Watts Healthcare Center | Quality Improvement Intern |

Employer: Watts Healthcare Center

Position Title: Quality Improvement Intern

Department: Quality Improvement

Reports To: Quality Improvement Manager and Quality Team Staff

Location: On-site

Duration: Approximately 108 Hours, Schedule: To be determined by department needs

Compensation: $17.87

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Watts Healthcare Center is a community-based healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services to underserved communities throughout Los Angeles County. Through a comprehensive network of medical, dental, behavioral health, and support services, Watts Healthcare Center is committed to improving community health outcomes and advancing health equity. The Summer Internship Program provides students with meaningful work-based learning experiences that introduce them to healthcare careers while developing workplace readiness, professionalism, and career exploration skills.

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Improvement Intern will assist the Quality Improvement Department with administrative, organizational, and data support activities that contribute to healthcare quality initiatives. Student interns will help organize documents, support quality improvement projects, assist with data tracking activities, and observe how healthcare organizations monitor performance and improve patient outcomes.

Quality Improvement Interns will gain exposure to healthcare administration, performance improvement, compliance, public health, and data management while exploring careers within the healthcare industry.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Watts Healthcare Center Summer Internship Program provides high school students with hands-on career exploration opportunities within a professional healthcare environment. Interns will work alongside experienced healthcare professionals while learning workplace expectations, communication skills, and industry-specific practices.

This position is designed to connect students to Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways while developing skills in customer service, healthcare administration, community engagement, communication, organization, and professional workplace readiness.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Interns will learn to:

• Develop professional communication and workplace skills.

• Understand the role of quality improvement in healthcare organizations.

• Learn how healthcare organizations monitor performance and patient outcomes.

• Build organizational, administrative, and data management skills.

• Gain exposure to compliance, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices.

• Explore careers in healthcare administration, public health, quality management, and data analysis.

• Practice professionalism, teamwork, and workplace accountability.

• Connect workplace experiences to Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways and future career opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Improvement Support

• Assist staff with organizing quality improvement materials and project documents.

• Support department initiatives focused on improving organizational performance.

• Observe quality improvement meetings and project activities when appropriate.

• Help prepare materials used for department projects and presentations.

Data & Reporting Support

• Assist with data entry and record organization projects.

• Support staff with tracking quality-related information and metrics.

• Help organize reports, spreadsheets, and department documentation.

• Learn basic data management and reporting processes.

Administrative & Clerical Support

• Assist with filing, scanning, copying, and organizing department records.

• Help maintain accurate and organized electronic and paper files.

• Support meeting preparation and administrative projects.

• Assist with preparing materials for training and presentations.

Healthcare Compliance & Quality Awareness

• Learn about healthcare quality standards and performance measures.

• Observe how healthcare organizations monitor services and outcomes.

• Gain awareness of patient privacy, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.

• Participate in discussions related to quality improvement and patient-centered care.

Career Exploration & Professional Development

• Participate in workplace learning experiences and career readiness activities.

• Learn about educational pathways leading to healthcare administration, public health, and quality careers.

• Observe professionals working in healthcare operations and quality management.

• Develop communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in Compton Unified School District.

• Preferred Sophomore or Junior standing.

• Preferred CTE pathway student or rising CTE pathway student.

• Interest in healthcare, science, biotechnology, or public health careers.

• Demonstrates responsibility, professionalism, and dependability.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and peers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Students will:

• Gain exposure to healthcare quality improvement and organizational performance initiatives.

• Learn how healthcare organizations measure and improve service quality.

• Develop workplace communication, organization, and data management skills.

• Receive mentorship from healthcare professionals.

• Build leadership, teamwork, and analytical thinking skills.

• Strengthen career readiness and workplace competencies.

• Explore educational pathways and careers in healthcare administration, quality management, public health, and business operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Student interns will work within administrative and office environments within the Quality Improvement Department at Watts Healthcare Center. Interns may spend time organizing documents, supporting quality improvement projects, participating in professional meetings, and assisting with administrative tasks. Duties may include sitting, standing, walking, organizing materials, operating basic office equipment, and working with spreadsheets and databases. All interns will work under the supervision of Quality Improvement personnel and must adhere to workplace safety, confidentiality, and professional conduct standards.