Intern, Community Relations (Fall 2026)

We are a mission-driven, community-based organization that serves member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person.

About the role

This internship is designed to provide work experience in the field prior to graduating. You will have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting, handling department-assigned projects with a moderate degree of independence. The role involves assisting the Community Relations team in community engagement, program development, and implementation of special projects, large-scale events, and meetings with key stakeholders to support CalOptima Health initiatives. You may also coordinate administrative support for events and projects led by CalOptima Health and community partners. Maintaining confidentiality is essential.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a mission-driven culture focused on high-quality performance, customer service, consistency, dignity, and accountability.
• Assist the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborate with others to support short- and long-term goals.
• Support department-related projects as assigned and meet deadlines for sub-tasks.
• Participate in meetings with supervisors to review the status and progress of assigned work.
• Assist in community engagement with key stakeholders and support program development and implementation of special projects and events.
• Coordinate administrative support for special events, projects, and meetings led by CalOptima Health and community stakeholders.
• Complete other projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Enrollment in a college or university two- or four-year degree program, an accredited vocational institution, or a graduate program.

Skills

• Develop rapport and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, staff, and external contacts from diverse backgrounds.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends for events.
• Organize, analyze, problem-solve, and manage projects effectively.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects.
• Identify opportunities for internal and external collaboration.
• Motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and job-specific applications/systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to visually read information from computer screens, forms, and printed materials.
• Clear speech for communication via telephone and face-to-face interactions.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication and responses.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement (bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, prolonged sitting).
• Ability to lift and move objects, patients, and/or equipment weighing 10 to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• If located at the 505 Building or a remote work location:
  • Typically indoors and sedentary, with possible schedule changes and variable work hours.
  • Travel may be required.
  • No harmful environmental conditions; noise level is usually moderate.
• If located at PACE:
  • Typically indoors in a clinical setting serving the frail and elderly.
  • May involve harmful or hazardous environmental conditions.
  • Noise level is usually moderate to loud.
• If located in the community:
  • Typically indoors and sedentary, with possible schedule changes and variable work hours.
  • Occasional outdoor work in varied temperatures.
  • Travel may be required.
  • May involve harmful or hazardous environmental conditions.
  • Noise level is usually moderate to loud.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: Pay Grade 301 – $47,840 - $64,584 ($23.00 - $31.05/hour), based on education, job-related knowledge, experience, skills, and internal equity.
• Work-life balance.
• Wellness programs.
• Professional and career development opportunities.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Satisfaction of impacting and improving healthcare access for thousands of individuals and families.