Preferred Communities Medicaid Research & Health Systems Impact Intern (unpaid)

Scope of Service

This internship is structured in two complementary parts. The first focuses on researching and mapping Medicaid billing opportunities across Preferred Communities sites nationwide. The second focuses on analyzing the financial and systems-level impact of case management services, particularly in reducing emergency room utilization and associated costs.

Impact

The intern’s work will contribute to strengthening long-term funding strategies for Preferred Communities programming while demonstrating the value of case management services in reducing healthcare costs and improving outcomes for clients and communities.

Learning Objectives

• Develop understanding of Medicaid systems and their role in funding community-based services
• Build skills in multi-state systems mapping and policy research
• Gain experience conducting cost-benefit and impact analysis within healthcare and social service contexts
• Strengthen ability to translate complex research into clear, actionable reports
• Understand the relationship between preventative care, case management, and healthcare utilization
• Gain awareness of systemic barriers impacting access to healthcare
• Gain experience producing professional-level written reports and literature reviews

Activities

Part 1: Medicaid Research & Systems Mapping

• Collect and organize information on Medicaid billing processes across Preferred Communities locations
• Map state-by-state Medicaid billing models, including variations in structure and implementation
• Identify key contacts and requirements related to Medicaid billing
• Research federal and state compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA)
• Analyze organizational readiness for Medicaid billing
• Review eligibility criteria, billing codes, and reimbursable services
• Explore partnerships and workforce pathways (e.g., Community Health Workers)
• Audit financial considerations including reimbursement and administrative costs
• Identify alternative sustainability strategies beyond Medicaid

Part 2: Cost-Benefit Analysis & Health Systems Impact

• Conduct cost-benefit analysis on case management and emergency room utilization
• Research costs associated with emergency room visits
• Analyze patterns of ER usage among PC clients
• Examine disparities in healthcare access and utilization
• Develop frameworks for estimating cost savings
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with healthcare providers
• Create tools or models to support implementation of cost-saving strategies

Training Activities

• Observation of program operations and strategy discussions
• Participation in team meetings and research check-ins
• Guided research assignments
• Supervised development of literature reviews and reports

Desired Skills And Abilities

• Graduate or Doctoral-level coursework in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Psychiatry, or related field
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
• Ability to synthesize complex systems and policy information
• Interest in healthcare systems, Medicaid, and social service integration
• Strong attention to detail and organization

Time Commitment

This internship is structured for educational benefit and professional development and does not constitute employment. Remote position; intern must have access to reliable technology and workspace. Weekly hours: TBD Availability during standard business hours preferred Participation in onboarding and required IRC trainings Commitment to consistent and reliable engagement throughout the internship

Eligibility & Onboarding Requirements

• Must be located in the U.S. during the internship
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Completion of IRC background check
• Completion of IRC onboarding and required trainings, including: IRC Way, Every Day Safety and Security Training, Safeguarding Training, Information Security Awareness

Professional Standards

• All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability.
• In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation.
• IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs.
• IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.