Health Policy Legal Extern Position Description

Description
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Who We Are.
We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.

What We Offer.
As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths.
• Achieve Career Longevity – Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.

Job Responsibilities

*Description:
Health Policy Legal Extern Position Description- Hybrid
Internship Length:*
January 2026-April 2026

Expected Hours per Week:
20

*Key Objectives:*
The extern will assist the Assistant Commissioner for Policy and the Director of Government Affairs at Georgia Department of Public Health during the legislative session. The students will use legal and policy strategies to support various projects in the Office.

The extern will have a multitude of different tasks to perform each day that may include legislative tracking, bill analysis/summary, constituent services, attendance at committee meetings, and observation of Senate & House chambers during voting. During their time at the State Capitol, externs will gain knowledge of how state government works, how the legislative process works, along with making lifelong career contacts.

*Duties:*
Assist in identifying legislation that may directly impact the Department of Public Health.

Conduct bill analysis and summary for distribution to internal DPH staff.

Conduct bill tracking throughout the legislative session, including tracking bill amendments and substitutes.

Assist in constituent services as needed.

Attend committee meetings, floor sessions, and budget hearings and provide meeting summaries to the Policy team, as needed.

Develop positive working relationships with external partners throughout the legislative session.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Junior or Senior enrolled in a Georgia state and/or College. Must be enrolled during internship.

*Preferred Qualifications*
Law Student or Masters of Public Health Student

Additional Information

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information
State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

ADA Statement
DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email DPH-

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview. DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

*BENEFITS
Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees*
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

*Standard Benefits For Part-Time Employees*
Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.