Heartland Whole Health Institute is a non-profit that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being by working with health systems, employers, and communities to redesign health care delivery.

Job Description:

Position Title: 2026 Public Health Intern: Summer

Position Type: Part Time

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Workforce Development

Reports to: Kenny Vermilion

About Heartland Whole Health Institute:

Heartland Whole Health Institute (HWHI) is dedicated to transforming health care – beginning in our home of Northwest Arkansas and scaling to disrupt the national health crisis. We advocate, educate, and guide the implementation of an innovative system, rooted in whole health and the realignment of financial incentives. Our team members are collaborative, analytical, mission-driven, and working together to change the status quo.

The Institute’s 85,000-square-foot facility is located on the campus of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art near Alice L. Walton School of Medicine.

Position Summary:

The Public Health Intern will engage in applied, project-based public health work that supports workforce development, health systems transformation, and community impact initiatives. Through extended, hands-on engagement, the intern will gain practical experience in a professional public health setting while applying graduate-level coursework to real-world workforce challenges.

Application Materials: Applicants that do not submit a resume AND cover letter will not be considered for this opportunity.  Please answer the following questions in your cover letter when submitting your application. 

1. What interests you most in Heartland Whole Health Institute's mission?

2. If selected, you will be with the Institute for 10 weeks. What do you hope to gain out of this experience?

3. What is your vision for your final project, and how would you approach it to achieve your objective?

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enhance understanding of public health workforce by actively engaging in workforce-focused projects, gaining valuable insights into public health roles, expectations, and professional settings through sustained participation.

• Apply graduate public health coursework to practical settings aligned with career interests, contributing to meaningful deliverables.

• Demonstrate mature judgment, ethical decision-making, and professionalism in all assigned responsibilities.

• Collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.

• Track work activities and submit clear, timely written reports documenting progress and outcomes.

• Complete professional-quality written and oral presentations summarizing internship projects and learning experiences.

• Serve as an ethical, positive representative of the University of Arkansas Public Health Program and HWHI.

• Perform administrative tasks as needed

• Work with the public in a positive and professional manner

Qualifications:

• Current student in the University of Arkansas’ Public Health program and enrolled in PBHL 5840V

• Exhibit strong workplace behaviors, including reliability, punctuality, initiative, and accountability.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Interest in public health workforce development, health systems, or community-based initiatives

• Ability to work independently while contributing to team-based projects

• Must maintain confidentiality of information

• A background check is required 

• Must have reliable transportation

Timeline: 

Intern selected by: May 1st

Schedule: 

Start Date: May 18, 2026

Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor. Interns are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week. 

To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s hours, you must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the last three years. Students will be required to submit a current schedule or official transcript. 

Compensation: 

• $18.00/hr

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands:  In the work environment described below, position requires work at a desk, utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing, and physical stamina to lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a height of at least three feet for file and materials storage as appropriate for the demands of the office. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment. The noise level in the environment is usually low to moderate.

If the intern’s personal equipment is used, the museum accepts no liability for any damage caused to said equipment while being used for museum purposes, nor loss or corruption of electronic files on devices.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Heartland Whole Health Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.