Internship and Volunteer Program

Internship and Volunteer Program

Your Experience

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) welcomes smart and community-conscious individuals to join our team of public health professionals. DOH-Lee will provide you with knowledge and a rewarding experience in a state government organization addressing public health needs in coordination with Federal, State and County programs. DOH-Lee is committed to assisting in the effective instruction of professionals, developing and disseminating public health knowledge, and providing leadership to students and volunteers as a means of achieving its mission in the community. By partnering with local colleges, universities, and organizations, we aim to promote public health as a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Please note, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers, who help during disaster response, are onboarded through a separate program. For more information and/or to join, please see the MRC website by clicking this link: Lee County MRC 

The Application Process

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program. We handle requests for internships and volunteers on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability. Community Health clinic internships and rotations, especially, reach capacity months before the desired intern start date. Program placement will be based on the availability of our staff and resources at the time of your request. . To get started, you must complete the Internship/Volunteer Application Form by clicking HERE.

You must submit your application materials by:

• Spring Semester (January–May): December 1^st
• Summer Semester (May-August): April 1^st
• Fall Semester (August-December): July 1^st
• Winter Semester (December-January): November 1^st

Submit the completed application and your resume to DOHLeeIntern@flhealth.gov. Once placement is confirmed, the Internship/Volunteer Coordinator will contact you. You must pass a Level 2 background screening and attend orientation to be an intern or volunteer with DOH-Lee.

If you are interested in a student internship at DOH-Lee, or if you are an instructor with questions on placement availability on behalf of your student, please send an email to DOHLeeIntern@flhealth.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for background screening?

The Florida Department of Health requires everyone to complete a Level 2 background screening and receive a satisfactory result from the screening before the first day of their program. If you are currently enrolled in a study program that requires a Level 2 background screening, you may be able to submit an Attestation of Background Screening Memorandum signed by your school.

Do I have to complete other trainings to participate in any program?

Yes. The Florida Department of Health requires everyone to complete the course in TRAIN: FDOH Information Security and Privacy Awareness. This class is part of our online learning management system and can be completed in just a few hours. Depending on the position held, additional training may be required.

Do I get paid for my time?

No. Interns receive course credit for hours worked according to your internship program. Volunteers receive the benefits listed in Section 110.504, Florida Statutes, including state liability protection in accordance with the definition of a volunteer and the provisions of s. 768.28. 

What hours will I be required to work?

Hours are scheduled based on the department’s needs and the applicant’s availability. Workdays are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department does sponsor and attend some community- based activities on weekends.

I’m not in school, can I participate in a program?

Yes, however it would be as a volunteer. Individuals applying for a non-credit position are required to complete an application and submit two references for acceptance into the Volunteer Program. Please note Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers, who help during disaster response are onboarded through a separate program. Please see the question below for more information.

What if I want to volunteer during disaster response?

The Lee County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers are a great resource for DOH-Lee during disaster response and in preparing for disasters. MRC members consist of medical professionals and lay persons – all having an important role to fill. They assist in special needs shelters, flu vaccine clinics, alternate medical care sites in mass casualties, disaster behavioral health, and much more. This is overseen by DOH-Lee’s Public Health Preparedness department. For more information and/or to join, please see the MRC website by clicking this link: Lee County MRC