has extensive experience or advanced degrees in other fields, they have the opportunity to apply existing skills at a higher level and to develop new professional skills in public health. Academic Requirements The School of Public Health requires students pursuing the two and three year MPH degree to complete a 3-month supervised internship while registered at UC Berkeley. Students in Health Policy and Management have the option to complete a six-month internship. The internship follows the first year of academic study in public health. The internship is a 12-week, full-time work experience during the summer, typically 480 hours based on a standard 40 hour work week. Based on the special needs of the student or the site, a part-time academic year placement can be arranged. To receive academic credit, students need to complete four assignments: Assignments: Internship Agreement (see Section II) Mid Point Review and Evaluation (Section III) Final Evaluations (Section V) Final Assignment (Section IV); meeting with FS Due Date: Week 2 Week 6 or 7 Week 12 or final week September These internship assignments engage students in a process of goal setting, self-evaluation and critical reflection on the links between theory and practice. Student assignments are explained in more detail in Sections II, III, IV, and V of this handbook. I. INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW - CONTINUED Roles and Responsibilities Role of the Organization and the Preceptor The sponsoring organization agrees to provide a preceptor to oversee the student’s internship. The preceptor should have expertise in assigned project areas, experience and status within the organization, and an interest and competence in supervising and mentoring. As a mentor, the preceptor shares organizational values, experiences and contacts with the student to facilitate a successful public health practice internship. The preceptor provides an orientation to the organization and to the student's specific projects. This may include: describing the organizational mission and vision introducing the intern to key people within the organization arranging informational meetings with key personnel in student’s area of interest providing information about the target population reviewing organizational policies and procedures familiarizing the intern with office equipment and procedures Projects assigned to the student should meet the organization’s needs as well as the student’s learning objectives. The preceptor and supervisors assist the student by providing access to the resources needed to complete the work. The student is encouraged to apply classroom learning. An ideal project allows the student to take initiative, work on a team and work with other disciplines. The student benefits from attending meetings with management and other leaders within the organization and in the community to gain a better understanding of the broader context of the organization. The preceptor is encouraged to invite the student to observe special meetings and attend inservice trainings throughout the internship. The preceptor meets with the student on a regular basis to discuss progress on projects and learning, as well as any issues that may arise as a result of the student's activities. Frequent feedback on both strengths and areas for improvement is crucial to the student’s professional development. If the student has been assigned a supervisor for the project who is not the preceptor, the preceptor and supervisor work together to provide the necessary guidance and feedback for the intern. Joint meetings to discuss projects and progress may be helpful. Conducting informational interviews with key individuals in the organization is another important way for students to gain a broad public health perspective and professional confidence. 2 Student's Role and Responsibilities The internship provides exposure and access within organizations that graduates may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience during the early years of their public health careers. The student is expected to function as a professional, which is reflected in the projects and activities performed and in relationships with the organization's administrators and other staff. The student is responsible to the preceptor for agreed upon projects and work duties. Students are expected to: assist the preceptor with management of the internship experience provide professional quality work comply with the policies and procedures of the organization integrate within the structure of the organization take initiative in designing or implementing a project complete academic and professional assignments related to the placement Field Supervisor's Role and Responsibilities Each student is assigned a Field Supervisor from the Center for Public Health Practice who assists the student in identifying professional and career objectives, clarifying learning objectives and identifying appropriate internship sites. The Field Supervisor can assist the preceptor in his/her role as educator, supervisor and mentor, and can provide technical assistance and access to the University’s academic resources when requested. The Field Supervisor visits the site to assess student progress and discuss changes in the Internship Agreement and other areas of interest to the preceptor and student. A phone conference is held when a site visit is not possible. The Field Supervisor is available by phone or e-mail throughout the internship to answer questions or to assist in the resolution of any problems. Non-discrimination Statement The University of California, in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities. 3 Health Insurance and Liability Students registered for the 2004 Summer Session will automatically continue to be covered by the student health insurance plan (SHIP). However, the University does not provide worker’s compensation coverage, general liability coverage or automobile liability coverage. Public and private employers typically maintain these types of insurance policies that cover their employees in case of workplace injury sustained during the course of employment. Participation in the worker’s compensation system is usually mandatory for employers. Virtually all of the internship employers will have worker’s compensation coverage, general liability coverage, and automobile liability. Preceptors and students are encouraged to check with the Human Resources and/or Business Office to ask what coverage(s) the employer maintains. In addition, they should discuss with the Human Resources and/or Business Office whether the student will be classified as an employee or a trainee for purposes of compensation and liability. The student’s classification may be a factor in determining whether they are covered by the employer’s insurance coverage(s). It should be noted that worker’s compensation does not cover injuries during normal commuting (either to or from the workplace). Also, the general rule is that injuries due to workplace assaults are compensable “if they result from work-related increases in the risk of encountering dangerous people.” 4 II. INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT Purpose and Process The Internship Agreement is developed during the first two weeks of the internship by the student in consultation with the preceptor and Field Supervisor. The Internship Agreement describes and defines the working relationship between the student and the organization. It integrates the student’s learning objectives and interests with the needs and opportunities of the site. This agreement is not a legal contract, but rather a tool for communication, monitoring, and evaluation of the practice experience. It may be modified during the internship by agreement among the student, the preceptor, and the Field Supervisor. The Internship Agreement consists of: a. Specifications Name of student, organization, preceptor, start and end dates, stipend amount, work study (if involved), other compensation (such as conference, training, transportation, relocation allowances), preceptor/student meeting frequency, and other logistics, working conditions or site requirements. b. Scope of Work A work plan detailing the student's learning objectives, proposed activities, evidence of learning/products, and timeline. The learning objectives are key in tying the student’s academic learning with the practice skills and knowledge they gain during their internships. Further details on the learning objectives are provided below. c. Brief Description of Primary Projects d. Expected Product A finished product the student delivers to the site during the internship. Examples: Report, web page, computer program, publication. (Note: these are not part of the final assignment) e. Format for Part 4 of Final Assignment Selection of case study, journal, poster, creative presentation or other format f . Signatures and Date Student, Preceptor, and Field Supervisor The CPHP has developed a recommended format for the Internship Agreement (see attached). The student may use this or another format that conveys the elements of the 5 II. INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT -- CONTINUED Internship Agreement in a concise, understandable manner that allows the student and preceptor to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. The Field Supervisor can provide examples of Internship Agreements from previous interns to assist the student in determining an appropriate format. Learning Objectives in a Practice Setting The Center for Public Health Practice model of academic practice categorizes students’ learning into five related areas as described below (see Skills and Competencies in attachments). The Internship Agreement should include objectives in most of these areas. Examples of learning objectives are available from the Field Supervisor. 1. Public Health Skills and Competencies The technical skills and competencies required to be effective in a public health workplace and in the student’s specialty area. These may include basic research, program planning and evaluation, policy, fiscal functions and computer skills. 2. Core and Specialty Knowledge The core and specialty knowledge of public health and how it is applied in improving population health including in-depth knowledge of specific public health issues and specific populations. 3. Leadership Skills and Abilities The art of integrating public health knowledge, theory, and practice and the ability to have an impact on the environment as a public health professional. This includes critical thinking, problem-solving, interdisciplinary teamwork, cultural competence, decision-making, communication and leadership. 4. Context and Environment Systems and contexts within which public health organizations and professionals function, including funding sources, public policy, external relationships, social and economic inequalities, market trends, and other historical and current influences on public health. Organizational objectives include gaining work experience in a specific sector, organization, and work setting. 5. Personal and Career Development General skills and knowledge which are essential to success in any professional field, such as organizing a complex job, working independently and as part of a team, setting goals and monitoring performance, assessing personal strengths and challenges. This includes exploring specific career interests, identifying trends and opportunities, developing networks, becoming familiar with occupational literature and associations. 6 II. INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT - CONTINUED Tips for Writing Learning Objectives Learning objectives form the basis of the Scope of Work and are written as measurable statements of the results the student wishes to achieve. A learning objective is a concise, measurable, and understandable statement of a change in competency, skill, knowledge, or understanding the student plans to gain. Learning objectives are written in the present tense and use action verbs which describe how learning will be demonstrated. It is important to define the level of mastery which will be obtained when defining the outcome, e.g., identifying an issue vs. analyzing the issue, listing problems vs. evaluating problems. Clearly defined learning objectives are the foundation of a strong and successful internship. Prior to beginning the internship, the student will have worked with the Field Supervisor, completing a self-assessment and preparation process. This includes writing broad learning objectives which help to refine and focus the student’s areas of interest. The student works with the preceptor during the first two weeks of the internship to tailor the learning objectives to the specifics of the site and anticipated projects. 7 III. MID-POINT REVIEW & EVALUATION Purpose The Mid-Point Review and Evaluation is a conference to ensure the internship experience is meeting the student’s and preceptor’s needs and expectations. The purpose of the review is to: • assess progress in achieving work assignments and learning objectives, including review of personal and professional growth and development • identify and discuss learning issues, strengths and challenges, resource needs which have emerged during the internship • update the Internship Agreement to reflect any changes Participants: Student, Field Supervisor, Preceptor, Project Supervisor (optional) Facilitator: Student Topics/Agenda: Proposed by student, consensus by participants Duration: 45-90 minutes, as needed Location: On site, location arranged by student; phone conference if on-site visit not possible The review is a time for reflection and feedback on how the internship is working out for the student, the preceptor, and the organization. As facilitator, the student chooses a format for discussion which will promote a substantive and open exchange. Some students use the Post-Internship Assessment form as a jumping off point (available on CPHP website), others start with a review of the Internship Agreement, while others choose a more open format. While the format and content may vary, the ultimate goal of the Mid-Point Review and Evaluation is to help ensure that the internship is on track in providing a valuable learning experience for the student and that the student is making a contribution to the organization. 8 IV. FINAL ASSIGNMENT Purpose The purpose of the final assignment is to allow the student reflect on the practice experience. This is an opportunity for the student to describe what was done, what was learned, and to place the experiences within the context of the organization, the community and the MPH program. The student should think creatively about his/her contribution to the profession and the professional value of the placement. The following outline is a guide. The Organization Profile should be drafted one week before the end of the internship so that the preceptor can review it to assure that the information is accurate prior to submission to the Field Supervisor. The Final Assignment has four (4) sections. 1. Organization Profile The Organization Profile is intended to reflect the student’s understanding of the site based on their experience. It will be made available to future students considering the organization as a potential internship site. Information to be included: a. Name and location of the organization, division or department in which the student worked b. Preceptor’s name and title c. Project supervisor’s name and title, if applicable d. Student’s position in the organization with a brief explanation of why the student chose the internship site and project e. Mission/purpose and goals of the internship site f. Organizational structure, e.g. organizational chart, departments, qualifications or background of key professionals g. Programs and services offered h. Population(s) served including pertinent demographic/census information. i. Relationship of this organization to other regional, state or national organizations 2. Organizational Analysis Factors determining policies and programs and the ability of the organization to fulfill its mission such as trends, recent changes internally or externally that might enhance or hinder the ability to proceed as planned. The organizational analysis may be made available, with permission, to students considering an internship at the site in the future. . 9 IV. FINAL ASSIGNMENT -- CONTINUED 3. Self-evaluation of the student’s performance The self-evaluation is a reflection for the student on the internship experience itself. The student may find it helpful to prepare this prior to meeting with the preceptor for the final evaluation. Reviewing the Internship Agreement will be helpful in preparing this part of the assignment. The self-evaluation may be made available, with permission, to students considering an internship at the site in the future. Areas to be addressed include: a. How successful the student was in achieving the learning objectives and scope of work b. Key competencies and skills the student developed c. Any unexpected accomplishments d. Impact of the experience on the student’s personal and professional development e. Resources and contacts the student developed for future use f. Recommendations to future students preparing for an internship: What would the student do differently? What was the student glad s/he did? 4. Integration of Scholarship and Practice The last piece of the final assignment is to be used by the student to demonstrate how s/he has integrated scholarship with practice during the internship experience. This can be through application of academic knowledge to the practice setting or showing how new knowledge emerged from practice. Five formats are offered. Pick ONE format only. a. Case Study The case study is based on an actual situation encountered by the student during the internship. Preparation of the case study will engage the student in critically analyzing an issue, problem or situation experienced during the internship, using relevant public health theory. The case study should include: 1. Case Background – clearly spell out the context or background 2. Problems – prioritize the issues, clearly state the primary problem 3. Solutions – use relevant public health theory, literature or research to present the solutions; present and prioritize solutions/interventions, including possible outcomes; consider long-term consequences and risks and benefits 4. Implementation – describe implementation steps 5. Evaluation – present evaluation criteria More detailed guidelines for writing case studies and sample case studies are available from the CPHP Resource Center and website. 10 IV. FINAL ASSIGNMENT -- CONTINUED b. Journal The student records internship experiences and reflections regularly - at least once per week. The journal should document both the student’s professional and personal growth, and help the student analyze situations encountered and reactions to them. Entries may include insights on: what the student is learning the student’s role in the organization external and internal influences on the student and/or the organization challenges or dilemmas and how the student or the organization responded to them methodological challenges congruence or incongruence between theory and practice insights about the student’s knowledge, skills, work style, values and beliefs unexpected rewards or opportunities important or unanswered questions and areas for future exploration In the final entry, the student should look back over the journal and reflect on the internship experience, highlighting what was learned and implications for future professional development. The journal is a confidential document that will be reviewed only by the Field Supervisor. Generic samples of journal entries and more detailed information on keeping a journal are available through the CPHP Resource Center. c. Conference-Quality Poster The student may design a visually appealing, conference-quality poster which depicts the internship site, an internship project or an interesting experience s/he has experienced in the field. The poster incorporates a critical analysis of or reflection on how practice and theory are integrated. All posters will be displayed in the lobby of Warren Hall during the first month of Fall semester. Students may also want to schedule poster sessions for new student and faculty. The following components are included in a poster: 1. 2. Heading: the name of the organization, project, or public health issue Student’s name and contact information 11 IV. FINAL ASSIGNMENT -- CONTINUED 3. 4. Text: Name and location of the organization Mission, goals and objectives of the project Description of the population served or program participants Quotes from directors, staff or participants Description of the internship project, including results or findings Critical analysis of or reflection on how practice and theory are integrated Text can be made visually appealing using a word processor or a presentation software program such as Power Point and a color printer. Sample posters from previous student internships are available in the CPHP Resource Center. Guidelines for poster preparation are available on the CPHP website. d. Creative Presentation The student may develop a creative presentation such as a panel, roundtable discussion, or by using other interactive learning methods. The intent of the presentation is to incorporate the critical thinking and analysis described in the other final assignment formats and share these insights with fellow students. The student assumes responsibility for the development of the presentation, which should be of professional caliber, with guidance from the Field Supervisor. e. Other Formats The student may choose to present a program, project or challenge encountered during his or her internship through other creative media such as video, world wide web or photography. The final product should incorporate critical thinking and analysis as described in the other final assignment formats. Other formats must be discussed with the Field Supervisor and approved in advance. 12 V. EVALUATIONS Three evaluation forms are sent to the student several weeks before the end of the internship: Post-Internship Assessment Site Evaluation Course Evaluation These evaluation forms are also available on the CPHP website. During the last week of the internship, the student and preceptor jointly complete the Post-Internship Assessment form, which evaluates the student’s professional and public health skills. This written evaluation helps the student explore his or her strengths, as well as areas that may need improvement. It is recommended that the student complete a self-evaluation using the Post-Internship Assessment form prior to meeting with the preceptor. Students often use the feedback received during this evaluation to plan future graduate course work and subsequent career or academic objectives. The Site Evaluation form is completed by the student and submitted to the Field Supervisor. Information on this form assists the Field Supervisor in mentoring the student to integrate his or her field experiences. The Site Evaluation also assists the CPHP in matching appropriate students to the internship in following years. The student also completes a Course Evaluation which provides feedback to the Field Supervisor and the CPHP on the preparation for the internship and ongoing support during it. This confidential form is returned to the CPHP Practice Coordinator. 13 SAMPLE FORMAT INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT Intern Name: Work e-mail: Work phone: Area of Concentration: Preceptor: Preceptor Title: Preceptor e-mail: Preceptor phone: Length of Internship: Start Date: End Date: Stipend: Organization: Preceptor meeting frequency: SCOPE OF WORK Area of Competency (i.e., Public Health Skills and Competencies, Core and Specialty Knowledge, Leadership Skills and Abilities, Context and Environment, Personal and Career Development per attached Skills, Competencies and Knowledge document) Learning Objective Method/Activities Evidence of learning/products Timeline Brief description of primary project(s) (Attach an additional page if needed.) Expected Products, e.g. Web site, curriculum, report, published paper, grant Format for the final assignment (Section 4 of the Final Report), e.g. case study, journal, poster and presentation, creative format ***************************************************** I understand that this document is an agreement between the student and preceptor and is subject to revision if both parties agree. As the preceptor, I understand that this internship is an academic requirement of the MPH Program at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health and that I have the right to review and confirm the facts of all reports and products produced for the academic portion of the experience. I agree with the above provisions. If there are any problems concerning these provisions, I may contact ______________ Field Supervisor at _______________________. _________________________ Preceptor Date ____________________________ Student Date 2 ____________________________ Field Supervisor Date SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND KNOWLEDGE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN A PRACTICE SETTING Public Health Skills and Competencies Research Conduct a literature review Select appropriate methodologies Collect data Analyze data Write for publication Program planning and evaluation Design and implement a needs assessment Plan a program Develop evaluation instruments, both quantitative and qualitative Analyze and present evaluation results Policy Conduct policy research and analysis Develop policy, legislation or regulations Advocate for policy Fiscal functions Develop and manage budgets and do financial planning Write grants and fundraise Computer skills Develop databases Conduct statistical analysis Design a Web page Utilize graphic design software Perform additional functions specific to area of study Core and Specialty Knowledge Apply relevant skills, knowledge and theory in a practice setting Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of specific public health issues Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of specific populations Leadership Skills and Abilities Communication Clearly communicate ideas to a variety of audiences – verbally and in writing Listen attentively and solicit input from individuals and groups Cultural competence Understand one’s own cultural background in relationship to others Establish sensitive and effective working relations with diverse individuals Design culturally and linguistically relevant interventions and materials Management Plan, organize, coordinate and monitor people and resources Establish agendas and facilitate meetings Identify, analyze, and solve problems Adapt to change Public health leadership Lead and participate in interdisciplinary teams Envision the future and provide innovative approaches to public health problems Adhere to ethical standards Context and Environment Identify and analyze social, environmental, and biological determinants of health and illness Assess internal and external forces (e.g., historical, political, economic) affecting response to a public health issue Describe the roles and relationships of public, private, and non-profit organizations in solving public health problems Describe an organization’s mission, goals, objectives, structure and operations Personal and Career Development Personal assessment and learning Work collaboratively in team settings Work independently and take initiative Aware of personal strengths and limitations in relation to the field of public health and area of concentration Incorporate suggestions to improve performance Organization and time management Set priorities and allocate time efficiently Perform several tasks at once Career development Utilize knowledge of trends in public health and specialty area and career opportunities to seek employment Establish a network of contacts in area of concentration UC BERKELEY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH Center for Public Health Practice Field Supervisors Janet Savage, MS, RD, Director 521 Warren Hall 510.642.2414 jsavage@uclink4.berkeley.edu Sandra Dratler, DrPH 522 Warren Hall 510.643.0969 sdratler@uclink4.berkeley.edu Daniel Perlman, PhD 519 Warren Hall 510.642.9839 dperl@uclink4.berkeley.edu Kevin Williams, MPH, JD 520 Warren Hall 510.643.0722 kdwills@uclink4.berkeley.edu Practice Coordinator Marena Cortes Zavaleta Mailing Address: Center for Public Health Practice School of Public Health 140 Warren Hall University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA 94720-7360 Fax: 510.642.9891 523 Warren Hall 510.643.0970 mcz@uclink.berkeley.edu