Government Programs Intern

Delta Dental group; Johnston, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Delta Dental of Iowa invites applicants for Government Programs Intern to join our team for Summer 2027 in Johnston, Iowa. The role offers hands-on experience supporting outreach, care coordination, and data-informed decisions to promote health equity.

You will work with Government Programs staff, assist with member communications, participate in projects and pilots, and gain exposure to policy impacts while developing professional skills and a network in oral health.

Qualifications

• Must be a Junior or Senior undergraduate student working toward a degree in Sociology, Social Work, Public Health, Healthcare Management, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (verified through transcript).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist Government Programs staff with care coordination and outreach activities.
• Support with outreach events and member communications.
• Analyze data related to care coordination activities to inform decisions.
• Develop written materials and manuals reflecting current program requirements.
• Represent Delta Dental of Iowa professionally and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Sociology, Social Work, Public Health degree

Job description

Description

Come Smile with Us!

Delta Dental of Iowa invites applicants for Government Programs Intern to join our team for Summer 2027. This position offers hands-on experience in supporting outreach and care coordination for vulnerable populations, enhancing member communications, and building a professional network in oral and public health. Work alongside our talented team to engage with our members and key stakeholders in a variety of settings, utilize data to help inform decisions, understand policy impacts, and promote health equality across Iowa.

Here is your chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom with meaningful work, network with fellow interns, and grow your career all while making a difference in our community.

Seeking candidates available to start on May 19, 2027 to work full time during the summer. Work hours are primarily Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This role may require some evening and weekend hours. This hybrid position is located in Johnston, Iowa.

Learn why Katiana enjoyed being an intern at Delta Dental.

Why Delta Dental of Iowa?

For your smile. For your health. For your community.

At Delta Dental of Iowa, we’re more than just a dental and vision insurance company. Improving health and wellness is at the center of everything we do. As a not-for-profit, we aim to build stronger communities by investing in actions that promote and improve health. Delta Dental of Iowa invests 40% of our dollars directly back into the communities we serve.

Come see why we are passionate about "Bringing Smiles" to our customers. Our team enjoys competitive pay and benefits, an awesome "One Team" approach, and a company culture that fosters "Exceptional Quality Service" and "Leadership at All Levels." Together, we can make a difference – not only in Iowa but across the country.

Learning Objectives:

• Assist Government Programs staff with care coordination and case management for Government Program members. Complete outreach with members who have utilized the emergency room for oral health services. Assist with completing outreach for new projects and pilots.
• Display ethical and professional behaviors while engaging with members and key stakeholders in a variety of settings (i.e. professional conferences and member-facing events). Provide oral health education and materials directly to community members at member-facing events.
• Understand how data-driven decisions are made by utilizing data and research related to care coordination outreach activities and projects.
• Promote health equity by collaborating with key stakeholders and assisting with quality management and quality improvement projects that aim to promote equality.
• Support the care coordination and outreach program through administrative functions, such as completing thorough member documentation.
• Assist with quality improvement and quality management planning, analysis and documentation. Attend related meetings.
• Learn about policy impacts by ensuring compliance with Government Programs’ contract requirements and utilize contract requirements/code/regulations to assist members in making informed decisions.
• Develop and update written materials, including manuals, guidelines, presentations, and member/provider communications, to reflect current program requirements and business needs.
• Engage in programs and networking opportunities to strengthen business acumen in the insurance industry.
• Support internship program by motivating and driving participation among intern peers to fully engage with opportunities available throughout the summer.
• Represent Delta Dental of Iowa as well as the other Delta Dental companies in a professional manner both internally and externally.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required

1. Must be a Junior or Senior undergraduate student (or higher) working toward a degree in Sociology, Social Work, Public Health, Healthcare Management, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
2. Minimum 3.0 GPA (verified through transcript).
3. Current enrollment in a college or university.
4. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, specifically in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
6. Strong critical thinking skills.
7. Self-motivated to learn and ability to work independently and with diverse teams.
8. Evening and weekend hours may be required for outreach events (will be communicated in advance).
9. Some in-state travel may be required for outreach events.
10. Must have a car, related insurance and valid unencumbered driver’s license.
11. Must be available to work in person and travel for outreach August 2nd to August 13th
12. Participants will be required to submit a written analysis of project work and present a summary of analysis to leadership at the end of the program.

Preferred

1. Research and data analysis skills.
2. Ability to communicate in a second language to support diverse populations and enhance member engagement.

Delta Dental of Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. It is also the policy of Delta Dental of Iowa to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of their status as individuals with disabilities or protected veterans, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements.