Paid Practicum Opportunity – Aging Needs of Peaks Islanders
Opportunity Type: Internship Opportunities, Practicum Opportunities, Public Health Opportunities, Research OpportunitiesLocation: Peaks Island, ME
Salary: $1,400 (estimated)
Opening Date: July 30, 2018
Closing Date: December 31, 2018
Website: https://www.ravenrocks.com/
Contact Email: cwford@ravenrocks.com
1. Organization Information
Name of organization: Peaks Island Assisted Living Program
Address of organization: Peaks Island
City: Portland
State: ME
Zip code:
Country (if outside the USA):
Type of organization: Non-Profit (application pending)
2. Practicum Information
Position Title: Research Assistant/Data Collector
Start date: September 2018
End date: December 2018
Compensation (If any): Tuition – $1,100, plus transportation costs (estimated $300)
Description of Practicum Project: The Peaks Island Assisted Living program (PAL) is looking for a graduate student to assess the needs of aging Peaks Islanders. PAL is a newly formed group, in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status. The mission at this early stage is to identify the specific needs, structure, operations and funding of a facility for people on Peaks Island who need help with activities of daily living. The underlying goal is to enable Peaks Islanders to age in place. The first step in this process will be completion of a needs assessment, collecting demographic and field data. This is a unique opportunity for a graduate student to participate in the formative phase of an island community-inspired and led program, and to learn about the creation and practical application of a public health needs assessment with a focus on aging. The student will benefit from the guidance of two Peaks Island mentors, who are PAL board members and experienced professionals (biostatistics; anthropology, aging and tourism). Field research will be done on a charming, bicycle-friendly Casco Bay island known for its woods, beaches and “Winslow Homer” landscape.
Tasks:
- Determine appropriate method for collecting demographic and field data through available U.S. Census information and qualitative research and analysis.
- Create surveys and/or questionnaires to collect data.
- Gather data through interviews, focus groups and/or field observation.
- Analyze data.
- Provide report (estimated 10 pages) with executive summary.
- Present overview of findings to PAL members and possibly interested Peaks Island residents.
Requirements: Applicants should have:
- An interest in island community aging issues.
- Basic knowledge of public health-related needs assessment methodology and familiarization with field research tasks and processes.
- Ability to collect, analyze and synthesize data, and write final report.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills to successfully capture information from a variety of individuals with endearing albeit opinionated personalities.
3. Preceptor Contact Information
Name: Claudine Weatherford
Degrees/Certification: MA, PhD
Email: cwford@ravenrocks.com
Other Comments: This is a unique opportunity to interact with a Maine Island community as it prepares to serve its older inhabitants. The preceptor is a retired professor from University of Maryland University College who lives on Peaks Island. She currently runs an adventure travel business, Ravens Rocks; https://www.ravenrocks.com/
Please note:
- The UNE MPH Program requires a minimum of 120 hours at the practicum site OR the completion of two (2) high quality products by the student.
- An Affiliation Agreement must be completed between UNE and the practicum site before the student can start counting hours for credit.
- For all questions regarding the practicum, please contact your Practicum Coordinator.