2026 Summer Internship | Strategy & Systems

About Us

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

What You'll Do 

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

Preferred Core Skills (All Applicants)

• 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

Preferred Skills by Focus Area

Applicants are not expected to have experience in all areas. Skills may vary by focus area.

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

Learning Outcomes

• Apply data and research to real-world challenges


• Gain experience in systems-level work


• Build skills in analysis, coordination, and communication