Research Intern

OUR EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

Community Action Partnership has an exciting opportunity for

RESEARCH INTERN

Part-Time Limited Term: Paid internship Total 200 hours (15 hours maximum per week) between September 1 December 31 2025

(3 bilingual positions available: Spanish Vietnamese)

The Research Intern will support the Planning Department in advancing its understanding of the health-related challenges low-income individuals face particularly barriers to accessing and navigating healthcare systems. As part of a dynamic research initiative centered on the experiences of CalOptima members the intern will help coordinate and facilitate focus groups and in-depth interviews with participants representing the full diversity of CalOptimas membership including members in specialized CalOptima programs. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to engage directly with diverse communities build hands-on qualitative research skills and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team committed to health equity and community-driven research.

Who we are

Born out of the War on Poverty more than 50 years ago Community Action Partnership Orange County (CAP OC)is a trusted resource for Orange County community members who face obstacles such as food insecurity unemployment economic turmoil and more. We walk alongside the people we serve and we act to meet immediate needs without delay. Our programs help empower people to improve their lives and their communities. We see poverty as an unacceptable reality for our neighbors and rally with key partners to help facilitate change.

CAP OC hires professionals who support and embody the following EPIC values:

Going above and beyond in every interaction and activity we undertake. We strive for EXCELLENCE in service keeping a pulse on the most up-to-date innovations within our industry. Together we continually assess and improve the way to work and enhance the strategies we utilize to meet the needs of our community.

Reaching our goals by working collaboratively with each other and our community. We are working to do the things that have not been done: empowering families and individuals to financial independence breaking the cycle of poverty creating financial equity combating food insecurity and establishing healthy and energy-efficient living conditions for all through social innovation. All of this takes PROACTIVENESS and an intrinsic motivation that drives us to go above and beyond to create cutting-edge trends and program designs. We have the will and the energy and wont stop until the needs of our underserved community no longer exist.

We are a team of high INNOVATION. We value the work we do; the people we serve; and treat each other with respect and kindness. We also have an environment of engaging in social economic justice by sharing of ideas and not afraid to try new things that increases our educational capacity. We think outside of the box and challenge prevailing assumptions about issues of poverty.

Reaching our goals by working in partnership with each other and our community. The work we do is deeply rooted in the COLLABORATION we have with our community and its citizens. We care about the legacy of community action partnership and go above and beyond to ensure we support each other in bringing forth the services and resources that will positively change generations forever.

We have remained true to our mission We seek to end poverty by stabilizing sustaining and empowering people with the resources they need when they need them. By forging strategic partnerships we form a powerful force to improve our community.

values

In addition to our EPIC values our external values are as follows:

Leadership

We are guiding critical shifts in how people think and act to address the root causes of poverty

Collaboration

We bring together all capable partners to achieve transformative results

Trust

For over 50 years the community has counted on us to empower those in need

Compassion

We treat each person we serve respectfully and with great care

Justice

We are passionate about advocating for those living in poverty and creating equity throughout the region

WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH IN THIS ROLE

Under the supervision of the Planning Manager the Research Intern will be responsible for planning coordinating and facilitating focus groups and interviews including handling logistics such as scheduling participant recruitment and securing locations for in-person & virtual meetings. The intern will conduct the focus group and in-depth interviews to gather rich qualitative insights from participants. In addition the intern will be responsible for taking notes of the meetings and capturing important information providing translation for focus group guides marketing and recruitment materials and transcription support for their assigned focus groups and interviews to ensure accurate and timely documentation of participant input.

• This position is non-exempt status with a starting wage of $23.00 per hour.
• This is a part-time limited-term position paid internship requiring a total commitment of 200 hours not to exceed 15 hours per week to be completed between September 1 December 31 2025.
• Scheduling is flexible to accommodate the interns academic and personal commitments.
• The work schedule for the Research Intern will be hybrid.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct qualitative data collection.
• Conduct and support the implementation of a dual-channel recruitment/ outreach strategy
• Translate qualitative research materials into ether Spanish or Vietnamese.
• Draft translate and submit multilingual recruitment email templates that clearly communicate study purpose eligibility criteria and participation logistics.
• Leverage CAP OCs outreach platforms including newsletters social media and partner networks to engage hard-to-reach populations such as CalAIM participants (e.g. ECM Community Supports Community Health Workers).
• Include up to 10 participants per focus group across key member segments (Medi-Cal CalAIM OneCare PACE).
• Conduct one-on-one interviews ensuring the interviews are held in ether Spanish or Vietnamese.
• Prioritize interviews with populations underrepresented in group settings or with specific accessibility needs.
• Conduct focus groups & interviews in hybrid formats (in-person and virtual) based on participant preferences and accessibility needs.
• Complete notes of meetings by using transcript-style notes to capture an accurate picture of member perspectives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholdersincluding public agencies administrators and community partnersto coordinate and maintain programs and services.
• Help organize and support virtual in-person and hybrid special events related to outreach and data collection.
• Engage and build relationships with community members partners and stakeholders to strengthen participation and inclusion in planning processes.
• Provide excellent responsive customer service in a manner that reflects CAP OCs mission vision and promise.
• Be available for occasional evening and weekend events and meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the project and broader agency initiatives.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN

• Fluent in ether Spanish or Vietnamese.
• EPIC standards values and upholding the EPIC pillars while demonstrating a positive attitude towards all participants colleagues management and community.
• Experience conducting qualitative research and facilitating meetings such as focus group or interviews.

• Experience in managing projects from inception to completion ensuring timelines and objectives are met
• Effectively create/present information and respond to questions from staff clients media groups and the public

• Familiarity with local government and nonprofit organizations in Orange County.

• Planning and organizational skills to develop and implement action plans.
• Familiarity with community public and non-profit resources.
• Working effectively within demanding time constraints and/or multiple tasks. Must be detail-oriented work accurately and efficiently consistently without assistance.
• Cultural sensitivity and competence in working with diverse populations with the ability to adapt communication and interaction styles as needed
• Develop and maintain rapport with staff Board agencies partners and clients from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Reporting writing analysis and research skills.
• Fluent verbal and written English language skills and mathematical skills sufficient to create compose or compile information and data for reports or presentations.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite products as well as Windows XP a plus. The position requires computer literacy and the use of portable devices including PC Laptops printers Cell phones and Copiers.
• Flexible Work Environment: Includes remote office and community-based locations with occasional evening weekend or holiday hours as needed. Schedule may vary based on program demands.
• Regular local driving and occasionally to other areas as needed.

• Possess a valid California Drivers License with a driving record that meets minimum standards established by Community Action Partnership of Orange County insurance carrier.
• Bending stooping reaching pulling pushing standing kneeling sitting twisting turning walking and bending at the waist may be physical requirements of the job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Current or recent undergraduate or graduate student in Urban Studies/Planning Public Policy Education Health Sciences Public Health Sociology or related fields along with nonprofit community outreach and research experience preferred.

TRAVEL

Possess a valid California Drivers License with a driving record that meets minimum standards established by CAP OC insurance carrier proof of vehicle insurance access to a vehicle and willingness to drive/travel when required.

Typically travel is local during the business day to/from CAP OC locations and incumbent will use personal vehicle. Possible travel may be during evening hours and possible out-of-the-area and overnight travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to bend stoop reach pull push stand kneel sit twist turn walk bend at the waist talk and hear vision abilities include close vision distance vision color vision ability to adjust focus prolong manual dexterity of wrist and fingers and prolong computer work. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects up to twenty (20) pounds. Employee may be called upon to work outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND BACKGROUND CHECK

A medical examination is required of each new employee whose physical condition must meet the minimum requirements prescribed for the position. In addition prospective employees must pass a pre-employment physical drug screen Live Scan and background check. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

THE PROMISE OF COMMUNITY ACTION

Community Action changes peoples lives embodies the spirit of hope improves communities and a makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

HOW TO APPLY

Please Apply at Community Action Partnership of Orange Countys website at .