2025 Allegheny County DHS Internship Program - Behavioral Health

2025 Allegheny County Department of Human Services Internship Program - Office of Behavioral Health (OBH)  Spring & Summer 2025 

About DHS 

DHS is the largest agency in Allegheny County government, with a budget over $1 billion. Through community partnerships, DHS supports over 200,000 of our most vulnerable neighbors. 

Interning at DHS 

Are you a creative undergraduate or graduate student looking to make a difference in your community? The Department of Human Services in Allegheny County seeks individuals to assist vulnerable populations. 

We offer various opportunities in program administration and management, technology, analytics and data science, finance, human resources, marketing and more! 

Many of our interns achieve remarkable things and continue working with us after graduation. Join our mission to provide quality social services equitably! 

Why intern at DHS 

• You can make a significant impact here. Interning at DHS offers a chance to make a real impact as part of one of the top human services organizations in the country. We seek innovators and compassionate staff to support our community's most vulnerable members. 

• Our approach is innovative. Recently, we've gained national recognition for our innovative use of data to improve children's safety and prioritize housing initiatives. If you're passionate about using technology to enhance lives, this is the place for you. 

• Supported by dedicated community leaders, DHS collaborates with various partners to improve human services. You will work alongside talented individuals and gain valuable experience. 

• Many of our current managers started as interns here. This experience will help you decide if DHS is the right fit for your career, and having DHS on your resume is a great asset as you move forward. 

Where you'll work 

Most interns are based at our downtown Pittsburgh office (One Smithfield Street), South Side (Wharton Avenue), or North Side (River Avenue), but we also have locations throughout the county. 

How to apply 

Submit your resume and cover letter and answer a few quick questions about your interests. If selected, our recruiting team will contact you. 

Internship Eligibility 

• Enrolled as a student at a college or university 
• Can work at least 20 hours week/semester. (Up to 29 hours/week) 
• Able to complete their internship at their designated office (currently, we do not offer hybrid or remote arrangements) 

NOTE: Allegheny County paid interns are required to fulfill the federal I-9 documentation. For a list of acceptable documents, please refer to page 2 in the link : I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification (uscis.gov) 

Compensation 

$15/hour  

The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH)  

The Office of Behavioral Health empowers adults, children, youth, and young adults facing mental illnesses and substance use disorders. It champions vital programs like the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MATP), navigates the involuntary commitment process, and inspires change through the Stand Together anti-stigma campaign in schools. While it does not provide direct services, its mission fuels hope and healing for those in need. 

• Bureau of Mental Health Services Program Manager In this role you will work closely with providers and other stakeholders to deliver culturally competent, quality services to individuals and families across the life span.  

Built upon the principles of resiliency and recovery, the Bureau supports and respects each person right to choose services that meet their unique needs.  

A Program Management intern would work with Bureau staff, the Adult Mental Health Services unit and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services unit to develop and design initiatives to promote efficiencies in service delivery.  (e.g., electronic reporting systems, assist with review of specification manuals). 

Supported services include:  

• Service Coordination 
• Recovery & Wellness Services 
• Community Treatment Services 
• Inpatient & Extended Acute Care 
• 24/7 Crisis Intervention Service 
• Involuntary Examination/ Treatment (IRES) 
• Child and Adolescent Services 
• Early Intervention Services 
• MH Residential Services  

• Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services Coordinator In this role you will partner with organizations and health professionals to ensure access to vital support services and promote healthy lifestyles. The Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services (BDAS) is committed to fostering strong relationships with individuals and communities affected by drug and alcohol issues.  

We provide essential support and advocate for the rights of those seeking help. Through workshops and events, we raise awareness and reduce stigma.  

Our outreach reaches those hesitant to seek help, while our training empowers community members to assist one another. We constantly evaluate our efforts to create lasting change. 

• Special Projects In this role you will work with the OBH Special Projects unit and the Community Wellness Team to design and implement outreach and recovery activities, collaborating with the Allegheny County Coalition and Recovery (ACCR) and Stand Together. Additionally, the intern can shadow the Justice Related Services team if interested in forensic mental health. 

Location: Human Services Building: 1 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222