Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout[06a] 2016 Internship Position Description DATE: August 20, 2015 MEMO TO: Economic Development Authority Administrator Judy Weyrens FROM: Cynthia Smith-Strack Municipal Development Group Mayor RE: 2016 Internship Position Description Rick Schultz Background: Councilors The EDA created an internship program in 2014 for calendar year 2015. We hosted an intern Matt Killam from the College of St. Benedict, Erin Speltz in 2015. Spetlz worked on two specific tasks: moving Bob Loso the ST. Joseph Farmer's Market to the Downtown and researching/reporting on active aging Renee Symanietz issues. The internship program was successful and useful. Dale Wick The EDA has included an intern in the 2016 budget. Attached please find a proposed 2016 EDA Internship Position Description. The proposed intern task results from work completed by Speltz Doug Danielson in 2015 related to active aging. Larry Hosch Gary osberg A suggested goal for the 2016 internship program is to research, develop, and administer a Rick Schultz checklist of essential features of an age-friendly St. Joseph. For your information, please refer to Dale wick the attached sample checklist created by the World Health Organization. The 2016 internship project will help the City assess strengths and deficiencies with regard to age-friendly city features. Proposed essential internship components include: • The selected candidate shall research and report on essential features of age friendly cities accessing information and data from the World Health Organization, the American Association of Retired Persons, age-friendly city organizations, and other credible sources as may be identified; • The selected candidate shall identify an acceptable checklist for age-friendly cities and/or create a checklist for an age-friendly St. Joseph; • The selected candidate shall coordinate, facilitate, and oversee completion of the checklist instrument by a wide variety of citizens, business owners, interested groups/organizations, and elected/appointed officials. • The selected candidate shall attend weekly meetings with EDA staff and shall attend EDA meetings on a monthly basis to provide progress reports to all involved. • Time permitting, the selected candidate shall issue a written report to the St. Joseph EDA summarizing the task, itemizing progress made, and providing a plan to achieve desired outcomes. • The selected candidate is expected to work independently while maintaining weekly contact with the Director of the St. Joseph EDA and the assigned internship coordinator. The candidate is expected to devote approximately nine (9) hours each week of the semester (approximately 15 weeks) to the project task (total 135 hours). Alternate arrangements are negotiable. Action: Review/comment on proposed 2016 internship is kindly requested. If applicable authorization of position description distribution is requested. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CITY OF ST. JOSEPH 25 COLLEGE AVENUE NORTH P.O. Box 668 ST. JOSEPH, MN 56374 INTERN POSITION TITLE Economic Development Intern. PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Economic Development Internship Program provides an intern with real world, public sector economic development career experience. Interns will directly support the work of the Economic Development Authority. Interns will gain hands-on experience with city government and develop skills that will serve them well in future occupations. This position is part-time and temporary. The term of the position will typically be one semester. Excellent candidates will be outgoing, motivated, and dependable individuals who can work independently with a variety of people and projects. This position provides a great opportunity to work in a diverse community and experience a variety of community issues for career development. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE POSTION This position provides the selected candidate with an opportunity to be involved in a wide range of publicly sponsored economic development activities. Core functions will include assisting in business market expansion, organizational growth, and infrastructure development in the City of St. Joseph. The selected candidate will work directly with private businesses and public entities to further EDA policies and programs. DESCRIPTION OF INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES • Be involved in the logistics of day to day economic development activities; • Gain insight as to what goes on in city government; • Learn about interaction and operations with other agencies and the public; and, • Be involved with a specific economic development project, economic development policy research, economic development program implementation, creation of public presentations, and/or development of marketing tools. 1 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The selected candidate will be responsible for: • The selected candidate will be assigned a specific task for which he/she is responsible for furthering. • The specific task for the 2016 internship program centers on essential features of age friendly cities. • The goal for the 2016 internship program is to research, develop, and administer a checklist of essential features of an age-friendly St. Joseph. • The purpose of the internship project is to assess City of St. Joseph strengths and deficiencies with regard to age-friendly city features. • The selected candidate shall research and report on essential features of age friendly cities accessing information and data from the World Health Organization, the American Association of Retired Persons, age-friendly city organizations, and other credible sources as may be identified; • The selected candidate shall identify an acceptable checklist for age-friendly cities and/or create a checklist for an age-friendly St. Joseph; • The selected candidate shall coordinate, facilitate, and oversee completion of the checklist instrument by a wide variety of citizens, business owners, interested groups/organizations, and elected/appointed officials. • The selected candidate shall attend weekly meetings with EDA staff and shall attend EDA meetings on a monthly basis to provide progress reports to all involved. • Time permitting, the selected candidate shall issue a written report to the St. Joseph EDA summarizing the task, itemizing progress made, and providing a plan to achieve desired outcomes. • The selected candidate is expected to work independently while maintaining weekly contact with the Director of the St. Joseph EDA and the assigned internship coordinator. The candidate is expected to devote approximately nine (9) hours each week of the semester (approximately 15 weeks) to the project task (total 135 hours). Alternate arrangements are negotiable. ABOUT THE ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) The City of St. Joseph established the St. Joseph EDA in the late 1990's as provided for under Mn. Statute 469. The City retains certain approval powers over the EDA as defined in an enabling resolution. The St. Joseph EDA, except for power retained by the City is a separate political body and subdivision of the state. The EDA has been formed to further the overall growth and redevelopment of the City of St. Joseph. The EDA holds economic development, redevelopment, and housing and redevelopment authority powers as described in Mn. Statute Chapter 469. The EDA goals include tax base diversification,job creation/retention, and redevelopment of underutilized property. The EDA functions in four core areas related to: organizational development, business development, market development, and infrastructure development. 2 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Internships are available to undergraduate students. Students must be currently attending a post- secondary institution. Students must: • Have completed undergraduate level studies in areas of economics, public administration, community development, community health, communications, finance, and/or business management. • Have a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment. • Have the ability to relate to and work with individuals representing a variety of diverse backgrounds and cultures. • Have an interest in public service and development. • Be able to work independently and complete tasks in a timely manner. • Be proficient with computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). • Provide transportation to and from worksite(s). • Have a valid, unrestricted driver's license. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Advanced education in economics, public administration, community development, urban studies, communications, finance, and/or business management. • Previous experience in the public sector. • Experience with processing confidential and/or proprietary information. SPECIAL NOTE: Only those applicants who meet all minimum qualifications will be considered further. Additional points are given for each desired qualification met. HOURS Intern hours are flexible working a minimum of nine (9) hours per week. The Intern is responsible for documenting hours worked on a weekly basis. The Intern is expected to work independently the majority of the time. The term of an internship shall be commensurate with one semester. COMPENSATION: $15.00 per hour, not to exceed $2,025. No benefits. 3 HOW TO APPLY The following information is requested of potential interns as a part of the application process. Your completed application must either mailed to or dropped off at City Hall. Your application must include: • A letter of interest in an internship with the St. Joseph EDA. • A resume. • Approximate dates and hours available for an internship. • Phone number(s) and address(es)where you can be reached. • College/University affiliation. • Name of College/University contact, internship supervisor if applicable. • A list of objectives you would like to accomplish while completing and internship with the City of St. Joseph. • Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member with their application. APPLICATION PROCESS: The City of St. Joseph Economic Development Authority posting is available at the City Hall, 25 College Avenue North, St. Joseph, MN 56374, on the City website at www.cityofst5oseph.com STARTING DATE: Flexible. 4 *"I- Organization • . 60 Checklist of Essential Features of Age-friendly Cities This checklist of essential age-friendly city features is based on the results of the WHO Global Age-Friendly Cities project consultation in 33 cities in 22 countries.The checklist is a tool for a city's self-assessment and a map for charting progress.More detailed checklists of age-friendly city features are to be found in the WHO Global Age-Friendly Cities Guide. This checklist is intended to be used by individuals and groups interested in making their city more age-friendly.For the checklist to be effective,older people must be involved as full partners.In assessing a city's strengths and deficiencies,older people will describe how the checklist of features matches their own experience of the city's positive characteristics and barriers.They should play a role in suggesting changes and in implementing and monitoring improvements. Outdoor spaces and buildings ❑ Services are situated together and are ❑ Public areas are clean and pleasant. accessible. ❑ Green spaces and outdoor seating are ❑ Special customer service arrangements sufficient in number,well-maintained are provided,such as separate queues or and safe. service counters for older people. ❑ Pavements are well-maintained,free of ❑ Buildings are well-signed outside and inside,with sufficient seating and toilets, obstructions and reserved for pedestrians. accessible elevators,ramps,railings and ❑ Pavements are non-slip,are wide enough stairs,and non-slip floors. for wheelchairs and have dropped curbs to El Public toilets outdoors and indoors are road level. sufficient in number,clean,well-main- El Pedestrian crossings are sufficient in tained and accessible. number and safe for people with different levels and types of disability,with non- Transportation slip markings,visual and audio cues and adequate crossing times. ❑ Public transportation costs are consistent, clearly displayed and affordable. ❑ Drivers give way to pedestrians at intersec- tions and pedestrian crossings. ❑ Public transportation is reliable and fre- quent,including at night and on weekends ❑ Cycle paths are separate from pavements and holidays. and other pedestrian walkways. ❑ All city areas and services are accessible by ❑ Outdoor safety is promoted by good street public transport,with good connections lighting,police patrols and community and well-marked routes and vehicles. education. PAGE 1 ❑ Vehicles are clean,well-maintained,acces- Housing sible,not overcrowded and have priority ❑ Sufficient,affordable housing is available seating that is respected. in areas that are safe and close to services ❑ Specialized transportation is available for and the rest of the community. disabled people. ❑ Sufficient and affordable home mainte- ❑ Drivers stop at designated stops and beside nance and support services are available. the curb to facilitate boarding and wait for ❑ Housing is well-constructed and provides passengers to be seated before driving off. safe and comfortable shelter from the ❑ Transport stops and stations are conve- weather. niently located,accessible,safe,clean,well- El Interior spaces and level surfaces allow lit and well-marked,with adequate seating freedom of movement in all rooms and and shelter. passageways. ❑ Complete and accessible information is ❑ Home modification options and supplies provided to users about routes,schedules are available and affordable,and providers and special needs facilities. understand the needs of older people. ❑ A voluntary transport service is available ❑ Public and commercial rental housing is where public transportation is too limited. clean,well-maintained and safe. ❑ Taxis are accessible and affordable,and ❑ Sufficient and affordable housing for frail drivers are courteous and helpful. and disabled older people,with appropri- ❑ Roads are well-maintained,with covered ate services,is provided locally. drains and good lighting. Social participation ❑ Traffic flow is well-regulated. ❑ Venues for events and activities are con- El Roadways are free of obstructions that veniently located,accessible,well-lit and block drivers'vision. easily reached by public transport. ❑ Traffic signs and intersections are visible ❑ Events are held at times convenient for and well-placed, older people. ❑ Driver education and refresher courses are ❑ Activities and events can be attended promoted for all drivers. alone or with a companion. ❑ Parking and drop-off areas are safe,suffi- ❑ Activities and attractions are affordable, cient in number and conveniently located. with no hidden or additional participa- tion costs. ❑ Priority parking and drop-off spots for people with special needs are available and respected. PAGE 2 ❑ Good information about activities and ❑ Older people are recognized by the com- events is provided,including details about munity for their past as well as their pres- accessibility of facilities and transportation ent contributions. options for older people. ❑ Older people who are less well-off have ❑ A wide variety of activities is offered to good access to public,voluntary and pri- appeal to a diverse population of older vate services. people. Civic participation and employment ❑ Gatherings including older people are held ❑ A range of flexible options for older vol- in various local community spots,such as unteers is available,with training,recog- recreation centres,schools,libraries,com- nition,guidance and compensation for munity centres and parks. personal costs. ❑ There is consistent outreach to include people at risk of social isolation. ❑ The qualities of older employees are well- promoted. Respect and social inclusion ❑ A range of flexible and appropriately paid ❑ Older people are regularly consulted by opportunities for older people to work is public,voluntary and commercial services promoted. on how to serve them better. ❑ Discrimination on the basis of age alone is ❑ Services and products to suit varying forbidden in the hiring,retention,promo- needs and preferences are provided by tion and training of employees. public and commercial services. ❑ Workplaces are adapted to meet the needs ❑ Service staff are courteous and helpful. of disabled people. ❑ Older people are visible in the media,and ❑ Self-employment options for older people are depicted positively and without stereo- are promoted and supported. typing. ❑ Training in post-retirement options is ❑ Community-wide settings,activities and provided for older workers. events attract all generations by accommo- dating age-specific needs and preferences. El Decision-making bodies in public,pri- vate and voluntary sectors encourage and ❑ Older people are specifically included in facilitate membership of older people. community activities for"families". Communication and information ❑ Schools provide opportunities to learn about ageing and older people,and involve ❑ Abasic,effective communication system reaches community residents of all ages. older people in school activities. ❑ Regular and widespread distribution of information is assured and a coordinated, centralized access is provided. PAGE 3 ❑ Regular information and broadcasts of Community and health services interest to older people are offered. ❑ An adequate range of health and commu- ❑ Oral communication accessible to older nity support services is offered for promot- people is promoted. ing,maintaining and restoring health. ❑ People at risk of social isolation get one-to- ❑ Home care services include health and one information from trusted individuals. personal care and housekeeping. ❑ Public and commercial services provide ❑ Health and social services are convenient- friendly,person-to-person service on ly located and accessible by all means of request. transport. ❑ Printed information—including official ❑ Residential care facilities and designated forms,television captions and text on vi- older people's housing are located close to sual displays—has large lettering and the services and the rest of the community. main ideas are shown by clear headings ❑ Health and community service facilities and bold-face type. are safely constructed and fully accessible. ❑ Print and spoken communication uses ❑ Clear and accessible information is pro- simple,familiar words in short,straight- vided about health and social services for forward sentences. older people. ❑ Telephone answering services give in- El Delivery of services is coordinated and structions slowly and clearly and tell call- administrativelysimple. ers how to repeat the message at any time. El Electronic equipment,such as mobile ElAll staff are respectful,helpful and trained telephones,radios,televisions,and bank to serve older people. and ticket machines,has large buttons and ❑ Economic barriers impeding access to big lettering. health and community support services are minimized. ❑ There is wide public access to computers and the Internet,at no or minimal charge, ❑ Voluntary services by people of all ages are in public places such as government of- encouraged and supported. fices,community centres and libraries. ❑ There are sufficient and accessible burial sites. ❑ Community emergency planning takes into account the vulnerabilities and ca- pacities of older people. WHO/KH/ALC/2007.1 ©World Health Organization 2007. All rights reserved. PAGE 4