New York State Public Health Corps

NYSPHC Fellows

In the 2021 State of the State, the Governor announced the establishment of the first and best in the nation New York State Public Health Corps (NYSPHC) that will build public health capacity to support COVID-19 vaccination operations and to increase preparedness for future public health emergencies. The Governor directed the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) to work with community partners to recruit and deploy up to 1,000 fellows to participate in the NYSPHC Program.

NYSPHC Fellows will use their talents and expertise to help advance our State’s public health agenda, while serving their communities.

The NYSPHC Fellowship Program provides full-time and part-time positions with placements at the NYSDOH, LHDs or other public health system partners. Candidates for the NYSPHC Fellowship Program include recent graduates and students advanced in their studies in public health programs, nursing schools and medical schools, retired medical professionals, and community members.  Individuals with training in public health, medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacology/pharmacy, allied health, social services, communications and information technology, logistics planning, education, and emergency health programs are encouraged to apply. 

NYSPHC Fellows will be concurrently enrolled in Cornell University’s Public Health Essentials Certificate Program and other professional learning opportunities. The Cornell University Public Health Essentials Certificate Program is a 3-month online training designed to teach and review fundamental public health principles and key skills for practice. The training is a combination of recorded lectures, applied activities, and discussions that equip learners from diverse professional and educational backgrounds with the tools and skills needed to excel in the field of public health. Fellows will receive a professional certificate from Cornell University at the end of the online course, valued at $3,600 and provided at no cost to NYSPHC Fellows.
 
NYSPHC Fellows will carry out tasks necessary to meet State and LHDs public health mission and may:

A.  Participate in community outreach, enrollment and engagement activities in order to:

• Build trust and relationships with individuals in the community;
• Enroll patients in programs, including scheduling for vaccination and follow-ups, making referrals to community-based resources and identifying barriers to vaccination as needed;
• Attend community meetings as necessary; and
• Develop and communicate outreach plans and strategies for particular communities with a team of local public health officials, other NYSPHC Fellows and Regional Team Leaders.

B.  Utilize standard data collection tools and interviewing skills as well as observe, measure, record and report data related to a patient’s health including, but not limited to, individual medical, health care and support needs and individualized action plans for COVID-19 vaccination and safety; and/or

C.  Communicate directly with individuals, patients, healthcare providers and colleagues to explain basic COVID-19 information, data and health concepts in ways that are familiar to patients and families while showing respect for individuals, their families, communities and colleagues.

NYSPHC Mentors

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is seeking community-based volunteer Mentors to serve as professional role models for NYSPHC Fellows and technical advisors beyond the classroom. Mentors facilitate the Fellows peer-learning and provide relevant mentoring, career planning and navigational support within the local public health landscape as the Fellows encounter new situations and challenges in new roles.

Mentors will provide support to Fellows based on the capacity of the Mentor and the needs of the local health department. Mentors may provide support to more than one Fellow through a group structure or individually. Mentors can be public health professionals who have served or are currently serving the community, who volunteer or are recruited by local health departments (LHDs) and their public health network partners to participate in the program in this capacity. Mentors are supported by NYSPHC Local Partnerships and Regional Consortiums.

Mentors can self-nominate, be nominated by a colleague, or recruited and nominated by an LHD or program partners including members of the Board of Health, NYS Medical Reserve Corps, Community Based Organizations, and others. Mentors should anticipate a term of approximately one-year to align with the expected one-year term of the Fellow(s). Please complete the Mentor Nomination form and the program will contact you! 

Host Organizations / Local Health Departments (LHDs)

The NYSPHC Fellowship Program placements may be at the New York State Department of Health, LHDs, or other community public health system partners.

Fellows will be screened, hired, trained and initially report to a LHD to be located either within the LHD or assigned to a “host” organization within the local public health network, based on the urgency/emergency in the county or community. Host Organizations will directly supervise the day-to-day activities of the Fellows.

Institutions of Higher Education

In order to support the NYSPHC mission and to enhance the NYSPHC Fellow’s experience, stakeholders in counties’ public health networks, including higher education institutions, will be organized in working groups. This will serve the purpose of identifying and recruiting Mentors, offering professional learning opportunities, and sharing best practices from the field of public health.

Partnership with IHEs is an integral part of our program’s success. Through IHE workgroups, mentorship, and referrals, IHEs will ensure the program has cross-discipline perspectives to achieve program goals. We are currently seeking support from IHEs who are interested in participating in our IHE workgroup to help inform NYSPHC program development.

We ask that interested IHEs please complete our IHE Outreach Survey to help us learn more about your interest in mentorship and workgroups and how we can work together

Before beginning, it is recommended that you first take some time to prepare documents and compile information that are addressed in the application. 

Documents that you will need to upload include:

• Resume (naming convention “Resume_Name_Date”, e.g., “Resume_JaneDoe_040121”);
• Professional Letter(s) of Recommendation (at least 1 and up to 3 letters can be uploaded from current or former employers/colleagues, teachers/professors, mentors, community/faith leaders, etc.; naming convention “Letter#_Name” e.g., "Letter1_JaneDoe" for a second letter “Letter2_JaneDoe” and for a third letter “Letter3_JaneDoe”); and
• Personal Statement describing why you are interested in serving as a NYSPHC Fellow (naming convention “Statement_Name_Date”, e.g., “Statement_JaneDoe_040121”).

Key information that you may need to submit includes:

• NYSED issued license number, if you are a licensed healthcare provider
• Final grade point average (GPA) for the institution from which you attained your highest level of education

There are four sections to the application.  Information to be collected relates to:

A.  Personal Contact Information
B.  Service Placement Location Preference
C.  Education and Affiliation
D.  Expertise and Interest to meet the public health mission and placement community needs specific to activities like:

• Vaccination and Testing Site Clinical, Administrative and Logistics Support
• Epidemiology and Data Support
• Communications Support
• Outreach and Partnership Development

If you are selected to become a NYSPHC Fellow and you possess a degree from an accredited college or university, it may be requested that you submit your transcript for verification and be the subject of a background check.

You must also be compliant with all New York State/Health Research, Inc. employee requirements, including being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless approved for a religious or medical exemption.

Apply to the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program.

APPLY

In 2021, fifty AmeriCorps volunteers will be designated as NYSPHC fellows. AmeriCorps/NYSPHC members can help build public health capacity to support COVID-19 vaccination operations, help their community prepare to respond to future public health emergencies, grow their skills, train in the field, and be set on the path to a career in public health.

For more information please visit Public Health AmeriCorps.   

Institutions of Higher Education

In order to support the NYSPHC mission and to enhance the NYSPHC Fellow’s experience, stakeholders in counties’ public health networks, including higher education institutions, will be organized in working groups for the purpose of identifying and recruiting mentors, offering professional learning opportunities and sharing best practices from the field of public health. Institutions of higher education (IHEs) will play a critical role in the NYSPHC through workgroups, mentorship and referrals, which will ensure the program has cross-discipline perspectives to achieve program goals.

The Critical Partnerships with IHEs will:

Promote:

Actions

• Refer colleagues, students, and community members.
• Serve as an ambassador of the NYSPHC within your network.

Outcomes

• Applicant, placement, and mentor opportunities.
• Program recognition and reputation for building channels for referrals.

Partnerships with IHEs is an integral part of our program’s success. IHE participation in the workgroup will ensure the program has cross-discipline perspectives to achieve program goals. We are currently seeking support from IHEs who are interested in participating in our IHE workgroup to help inform NYSPHC program development.

Connect:

Actions

• Identify community organizations for collaboration.
• Identify appropriate connections between disciplines.

Outcomes

• Additional and improved community connections.
• Connecting interdisciplinary best practices from research to the field of public health.

Enhance:

Actions

• Participate in cross-discipline NYSPHC workgroups.
• Collaborate to define NYSPHC core public health-focused topics and identify subject matter experts.
• Identify stakeholders and serve as leaders and mentors.

Outcomes

• Increased or improved alignment in strategies to improve health.
• Access to NYSPHC educational resources and training.
• Enhance alignment between education and practice.

If you are interested in joining the IHE workgroup or have questions, please use the IHE Workgroup Interest form and the program will contact you.

New York's Public Health Corps Focuses on Retention and Diversity Across Public Health Entities Statewide April 5, 2022

Applications now open for New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program July 18, 2021

Governor Announces State Public Health Training Program March 24, 2021

Can I work Remotely?

A fellow can be hired to work remotely as long as that is in keeping with the telecommuting policy of the Local Health Department (LHD) and the LHD is able to adequately supervise the Fellow’s work while they are working remotely. Having said that, much of the work of LHDs is done in person, at the LHD office or in the field so, depending on the Fellow projects, duties and tasks, remote work may not be feasible.

Is there a Deadline for the Application Process? 

There is no deadline to apply. Applications are reviewed and shared with local health departments on a rolling basis. 

Do We Know What the Timeline is for Someone Who Applies to Hear Back?

Applicants should receive a status update from the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program within eight weeks of submitting their application.

To Whom Should the Letter of Recommendation be Addressed to (Name of the Recruiter, Board, Department, Address)?

Yes, Letters of Recommendation can be sent directly to the NYS Public Health Corps at [email protected] The applicant’s first and last name should be included in the subject line of the email.

Can Letter of Recommendation be sent directly to Fellowship Program or can I be given a Private Link to Upload the Letter? My Recommenders are requesting to upload/send document directly.

Yes, Letters of Recommendation can be sent directly to the NYS Public Health Corps at [email protected] The applicant’s first and last name should be included in the subject line of the email.

Does the Letter of Recommendation need to be a certain length (character limit?), particular format, or is it free-form? Are there similar requirements for the personal statement?

There is no required length or format for the letters of recommendation or the personal statement.

Is it okay if I request letters of recommendation from professors/employers outside of the area(s) I list for preferred placement?

Yes, you may include Letters of Recommendation from professors/employers located anywhere in the world.

Who can become a New York State Public Health Corps Fellow?

Recent graduates and students advanced in their studies in: public health, medical, dental, nursing and pharmaceutical programs, allied health, social services, communications, logistics planning, education, public policy/administration, emergency health programs technology, and emergency health programs; retired medical professionals; and community members are encouraged to apply.

What Are the Qualifications To Become a Fellow?

Candidates with varying experience are encouraged to apply. Depending on experience, fellows will be designated to an appropriate program status tier.  

There are three tiers of NYSPHC Fellows:

Fellows may have a high school diploma with documented experience, however, preferred applicants will have completed a related Associate or Bachelor's Degree - or - be within one semester of completing their degree - or - document relevant experience;

Graduate Fellows must have completed a Master’s degree or have completed their basic coursework and be within one semester of completing their academic program - or - document relevant experience; and 

Senior Fellows must have completed or are within one semester of completing their Doctoral level training - or - document relevant experience;

Graduate and Senior Fellows may be offered an opportunity to extend the initial one-year NYSPHC Fellowship commitment.

Do I Have To Be a Licensed Medical Professional To Apply?

No. See Answer to Question #1 above. Students, recent graduates and community members are encouraged to apply.

If I Am a Retiree From Outside The Medical Field, May I Apply?

Yes. See Answer to Question #1 above. Community members are encouraged to apply.

What Is the Time Commitment?

The NYSPHC Fellowship Program offers a variety of full-time and part-time positions with commitments of six months up to 1 year. Full-time employment includes a minimum of 35 hours per week.

Graduate and Senior Fellows may be offered an opportunity to extend the initial one-year NYSPHC Fellowship commitment.

Where Would I Serve?

The NYSPHC Fellowship Program is a statewide program with placement opportunities in most counties.

Fellows will be placed at the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Local Health Departments or other local public health system partners, at assigned locations, preferably within the community where the fellow resides. 

Can I Work Remotely?

A fellow can be hired to work remotely as long as that is in keeping with the telecommuting policy of the Local Health Department (LHD) and the LHD is able to adequately supervise the Fellow’s work while they are working remotely. Having said that, much of the work of LHDs is done in person, at the LHD office or in the field so, depending on the Fellow projects, duties and tasks, remote work may not be feasible.

How Will Placements Be Determined?

Fellows will be placed where their individual skills and interests are best suited to meet the needs articulated by placement hosts (e.g., NYSDOH and local health departments), preferably within the community where the fellow resides.

What Are the Expectations of New York State Public Health Corps Fellows?

Fellows will support the public health mission of the placement host organization by fulfilling assigned tasks as directed by the onsite placement supervisor.

In addition to the work directed by placement host organizations, fellows’ experience will be enhanced by participating in a NYSPHC Local Public Health Partnership team.  The NYSPHC Local Public Health Partnership team is a peer group of fellows, led by a Local Coordinator and mentor(s) who are identified by the local health department.

The NYSPHC Fellowship Program will work with the Local Coordinator and mentor(s) to help fellows satisfy program responsibilities, including progress reporting and training.

What Type of Training Will the New York State Public Health Corps Fellows be Expected to Complete?

Professional learning and development is a critical component of the NYSPHC Fellowship Program. Training will include the following:

Optional:

• Cornell University's New York State Public Health COVID-19 Readiness Training, (Pre-service)
• New York State Point of Dispensing (PODS) Training (pre-service)
• Coursera's Johns Hopkins University Contact Tracer Training (pre-service)

Required:

• Cornell University Public Health Essentials Certificate Program, (In-Service)
• Additional training as directed by the NYSPHC Program

What Types of Tasks will Fellows be Expected to Carry Out?

Examples of the types of tasks that NYSPHC fellows will carry out include: 

• Participate in community outreach, enrollment and engagement activities in order to:
  • Build trust and relationships with individuals in the community;
  • Enroll patients in programs, including scheduling for vaccination and follow-ups, making referrals to community-based resources and identifying barriers to vaccination as needed;
  • Attend community meetings as necessary; and
  • Develop and communicate outreach plans and strategies for particular communities with a team of local public health officials, other NYSPHC fellows and Regional Team Leaders.

• Utilize standard data collection tools and interviewing skills as well as observe, measure, record and report data related to a patient’s health including, but not limited to, individual medical, health care and support needs and individualized action plans for COVID-19 vaccination and safety; and/or

• Communicate directly with individuals, patients, health care providers and colleagues to explain basic COVID-19 information, data and health concepts in ways that are familiar to patients and families while showing respect for individuals, their families, communities and colleagues.

Are fellows paid?

NYSPHC Fellows will receive compensation depending upon qualifications, experience, and the “pre-determined” compensation rate provided by the LHD to which they are employed. NYSPHC Fellows who are placed with local health departments will receive compensation that is consistent with the local health department’s salary determination/schedule. Fellows are encouraged to inquire about compensation as they move through the interview process.

How will the NYSPHC Program Collaborate with Public Health Partners to Meet the Program Mission?

NYSPHC Fellowship Program staff will meet regularly with program stakeholders from across the state including state agencies and local public health networks.

When Should Applicants Expect the New York State Public Health Corps Program to Make a Decision About Their Applications?

The NYSPHC Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for fellows. The application review process may take up to 8 weeks.

When Signing Up to Take Training Modules it Asks for Work Address; Should Applicants Wait to Complete this Section until they Hear Back about the Fellowship Program/Potential Workplace Placement?

No, “Work Address” is a required field on the NYLearnsPH.com Learning Management System (LMS). Applicants should enter their home or current work address. If they are selected for fellowship placement, they will be able to edit their profile and enter their fellowship work address.

Are Mentorship Opportunities Open to Graduate Students?

The NYS Public Health Corps welcomes any and all nominations of individuals, whether a student or not, who can serve as professional role models for NYS Public Health Corps Fellows. Ideally, the Mentor will have a background in public health or a related discipline, have experience working within, or in collaboration with the community the Fellows are serving, to support public health efforts, be knowledgeable enough to serve as a technical advisor beyond the classroom, and have the capacity to foster networking opportunities. If this describes you, we encourage you to complete the Mentor Nomination form again, being certain to fully complete all the questions about areas of expertise and experience in public health.

Can this Mentorship Provide a Visa?

The Program cannot sponsor a visa for Mentors at this time.

Can I have a Mentor if I’m not Part of this Program?

As a key component of the Program, Mentors will be paired with Fellows to foster peer-learning, career planning, navigation support within the local public health landscape and networking opportunities. The Mentoring aspect of the program is only open to hired Fellows so we encourage you to submit an application to the NYS Public Health Corps if this fits within your current career trajectory.

Can I Work Remotely?

A fellow can be hired to work remotely as long as that is in keeping with the telecommuting policy of the Local Health Department (LHD) and the LHD is able to adequately supervise the Fellow's work while they are working remotely. Having said that, much of the work of LHDs is done in person, at the LHD office or in the field so, depending on the Fellow projects, duties and tasks, remote work may not be feasible.

What is the Difference Between a Mentor and a supervisor?

A mentor is a seasoned and trusted professional whose task is to support the Fellow’s long-term professional development.  Mentors use their professional relationships and influence to create opportunities for mutual learning. NYSPHC Mentors also help Fellows identify new opportunities following completion of their Fellowship.   

A supervisor is more task-oriented and concerned about the day to day oversight of the Fellow, meeting the tasks and expectations outlined in their job description. A supervisor is also responsible for ensuring the Fellow meets the employer's rules and requirements set forth.

Can a supervisor or Local Coordinator be a Mentor? Can a Local Coordinator be a Mentor?

The NYSPHC Fellowship Program recommends these roles be filled by two different people, as a supervisor is charged with ensuring the Fellow meets the tasks and standards of the job description, while the Mentor is charged with helping the Fellow develop professionally and providing networking opportunities. A Local Coordinator can serve as a Mentor but needs to remember to focus on the professional development of the Fellow in addition to the administration of the program within the health department. Other potential Mentors include other Local Health Department staff, staff within the county government, faculty and staff at Institutes of Higher Education, and partners at community-based organizations. 

Can a Senior Fellow mentor a Graduate or Base level Fellow?

Mentors serve as professional role models for NYSPHC Fellows and technical advisors beyond the classroom, facilitating peer-learning and providing relevant mentoring, career planning, and navigational support within the local public health landscape as they address challenges in their specific assignment. Mentors are public health, allied health, and community-based professionals who have served or are currently serving the community. Anyone who can fill this role, even a Senior Fellow, is welcome to serve if the local health department deems appropriate.

How should I identify people to serve as Mentors?

Mentors can engage with the program through the completion of the NYSPHC Mentor Nomination Form. Mentors can self-nominate, be nominated by a colleague, or be recruited and nominated by an LHD or program partners including members of the Board of Health, NYS Medical Reserve Corps, Community Based Organizations, and others.

How long does it take to complete the NYSPHC Mentor Nomination Form?

This form is used for the NYSPHC to have a record of who has applied to be a Mentor and their public health background, interests, and skillsets. It is anticipated it will take 15-20 minutes.

Who is responsible for identifying Mentors?

Mentor-Fellow assignments will occur in counties/communities across New York State where the Fellow and Mentor are best matched. Mentors will be matched to Fellows by Local Coordinators or Supervisors who identified Mentors to work with Fellows.

What is the time commitment to be a Mentor?

Mentors should anticipate a term of approximately one year to align with the expected one-year term of the Fellows. We expect that Mentors will meet with Fellows at least monthly, with the option to meet more frequently if desired.

I am Seeking Additional Information About Becoming a Mentor?

More information can be found on the New York State Public Health Corps website under “NYSPHC Mentors” in the “About the Program” section. If you have a specific question that isn’t answered on our website, please email us at [email protected].

How will the NYSPHC Fellowship Program Partner with the AmeriCorps New York Program?

In 2021, fifty AmeriCorps volunteers will be designated as NYSPHC fellows. AmeriCorps/NYSPHC members can help build public health capacity to support COVID-19 vaccination operations, help their community prepare to respond to future public health emergencies, grow their skills, train in the field, and be set on the path to a career in public health.