Fall 2026 Safety and Emergency Preparedness Intern

Job Description

ABOUT US 

Allegheny County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) is the largest agency with a $1 billion+ budget, supporting over 200,000 residents annually through community partnerships. 

The ACDHS Internship Program offers students practical experience in public service, involving meaningful projects that enhance social services. ACDHS 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: Fall 2026 (preferred start: September 2026); approximately 12 weeks

• Hours: 20-29 hours/week; flexible within business hours (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)

• Work Type: In-person (Pittsburgh-based roles)  

Eligibility 

• Enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate) 

• Available to work up to 29 hours per week 

• Able to work in person at an assigned ACDHS office 

• Must have an Allegheny County address during the internship 


• International candidates must meet federal I-9 employment eligibility requirements. 

Safety and Emergency Preparedness Intern Overview

• Join our team as a Safety Intern and gain hands-on experience in public sector risk management. You won’t just be filing papers; you will play a key role in ensuring the safety of County employees. From coordinating emergency drills to supporting lifesaving first aid training, this role offers a deep dive into workplace safety operations and compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Safety Inspections: Partner with the Safety Specialist to conduct monthly audits across all DHS locations, identifying hazards and ensuring a secure environment.


• Emergency Preparedness: Lead the "Egress Map Project" by updating evacuation routes and assisting with building-wide evacuation drills.


• Life-Saving Instruction: Collaborate with the training team to facilitate American Red Cross courses (First Aid/CPR/AED) and Stop the Bleed training for county staff.


• Operations Support: Manage documentation for quarterly Floor Safety and Safety Committee meetings, ensuring action items are communicated and tracked.


• Workplace Audits: Perform visual audits of office spaces to maintain safety standards and data accuracy.


• Cross-Functional Support: Provide administrative and logistical aid to the User Support Manager and TWS team as needed.


•  Code Red Alert App Management: Assist with managing and updating staff information in the Code Red Alert app, the emergency notification system for DHS.


• Disaster Response Support: Assist the disaster response specialist with following up with victims of disaster and ensure they have been connected to any needed services.


•  Ad Hoc Project Support: Assist the Office Administration (OA) team with special projects and tasks as needed.
  
  

Required/Preferred Skills 

• Foundational Knowledge: A basic understanding of workplace safety procedures and an interest in how government hierarchies’ function.


• Communication Skills: Ability to write clear meeting minutes and communicate safety protocols to diverse groups of people.


•  Collaborative Spirit: A "team-first" attitude with the ability to work constructively within the TWS team.


•  Adaptability: Someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and can pivot between office tasks and field inspections.


•  Inclusive Mindset: Ability to work effectively with individuals from all backgrounds and departments.

What You’ll Gain 

• See the importance of workplace safety
  and how safety at work is a driver to creating positive
  working environment. Additionally, the intern will learn basic
  aspects of working for a government entity.
  


•  Continued internship opportunities may be available based on organizational needs and funding


• The experience gained may be valuable for future opportunities within DHS and other public sector organizations