Intern - Healthcare Administration / Clinical Operations

Organizational overview

Ponos Management, Inc. is a purpose-led healthcare organization focused on better outcomes for Medicaid populations through a physician-led, value-based care model. Its integrated care approach is built to reduce barriers related to social, behavioral, physical, and financial needs by coordinating services that support quality of life and help avoid unnecessary hospital use.

PonosCare serves people with complex and chronic health conditions by building individualized care pathways that connect medical treatment, behavioral health support, pharmacy services, and community-based resources. By working closely with interdisciplinary teams, the organization aims to provide continuous, whole-person care that promotes stability and stronger long-term outcomes.

PonosCare is also growing across the country with care management and eligibility alignment solutions designed to improve member results and help healthcare systems operate more efficiently.

Position overview

The internship is intended to give practical exposure to healthcare operations and administrative work. The intern will support day-to-day departmental activities, assist with projects, contribute to research and data gathering, and participate in process improvement efforts. The role is designed to build professional experience in a healthcare setting while contributing to work that supports PonosCare’s mission.

What you will learn

• How administrative and operational support functions operate within a value-based healthcare organization.
• How to assist with special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• How to research topics, gather information, and summarize findings for operational use.
• How to enter, maintain, and report data accurately while supporting records management.
• How to contribute ideas and observations during team discussions and meetings.
• How to prepare professional presentations, reports, and project summaries for leadership and department use.
• How to assist with member outreach, engagement, and care coordination activities when assigned.
• How to organize and manage electronic and paper documents according to company standards.
• How to work with cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams on organizational initiatives.
• How to handle sensitive employee, patient, and business information confidentially in line with HIPAA and company policy.
• How to manage priorities, balance multiple tasks, and complete work within required timelines.
• How to grow professionally through training, mentoring, and development opportunities during the internship.

Internship outcomes

• Deliver and present an end-of-semester or seasonal capstone project showing innovation, process improvement, research, or operational recommendations for the assigned department.
• Demonstrate the learning goals established at the start of the internship through practical work and supervisor review.
• Build a strong understanding of PonosCare’s physician-led, value-based care model and how it helps improve outcomes and reduce disparities.
• Show growth in communication, critical thinking, teamwork, accountability, and organizational effectiveness in a healthcare environment.
• Work successfully with interdisciplinary teams across clinical, operational, administrative, and leadership functions.
• Use internship learning to support operational excellence, quality improvement, and member-centered service delivery.
• Maintain professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with HIPAA, privacy, and ethical standards.
• Develop relationships with mentors and leaders while taking part in coaching, feedback, and professional development activities.
• Complete an Individual Professional Development Plan outlining career goals, strengths, growth areas, and future plans.
• Receive a formal end-of-internship evaluation covering competency development, learning goals, and overall program performance.
• Become eligible for the PonosCare Emerging Talent Pipeline, which may give strong performers priority consideration for future internships, part-time roles, clinical rotations, fellowships, or full-time opportunities.

Qualifications and education

• Applicants should currently be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing an Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree; this is preferred.
• High school students may also be considered for community service or work-study programs.
• Preferred academic areas include Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Nursing, Social Work, Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Informatics, Information Technology, Pharmacy, Communications, or a related discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is expected.
• Strong organization and time management skills are important.
• You should be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving ability are essential.
• Interest in healthcare, value-based care, and population health is preferred.

Internship duration

This internship typically lasts 10 to 12 weeks and is semester-based, though the length may change depending on departmental needs.

Recognition and post-internship benefits

• Certificate of completion from PonosCare.
• Letter of professional recommendation based on performance.
• Executive leadership recognition.
• Opportunity to present the capstone project.
• Eligibility for future employment consideration through the PonosCare Emerging Talent Pipeline.
• Invitation to join the PonosCare ADP Network for future career opportunities and professional engagement.

Equal opportunity and accommodations

PonosCare is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that is inclusive and diverse. All qualified candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment and employment process.