2026 Summer Internship | Strategy & Systems

Allegheny County Department of Human Services•Pittsburgh, PA

7d•$15 - $15•Onsite

About The Position

Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is the largest agency with a $1 billion+ budget, supporting over 200,000 residents annually through community partnerships. The DHS Internship Program offers students practical experience in public service, involving meaningful projects that enhance social services. DHS seeks undergraduate and graduate students to apply their skills, work with professionals, and impact programs serving vulnerable groups. Why Intern at DHS Contribute to projects that improve lives across Allegheny County Gain experience with one of the nation’s leading human services agencies Work alongside experienced professionals and community partners Build practical skills and explore careers in public service Program Details Dates: June 1, 2026 - August 14, 2026 Schedule: 20–29 hours per week Work Type: In-person (Pittsburgh-based roles) Eligibility Enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate) Available to work at least 20 hours per week Able to work in person at an assigned DHS office Must have an Allegheny County address during the internship International candidates must meet federal I-9 employment eligibility requirements. Focus Areas Office of Community Justice and Safety - Project Coordinator Office of Equity & Engagement - Program Coordinator Office of Strategy & Planning - Planning Coordinator

Requirements

Enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate)
Available to work at least 20 hours per week
Able to work in person at an assigned DHS office
Must have an Allegheny County address during the internship
International candidates must meet federal I-9 employment eligibility requirements.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources
Organizational and time management skills
Interest in public systems, policy, or human services

Nice To Haves

Strategy & Planning Coordinator Strong research and analytical thinking
Ability to structure problems and synthesize findings
Comfort working across multiple stakeholders
Community Justice & Safety Coordinator Interest in justice systems, policy, or reentry work
Research and writing skills
Ability to analyze systems and identify improvements
Equity & Inclusion Coordinator Interest in equity, social justice, or community engagement
Strong qualitative research and writing skills
Ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse populations

Responsibilities

Community Justice & Safety Coordinator Conduct research on evidence-based and promising practices to inform program design and improvements for justice-involved populations
Support planning and facilitation of cross-system stakeholder workgroups to address complex service and policy challenges
Map and analyze current system workflows (e.g., service access, referrals) to identify gaps and recommend improvements
Assist with cross-agency coordination for complex cases, helping connect individuals to appropriate human services
Compile and organize data for grants, reporting, and performance tracking, ensuring accuracy and clarity
Contribute to the development of training materials and tools for internal staff and external partners
Equity & Inclusion Coordinator Support planning and coordination of agency-wide initiatives (e.g., Multicultural Food Festival), including logistics and stakeholder engagement
Collaborate with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Racial Equity Core Teams to support member engagement and recruitment efforts
Develop reports and materials that highlight ERG and Racial Equity Core Team impact, progress, and key insights
Compile and organize content to create internal resources (e.g., Equity Corner booklet) that promote awareness and learning
Collect and synthesize employee feedback (e.g., “What’s Your Why”) to inform strategies that support morale and employee engagement
Assist in reviewing and updating equity resources, facilitation guides, and tools to support consistent implementation across DHS
Strategy & Planning Coordinator Support planning processes by engaging stakeholders and incorporating client, financial, and system-level data
Prepare outcomes-focused plans and reports aligned with organizational strategy and external requirements (e.g., state agencies)
Conduct data analysis and research to inform recommendations for system and quality improvements
Support the development of funding proposals, including government and foundation grants
Contribute to process improvement projects to enhance program effectiveness and operational efficiency
Assist in drafting and managing procurements for new or improved programs and services