Legislative Affairs Intern
Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
Working in External Affairs from the agency’s Columbus office and with some hybrid elements, the Legislative Affairs Intern will support public policy and legislative affairs efforts – with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare policy – at the state and federal levels. In coordination and with support from professional staff, the Legislative Affairs Intern will monitor committee hearings, track bills, draft summary memos, communicate with elected officials, and engage in other part of the legislative process. Throughout the internship, the Legislative Affairs Intern will also have a variety of other learning opportunities related to governmental relations work more broadly. The duration of this internship is from January 6 to May 9, 2025. (Interviews are expected to occur from mid-November to early December 2024.)
SALARY: UNPAID INTERNSHIP
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, relationship building; traveling; driving and having reliable transportation; utilizing a computer for typing and conducting research; online outreach and conducting research; utilizing a telephone; attending meetings; presenting to small and large groups; process paperwork and forms; and the like.
MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Overall Duties:
- Collaborate with the Director of External Affairs and other departmental staff to support public policy and legislative affairs efforts – with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare policy – at the state and federal levels
- Attend and monitor both in-person and virtual committee hearings in the Ohio General Assembly and the US Congress, while communicating relevant updates
- Track bills across the legislative process (i.e. drafting/introduction to voting) and coordinate with staff to determine actions at each step of the process
- Communicate – with support from staff – with elected officials and staff in the Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate, US Congress, and/or other related governmental bodies, when applicable
- Perform other miscellaneous duties related to legislative affairs and governmental relations work more broadly
Miscellaneous:
- Demonstrate unconditional positive regard to clients and conduct all aspects of job responsibilities with a focus on exceptional customer service
- Continuously grow and develop cultural competency, exhibiting an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity
- Contribute to a positive work environment by demonstrating unconditional positive regard to all Equitas Health employees, interns, etc. with an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Qualifications:
- Actively enrolled in an undergraduate (2 or 4 year) or graduate program
- Ability to dedicate an average of 10 hours per week (i.e. equivalent to a 3-hour credit course) to the internship
- Interest in government, public policy, and the legislative process required
- Experience with data entry and management preferred
- Experience with governmental relations and/or advocacy preferred
- Strong written and verbal communication skills a must
- Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, AOD/injection drug use, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community.
- Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications preferred
- Reliable transportation, driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required
OTHER INFORMATION:
Background check and reference checks will be conducted. Hours may vary, including working some evenings and weekends based on workload. Individuals are not considered applicants until they have been asked to visit for an interview and at that time complete an application for employment. Completing the application does not guarantee employment. In accordance with Equitas Health’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy, pre-employment drug testing will be administered. EOE//AA
PHYSICAL / MENTAL / ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
(N) None the activity does not place a physical demand on the position
(O) Occasionally the activity is performed up to 20% of the time
(F) Frequently the activity is performed from 21% - 50% of the time
(C) Constantly the activity is performed at least 51% of the time
Activity Frequency Activity Frequency
Lifting F Reaching O
Carrying F Handling O
Pushing O Finger Dexterity C
Pulling O Feeling O
Standing O Talking C
Walking F Ordinary Conversation C
Sitting C Loud Talking O
Climbing N Hearing C
Balancing N Transporting Clients N
Work at Heights N Other O
Stooping O Repetitive Motion F
Crouching O Seeing C
Kneeling N Work with others to accomplish work C
Crawling N Work alone to accomplish work F
Susceptible to several interruptions C
The employee must regularly lift and carry small packages of up to 25 pounds. The employee must occasionally carry supplies, materials, displays, and audio visual aids weighing up to 50 pounds to and from their car and to other locations within or outside of the office.
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS PRESENT
Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens. Otherwise, there are no known occupational hazards in performing the job.
The organization reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.