Intern - Nutrition at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority – CHEROKEE, North Carolina

Primary Function

The Intern will contribute to the mission of the organization by supporting both clinical and non-clinical operations, depending on placement. This role offers experiential learning in a healthcare or human services setting, providing exposure to patient care, administrative workflows, program development, and/or community engagement. Interns work under supervision to assist with service delivery, documentation, and operational support while developing professional competencies in a multidisciplinary environment.

Job Description

Clinical Track (if applicable):

• Assist with intake procedures,
• Observe and support services as appropriate.
• Aid in the development and maintenance of treatment plans and progress notes under supervision.
• Participate in case reviews and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Support patient education efforts and wellness initiatives.
• Shadow licensed providers to gain insight into clinical decision-making and therapeutic modalities.

Non-Clinical Track (if applicable):

• Assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and file management.
• Support program coordination, outreach efforts, and community engagement activities.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and workflow optimization.
• Help prepare reports, presentations, or educational materials for internal or external use.
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute to operational discussions.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or active enrollment in high school (junior or senior level), vocational training, or a college program.
• Recent graduates seeking exposure to healthcare or human services are encouraged to apply.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Interest in gaining hands-on experience in clinical or administrative functions.
• Familiarity with healthcare or human services terminology preferred.

Due to varying levels of confidentiality and complexity within work environments, the minimum age requirement depends on the area of service.

• Positions involving patient care, access to restricted areas, or confidential information require interns to be at least 18 years old.
• Positions focused on general support, office, or non-clinical duties may accept interns who are 16 years or older, as allowed by North Carolina youth employment laws.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• General understanding of healthcare operations, patient services, and organizational structure.
• Awareness of confidentiality, privacy, and ethical standards (including HIPAA compliance).
• Basic knowledge of office procedures, data entry, and recordkeeping practices.
• Familiarity with customer service principles and professional workplace conduct.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with staff, patients, and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) or similar software tools.
• Effective organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse staff and departments.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to various healthcare environments and tasks.
• Ability to follow instructions, meet deadlines, and manage assignments responsibly.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, reliability, and confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, courtesy, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced setting.

Job Learning Objectives:

• Develop foundational skills in assigned area.
• Gain exposure to diverse populations and CIHA model.
• Understand the role of collaboration in achieving organizational goals.
• Apply academic knowledge to practical, real-world settings