Human Services Internship

DHS Internship

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Internship Program provides students with hands-on experience in public service. Interns contribute to projects that support vulnerable populations and improve the delivery of human services across Allegheny County.

DHS seeks undergraduate and graduate students who want to make a difference. Interns work on meaningful projects that strengthen public services and support vulnerable populations. Many interns continue working with DHS after graduation.

Why Intern at DHS

• Contribute to projects that improve lives across Allegheny County
• Gain experience with one of the top human services agencies in the country
• Work alongside professionals and community partners
• Build skills and explore career paths in public service

The 2026 Spring DHS Internship cohort starts on Monday, February 9, 2026  and the 2026 Summer DHS Internship cohort starts on Monday, June 1, 2026. 

Eligibility

• Candidates must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university
• Candidates must be available to work at least 20 hours per week (up to 29 hours/week)
• Candidates must be available to work in person at their assigned Pittsburgh office
• International candidates must be able to fulfill the federal I-9 documentation.  Please refer to page 2 in the link: I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

DHS Overview

DHS is the largest agency in Allegheny County government, with an annual budget of over $1 billion. Through partnerships with community organizations, DHS supports more than 200,000 of the County's most vulnerable populations.

Learn more about DHS at Allegheny County Department of Human Services and Allegheny County Analytics

Office of Equity & Engagement (OEE) Overview

The Office of Equity and Engagement (OEE) supports DHS’s mission by advancing equity, inclusion, and community connection across Allegheny County. OEE leads public-facing initiatives, including resource fairs, tabling events, educational campaigns, and volunteer coordination. The office also supports special populations, including LGBTQIA+ residents, immigrants & local refugees.

AVAILABLE  INTERNSHIPS (Oct 2025)

Community Engagement Intern

This intern will support the team with tabling coordination and administrative support for public engagement efforts. This role is ideal for a student interested in public service, communications, or work focused on equity. The intern will gain hands-on experience in event planning, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive messaging.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and logistics for tabling events, resource fairs, and community-based outreach
• Assist with scheduling, material preparation, and on-site coordination at public events.
• Help maintain organized records of outreach activities, contacts, and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to the creation of inclusive and accessible outreach materials
• Conduct background research to support equity initiatives and special population engagement
• Assist with internal communications, documentation, and administrative tasks
• Participate in cross-team collaboration and support advisory board coordination

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in public administration, communications, social work, or human services
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Interest in equity, inclusion, and community engagement
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Comfortable interacting with diverse populations in public-facing settings
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); design or social media experience is a plus