OR - Graduate (Graduate Student Internship in Evaluating Community Based Programs)
State: OR

Skill Area: Program Evaluation

Internship summary
The Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (OCCYSHN, pronounced as “ocean”) is Oregon’s Title V Program for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs. It is housed at the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center of Oregon Health and Sciences University. OCCYSHN is independent from, but works in close collaboration with the Title V Maternal and Child Health programs administered by the Office of Family Health, Oregon Department of Human Services. OCCYSHN programs include an emphasis on access to community based services, family professional partnerships and continuous improvement in programs, policies, and services.

OCCYSHN has two community based programs that serve children in local, and often rural areas:
1.The CaCoon program is a care coordination program that utilizes county public health nurses. The program contracts statewide with public health departments to provide care coordination and home visiting for children and youth with complex and chronic special needs. OCCYSHN public health nursing staff provide training and supports to CaCoon nurses working in the field.
2. Community Connections Network is located in 9 rural communities around the state. A team of local providers and agencies meet monthly to assist families in resolving issues around access, care coordination, and connection with local resources. OCCYSHN provides limited funding for local team coordination, physician participation, and families who serve as regular team members. OCCYSHN staff assist with team coordination, local training and educational events, and support team efforts.

Graduate intern may work on either or both projects related to the above community based programs.

Purpose
To assist in development and/or implementation of evaluation of Community Based Programs to a) support quality improvement efforts and b) to inform statewide policies and c) to expand opportunities for funding .

Goals
CYSHN in Oregon, and their families, face a broad range of challenges in accessing and coordinating care, understanding diagnoses and treatments, and knowing about or connecting with local resources. OCCYSHN has two programs that specifically work at the community level to improve care and services for CYSHN and improve the overall systems of care. Current evaluation methods have focused on counting number and scope of services provided. Additional evaluation is needed related to effectiveness in meeting family needs and accessing appropriate care. Data is needed to assure continuation of and enhancement to OCCYSHN's community based programs.

Objectives
1. Develop and conduct program evaluation of CaCoon, including measuring family satisfaction ; and /or
2. Conduct lit review, key informant interviews, and develop indicators for measuring change in community capacity to serve/meet needs of CYSHN through Community Connections Network

Data or analytic tasks and activities involved
1. CaCoon Evaluation: Survey and structured interview development and implementation;outcomes assessment, measurement of family satisfaction/learning; qualitative and quantitative analysis; formulating recommendations based on findings, report writing
2. CCN component: experience conducting literature review; survey and structured interview development and implementation, formulating recommendations based on findings, report writing

Required data or analytic skills
Prefer some experience or interest in conducting interviews and literature reviews.

Begin date
June 2010

Housing assistance available?
Rental housing is readily available nearby OHSU and Portland State University during the summer months

Public transportation available?
Most work will be at OCCYSHN office at OHSU; Some travel to community based sites may be needed and will be supported according to program guidelines.

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