Are you interested in gaining leadership skills and working in the public health field? Deschutes County Health Services is seeking a High School student in Bend to serve as a Community Health Advocate. This person will provide community members and organizations with youth perspectives concerning substance abuse prevention, as well as help lead a youth committee of local high schoolers focused on preventing youth substance use (Teen Community Health Advocates). The Community Health Advocate will work alongside a diverse group of community members to reduce underage substance use, focusing on the City of Bend and some broader County and regional projects.
Under the guidance of a supervisor, the Community Health Advocate will:
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- Co-lead youth committee meetings (once a month, after school).
- Work with other youth and community members on projects focused on substance use prevention (you do not need skills/experience in this area - we will train you).
- Occasional public speaking; speak directly to youth, community partners, and local public health officials.
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The intern will have support, training, and coaching to develop the following areas:
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- Learning about the public health field, while working alongside public health professionals.
- Learning about local data, including attending training to understand patterns of local underage substance misuse (including alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana), and using that knowledge and training to tackle projects related to preventing underage use.
- Leadership skills: plan, implement and evaluate projects, facilitate meetings, and communicate effectively throughout.
- Public speaking: how to effectively communicate with peers, community partners, and local officials (with preparation, training, and support).
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- Current High School student in Bend, incoming 10th - 12th grader preferred.
- Interest in promoting health and well-being.
- Transportation to and from meetings in Bend is primarily the responsibility of the student. Additional transportation options may be made available.
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