Harker Intern, Government Affairs

Title:  Intern, Government Affairs

Department/Unit: Government Affairs/Public Affairs

FLSA Status: Full-time (Temporary Position– up to 37.5 hours per week), Non-Exempt

Location: This position is located on-site at the APTA headquarters in Alexandria, VA

NOTE: This internship will last approximately 6-8 weeks.

About APTA

Do you want to contribute to an organization dedicated to improving societal health? Would you like to collaborate with colleagues who are passionate about making a difference? Are you excited to work in a new state-of-the-art building designed to encourage movement, participation, and employee health?

Then you want to work for APTA!

APTA is the trusted leader for the physical therapy profession, representing more than 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students. Our approximately 150 employees support the association’s mission to build a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society. Learn more in our Association Profile.

Summary

The APTA Harker Internship is an annual paid internship in Government Affairs for third year DPT students. The internship duration is approximately 6-8 weeks and provides experience in federal legislative advocacy, policy, and grassroots. One student is selected each calendar year. The internship is named in memory of R. Charles “Charlie” Harker, who served as APTA’s Director of Government Affairs from 1982 until 1994. Harker was known as a fierce advocate and helped build the APTA government affairs department and PTPAC. The Harker Internship was created by the APTA Board of Directors in 1995 in his honor and is aimed at fostering the next generation of PT advocates.

REQUIREMENTS:  In order to be considered for this internship, applicants must submit an essay explaining what PT advocacy means to them, why they are interested in advocacy, and what they hope to learn.  Also, applicants must have their applications reviewed by their PT program faculty director before submitting to APTA.

Essential Functions

• Attend meetings on Capitol Hill with congressional staff on key APTA legislative priorities.
• Attend political events with APTA Government Affairs staff.
• Participate in internal APTA meetings, such as congressional strategy meetings, staff meetings, APTA Federal Affairs Liaisons calls, etc.
• Assist Government Affairs staff in research, special projects and administrative functions.
• Participate in any APTA-hosted scheduled advocacy events.
• Collaborate with APTA staff on student advocacy programs and promotion of the programs.
• Meet with APTA staff in various departments such as Practice, Research, DEI, State Affairs, Health Policy & Payment, to learn more about their roles within APTA and their connection to advocacy.
• Attend (virtual or in-person) congressional hearings as appropriate.

Staff Expectations

• Upholds and fosters team values
• Complies with all APTA policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned to foster achievement of association priorities

Qualifications

• Must be a 3^rd year DPT student and APTA member
• Must be an effective champion of the Association vision, mission and brand
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Travel Requirements

Up to 20% - local, accompanied by APTA staff

How To Apply

REQUIREMENTS:  In order to be considered for this internship, applicants must submit an essay explaining what PT advocacy means to them, why they are interested in advocacy, and what they hope to learn.  Also, applicants must have their applications reviewed by their PT program faculty director before submitting to APTA.

Principals only: no agencies; no phone calls, please. Candidates selected to participate in an interview will be contacted by Human Resources.

Please send resume and cover letter, including salary requirements, when applying.

Principals only; no agencies; no phone calls, please. Candidates selected to participate in an interview will be contacted by Human Resources.

The American Physical Therapy Association is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

APTA participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information, please visit e-verify.uscis.gov.

APTA is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and invites and welcomes applicants with diversity of experience, mindset, and skills to add value to APTA and our staff community.