2025 Allegheny County DHS Internship Program - Community Services

2025 Allegheny County Department of Human Services Internship Program - Office of Community Services (OCS)  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 Community Services (OCS)  

The Office of Community Services plays a vital role in uplifting lives by providing essential safety net services through the Department of Human Services. This includes offering shelter and housing for homeless individuals and families, along with invaluable family support and early childhood education. 

Housing Intern In this role you will assist the Administrator with data entry, research, and small projects. You will attend meetings to learn about challenges and solutions related to affordable housing and homelessness in Allegheny County. Familiarity with Microsoft Office is required for this role. 

Family Strengthening In this role you will assist in revising and developing tools and policy documents for various Family Strengthening programs, including Family Centers, Home Visiting programs, and Immigrant Services.  

You will review and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to support quality improvement efforts for contracted providers. Additionally, you will collaborate with internal partners and community organizations to enhance cooperation and improve services for families.  

A background in data analysis is preferred. 

Field Service Coordinator In this role you will primarily support community outreach by accompanying Field Service Coordinators in their efforts to provide access to Coordinated entry screening and other resources, mainly in outdoor settings like homeless encampments. This support will be especially important during the summer months, as the Field Unit responds to the typical seasonal increase in the number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness.  

Additionally, the intern will assist with new data entry initiatives in an office environment. The expected distribution of work is approximately 75% outdoors and 25% indoors, so the ideal candidate should be comfortable spending time outside in summer weather.  

The intern must be open to working with diverse populations in various environments. When working outdoors, the intern will always be accompanied by a Field Service Coordinator.  

Key skills required for this role include empathy, adaptability, and the willingness to initiate conversations with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. 

Location: Human Services Building: 1 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh PA 1522