2026 Allegheny County Department Of Human Services Internship - Developmental Supports

DHS Internship

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Internship Program provides students with hands-on experience in public service. Interns contribute to projects that support vulnerable populations and improve the delivery of human services across Allegheny County.

DHS seeks undergraduate and graduate students who want to make a difference. Interns work on meaningful projects that strengthen public services and support vulnerable populations. Many interns continue working with DHS after graduation.

Why Intern at DHS

• Contribute to projects that improve lives across Allegheny County
• Gain experience with one of the top human services agencies in the country
• Work alongside professionals and community partners
• Build skills and explore career paths in public service

The 2026 Spring DHS Internship cohort starts on Monday, February 9, 2026 and the 2026 Summer DHS Internship cohort starts on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Eligibility

• Candidates must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university
• Candidates must be available to work at least 20 hours per week (up to 29 hours/week)
• Candidates must be available to work in person at their assigned Pittsburgh office
• International candidates must be able to fulfill the federal I-9 documentation

DHS is the largest agency in Allegheny County government, with an annual budget of over $1 billion. Through partnerships with community organizations, DHS supports more than 200,000 of the County's most vulnerable populations.

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Supports (ODS) provides coordinated services for residents with intellectual disabilities, autism, developmental disabilities, and medically complex conditions. Its mission is to foster an equitable, person-centered system that helps individuals live meaningful lives in their communities through support coordination, access to resources, and collaboration with families and providers.

AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS (Oct 2025):

Promising Practice Data Analytics Intern Utilize data management knowledge to assist the Promising Practice Team with addressing identified gaps in our current structure. By utilizing data management techniques and strategies in a productive and innovative manner, the incumbent will help the team to work more efficiently, led by our data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Apply statistical modeling and data analysis techniques—including qualitative coding—to support the Promising Practice Team's efforts to streamline workflows and improve data-driven decision-making
• Design and implement an internal data management system to organize and clean raw data for team use
• Structure the system to track and manage key data elements, including:
• Demographics
• One-shot authorizations
• Variance submissions, approvals, and expirations
• Waiver service authorizations and utilization
• Service delivery comparisons for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) versus autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Duration of team involvement to reach desired outcomes
• Overall service utilization
• Develop a data analysis tool that produces clear visualizations to support trend analysis and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in data analysis, statistics, public health, or social sciences
• Experience designing or managing data systems for tracking and reporting
• Ability to create data visualizations using Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools
• Proficiency in SQL, R++, and Python for data cleaning, analysis, and automation
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to interpret and present trends using demographic and service utilization data
• Interest in intellectual and developmental disability services or behavioral health systems
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a team setting

Priority Planning Intern The Priority Planning Intern will support the Office of Developmental Supports in organizing and analyzing data that informs strategic planning and service prioritization. This role is ideal for a student interested in systems-level thinking, public policy, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The intern will assist with tracking service trends, identifying gaps, and supporting planning efforts that improve outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex needs.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Priority Planning Team in organizing and cleaning raw data to support strategic planning and service prioritization
• Contribute to the development of an internal data management system that improves access to and usability of planning data
• Track and manage key data elements, including:
• Demographics of individuals served
• One-shot authorizations
• Variance submissions, approvals, and expirations
• Waiver service authorizations and utilization
• Service delivery comparisons for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) versus autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Duration of team involvement to reach desired outcomes
• Overall service utilization
• SIMCOACH and EPUNS data
• Apply statistical modeling and qualitative coding techniques to identify service trends and gaps.
• Develop data visualizations and analysis tools that support planning decisions and highlight areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with ODS staff to align data insights with strategic goals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework or experience in public policy, data analysis, public health, or human services
• Familiarity with qualitative coding methods and tools (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose, or Excel-based coding)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and communicate findings clearly
• Interest in developmental disability services or systems-level planning
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a team setting