Please note: If you need academic credit or will be accruing hours towards a certification or practicum requirement, the contracting process between Boulder County Public Health and your school will require 6-8 weeks before the internship can begin. If you simply want to volunteer, the onboarding process takes 2-4 weeks.

Program Summary:

GENERATIONS (formally known as GENESISTER) supports youth of all genders during their teen and young adult years, as well as their parents/guardians, to prevent school dropout and provide culturally responsive sexual and reproductive health education to reduce incidences of unplanned pregnancies. This is done through one-on-one mentorship and pro-social/educational youth groups where we provide self-empowerment tools, engage in transformational conversations, and encourage healthy and effective communication skills.

Visit https://www.bouldercounty.org/families/youth/generations/ for more information.

Description of Work:

The description and frequency of this work depends on how much time the volunteer can provide, or what a university intern must provide for their program. This role provides ample of opportunities for getting involved in Community Health Programming within the Public Health realm. If desired, our volunteers/interns can both plan and facilitate youth groups, lead community service projects with our leadership cohort, network with other Boulder County programs and community organizations, develop marketing materials like calendars and newsletters, and more! Overall, the program requests that volunteers and interns assist the GENERATIONS Group Facilitator in the agenda creation and implementation of weekly educational youth groups. We also request about 2 interns per school year to provide direct support with our GENERATIONS Leadership Cohort (GLO), which meets every Wednesday in either Boulder, Longmont, or Lafayette from 4:30-6:30 PM. GENERATIONS Interns and Volunteers also have the opportunity, and are encouraged, to participate in the planning and facilitation of quarterly pro social events (i.e. Elitchs or Boondocks, etc), quarterly volunteering events (i.e. Growing Gardens or MLK Day), and quarterly parent and youth connection events. Transportation support is a high priority for the program, as we work towards limiting barriers for students to attend groups, so this will be a requirement for most, if not all, of our volunteers and interns (county vehicles available for use).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Awareness of and/or willingness to learn about racism, xenophobia, privilege, sexism, etc., and its effects on the community at-large.
• Ability to work with high-risk youth & low-income families in a nonjudgmental fashion.
• Ability to support comprehensive sexual health education and reproductive rights.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to conduct oneself in a responsible and professional manner.
• Ability to be flexible and expect scheduling changes and challenges, as well as unprepared youth and/or families.
• Bilingual/Bicultural individuals are highly encouraged to apply, but not a requirement.

Special Requirements:

• For client transportation must have a reliable personal vehicle that is readily available for business use; minimum liability insurance, as required by the State of Colorado; a valid driver’s license; and a driving record in good standing. Boulder County vehicles are available to reserve.
  • If traffic accident occurs, must comply with county policy.
• For client transportation, the vehicle must have properly functioning front and back seatbelts, and all passengers (including driver) are always required to wear seatbelts.
• If working directly with youth and staff, must submit immunization history form and immunization documentation. Some immunizations and/or tuberculosis (TB) tests may be required (at the expense of BCPH), and volunteer must comply with these requirements prior to start date.
• Background/Fingerprint Checks conducted for any volunteer/intern over the age of 21 years old.

Agency Expectations:

• Create health equity: Health equity means everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. All staff at Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) are expected to work toward achieving health equity in Boulder County.
• Support diversity: BCPH is committed to the diversity of its staff, as well as providing culturally responsive programs and services that help to reduce health inequities in Boulder County. BCPH welcomes and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply.
• Conduct work in accordance with BCPH core values: Foster trust; demonstrate respect and compassion; collaborate and build strong teams; be flexible, creative, and innovative; pursue and support personal and professional growth; recognize leadership in everyone; and promote inclusion and honor the life experiences of others.

Benefits Gained:

• (If applicable) Certain mileage reimbursement for all GENERATIONS-related transportation, as designated by Boulder County.
• Excellent opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of youth and their families and make connections with community partners.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Training opportunities offered by Boulder County Public Health.
• Opportunity to support reproductive justice and be an additional trusted adult and role model for youth.

Supervision:

• Provided by the GENERATIONS volunteer supervisor and Group Facilitator, as needed after volunteer/internship placement.

Submit an application online or contact Volunteer Services:
Email: healthvs@bouldercounty.org