About the Department

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Who We Are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.
 
What We Offer. As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.  
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths. 
• Achieve Career Longevity – Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.

Position Duties

The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Opioid and Substance Misuse Response Program is leading several statewide initiatives to address Georgia’s growing opioid crisis. The Program is comprised of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), Drug Surveillance Unit, the Prevention and Education Program, and the Harm Reduction Program’s objectives are to 1) Establish a strong multi-sector approach to combating substance misuse; 2) Establish linkages to treatment centers and harm reduction organizations; 3) Gather data to identify Opioid hotspots throughout Georgia; 4) Enhance the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP); 5) Distribute opioid and prescription drug abuse educational and response resources; and 6) Support syringe service activities.

The SIRF Fellow will work for the Georgia Department of Public Health Opioid and Substance Misuse Response Program alongside the Program Evaluator to complete an environmental scan/point-in-time survey with the purpose of assessing gaps in referrals to treatment programs and Peer Navigators throughout Georgia. The survey will contain both qualitative and quantitative questions. In partnership with Georgia Overdose Prevention, the Fellow and Program Evaluator will administer the survey throughout Georgia at various locations to be determined. The Fellow will be responsible for assisting the Evaluator with data input and analyses as appropriate. This project requires immense compassion and equanimity for persons in active substance use. 

The intern will have the opportunity to:

The student will be given a workspace (i.e. desk) and building access (i.e. badge) for the duration of the internship. The student will be provided a work laptop as well.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Administer survey to appropriate populations under guidance of the Program Evaluator 
• Input survey results  
• Perform appropriate data analyses 
• Travel to survey administration sites  
• Attend twice-weekly in-person office days (survey administration days counts towards this requirement) 
• Attend various meetings within the program and with external partners 
• Develop materials based on surveys for internal and external use 
• Other duties as assigned 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Previous experience with vulnerable populations  
• Qualitative data analysis (MaxQDA) 
• Quantitative data analysis (R, SAS) 
• Willingness to be in uncomfortable situations  
• Demonstrated history of leadership in group settings  
• Relationship building with external partners 

Attributes 

• Cultural competency with persons in active use or experiencing homelessness 
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve 
• Open-mindedness and willingness to learn  
• Effectively communicate with team members, leadership, and partners 
• Organized and dependable 

Other Qualifications

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. 

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. 

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email [email protected]. 

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview.  DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
 In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

 Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.