Student Intern, Public Health

The Town of Needham is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill a summer position as a Student Intern working in the Public Health Division of the Health & Human Services Department. Supervised by the Assistant Director of Public Health for Nursing and Behavioral Health, this internship will facilitate learning in local public health, local Boards of Health, substance use prevention, and opioid settlement funding.

The ideal candidate is a college or graduate student with coursework in epidemiology, public health, or a related discipline. This intern will be invited to Public Health Division staff meetings and Board of Health meetings as a learning experience as well as pertinent educational webinars. They will have the opportunity to shadow other staff in the Division, if interested in learning about other subject areas within local public health.

This internship is scheduled to run from roughly May 26 through August 31, 2026.

Schedule: roughly 15 hours/week

• Thursdays, 8 am-5 pm
• Additional scheduled hours are flexible depending on final candidate's availability

CON #26095

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

Assessment & Research

• Research and provide recommendations for providing Narcan to Needham residents ages 15-30.
• Research and recommend strategies to make Narcan accessible to Needham residents through an anonymous, self-service option.

Infrastructure & Service Delivery

• Identify points of contact for possible SAMBox installation or alternative delivery methods (in businesses or via other community organizations); create system for tracking outreach efforts and points of contact.
• Set up systems for stocking and maintaining Narcan inventory and tracking Narcan use at various access points.

Health Communication & Outreach

• Assist in creating a public-facing resource identifying where Narcan is available in town.
• Develop an overdose awareness and Narcan messaging campaign aimed at residents ages 15-30.

Community Engagement- Overdose Awareness Event

• Work with the Peer Support Specialist to plan and promote the annual Overdose Awareness Day Vigil in August.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• College or graduate student in epidemiology, public health, or with courses in epidemiology, public health, or a related field
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and organize tasks and duties
• Ability to collaborate with public health team members to implement services and events
• Prior experience with a local public health department is beneficial but not required

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application by clicking "Apply."

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on May 11, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at personnel@needhamma.gov.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov.