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COVID-19 Technology Assistant with Navajo Nation Initiative
Bulleted list of tasks and responsibilities of the position:
- Design and implement a technology platform for COVID-19 case investigation, contact tracing, and follow-up
- Adapt the platform as information and needs evolve over the spring
- Expand the implemented platform and scale to meet need of partners
- Support the initiative partner team members in gathering and reporting data; provide technical assistance to stakeholders
- Participate in designated meetings with staff and stakeholders
- Communicate consistently and frequently with supervisor to provide updates on progress and challenges; meet deadlines as defined by the organization within the appropriate MDT time zone.
- Assist with other COVID-19 response program activities and coordination as needed
- Effectively communicate with identified stakeholders in a timely manner, as determined with supervisor and PKG Center team
- Participate in assigned outreach to community organizations and members
- Follow all onboarding policies and procedures
- Other role-related activities as assigned
- *This position is a remote position. Connection to internet and a functioning computer are needed in order to perform the remote tasks.
This position is part of a PKG program called PKG Community-Informed Field Immersion (CIFI). This specific program is a collaborative program between Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH) Division of Global Health Equity (DGHE) and the PKG Center for Public Service, along with other organizations involved in the COVID-19 initiative on Navajo Nation, including other Navajo Nation organizations/partners and Partners in Health. As part of this experience, join a team of MIT student participants that are placed on specific projects with selected supervisors at BWH DGHE. The Division of Global Health Equity is committed to training, research, and service in healthcare to reduce disparities in disease burden and to improve treatment outcomes both domestically and abroad. This particular program will occur remotely, serving the Diné (Navajo) community living on or near the Navajo Nation.
This program is designed to match your technical skills with community-identified needs to address the complex challenge of COVID-19.
All participants in this program are required to participate in group orientation and reflection activities throughout the spring. The requirements of this program include:
- Prompt completion of all required onboarding paperwork and clearances (as specified by the PKG Center and community partner organization)
- Participation in a weekly group reflection meeting to learn about different contextual factors and social determinants of health influencing the COVID-19 outbreak on Navajo Nation, and process the project-based learning experience. These meetings will occasionally require participants to read an article or 2 prior to the meeting, possibly write a short paragraph reflection piece, or watch a short video
- Participate in scheduled meetings with other student cohorts as part of program
- Participation in a weekly half-hour check-in call with PKG Center staff as needed
- Completion of a weekly supervision check-in document, required by 1pm MDT each Friday of the program, and submit this to designated PKG Center and partner staff
- Complete 1 blogpost for the PKG Center website to share your work and experience (with review from onsite supervisor)
- Complete end-of-program survey(s)
- Participate in end-of-program showcase and reflection meeting (date TBD)
In order to apply, please upload your cover letter and resume to the MIT Handshake platform. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews scheduled accordingly, with an opportunity to begin this program over IAP (starting mid-January). The final deadline to apply is Friday, February 5th.If you have questions, please contact cifi@mit.edu.
Any skills, qualifications and other requirements:
- Demonstrated skill with database and platform design technology
- Preference for those with experience in programs (CommCare, Python, SPSS, etc. and experience integrating with APIs)
- Demonstrated experience with computer programming
- Ability to use cultural humility when collaborating across difference
- Interest in learning about the social determinants of health underlying COVID-19 in the community
- Ability to demonstrate self-reflection
- Willingness to participate in group and individual discussions around social determinants of health and power, privilege, and positionality
- Demonstrates careful attention to detail
- Effective and efficient communicator: able and ready to professionally respond to supervisor and stakeholders
Hourly wage/range:
A stipend up to $1900 for 14 weeks will be paid to each student as a means of offsetting the cost of participation (food, transportation, lodging, living expenses, etc.). The stipend will be determined based on your time committed to the position (# of weeks). International students seeking to apply should check with the International Students Office to verify eligibility.