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

Summary

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization focused on aiding those affected by conflict and disaster. They are seeking a Preferred Communities Medicaid Research & Health Systems Impact Intern to assist in researching Medicaid billing opportunities and analyzing the impact of case management services on healthcare costs and outcomes. This internship will enhance the program's sustainability and demonstrate the value of its services.

Responsibilities

• 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)
• Assess financial considerations including reimbursement and administrative costs
• Identify alternative sustainability strategies beyond Medicaid
• 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
• 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

Skills

• 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
• 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

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 10 sick days
• 10 US holidays
• 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $163 per month
• Dental starting at $6.50 per month
• Vision starting at $5 per month
• FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
• A 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
• Disability & life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles