Office of Health Strategy and Coordination Internship

The Georgia Office of Health Strategy and Coordination (OHSC) was established through HB 186 during the 2019 legislative session to strengthen and support the healthcare infrastructure of the state through interconnecting health functions, sharing resources across multiple state agencies, and seeking to overcome barriers to the coordination of healthcare.  The Office plays a central role in sharing healthcare information and coordinating strategic healthcare policy between state agencies, healthcare providers, and the public, while also developing innovative approaches for lowering health costs while improving access to quality healthcare. The powers and duties of the Office include facilitating collaboration and coordination between state agencies, coordinating state health functions and programs, serving as a forum for identifying Georgia’s specific health issues of greatest concern, and promoting cooperation from both public and private agencies to test new and innovative ideas. The Office also advises the Governor on healthcare policy issues and legislation pertaining to healthcare. In 2022, the Office was assigned the additional responsibility of overseeing the coordination of mental health policy and behavioral health services across state agencies.  

Position Overview 

Duties will vary depending on the semester. Spring interns will have the opportunity to see the legislative process at work. They will assist with tracking bills related to health agencies, watch committee meetings, and provide analysis on the potential impacts of pending healthcare legislation. Summer and fall interns will assist in planning activities related to executive branch operations, reviewing agency policies, providing recommendations to improve agency policies and procedures, and tracking the implementation of signed legislation.  All interns will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, identify and utilize available data and research to analyze issues, and work collaboratively with members of the OHSC team and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget.

Learning Objectives 

  • Gain a more thorough understanding of health services, policies, and programs in Georgia
  • Gain a thorough understanding of the legislative process in Georgia
  • Increase knowledge of state and federal health programs and policies
  • Apply writing and analytical skills in a work setting
  • Enhance professional development and written and verbal communication skills
  • Improve ability to read, comprehend, and analyze healthcare legislation and policies

Interest Areas 

Public policy, research, public administration, business administration, state government, legislative and legal analysis

Required Qualifications:  

  • Undergraduate or graduate level student
  • Currently enrolled or recent graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Georgia resident or currently attending a Georgia college, university, or law school
  • Working level skill in the use of MS Office applications

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Graduate level student
  • Currently enrolled or recent graduate with a 3.5 GPA or higher
  • Excellent writing, organizational and computer skills
  • General knowledge of the State of Georgia’s health agencies, major state and/or federal health programs, and the legislative process
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting research and making recommendations based on objective findings and analysis

 Internship Details:

  • Fall Dates:  September through December
  • Spring Dates:  January through April
  • Summer Dates:  May through August
  • Hours:  24 to 32 hours/week
  • $15/hour pay

The application for the spring internship can be found here.