2026 Allegheny County Department Of Human Services Internship - Administration

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. Please refer to page 2 in the link: I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

DHS Overview

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.

Office of Administration (OA) Overview

The Office of Administration (OA) provides strategic and operational support across all DHS program areas, including human resources, facilities, communications, and organizational development. OA plays a critical role in aligning internal systems with DHS’s mission to deliver high-quality, equitable services to Allegheny County residents.

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

AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS (Oct 2025):

Applied Learning and Development Coordinator

The Applied Learning and Development team is responsible for continuously developing our diverse workforce’s ability to carry out the vision of Allegheny County DHS. We provide ongoing learning experiences for both internal and provider staff across all DHS program offices. DHS offers a variety of engaging workshops, including instructor-led training, e-learning bundles, and resource libraries.

Responsibilities

• Researching best practices in equitable and inclusive learning design, adult learning, learning technology, and learning analytics.
• Collaborating with L&D team members to consult with stakeholders and develop curriculum based on needs assessments.
• Support design work by assisting in creating videos, gamification, infographics, and eLearning courses.
• Support marketing efforts, increasing awareness and, in turn, attendance at various events and learning experiences.
• Support the facilitation of various training and wellness initiatives.
• Support the L&D senior team in developing quarterly reports and measuring identified metrics/goals.

Location: Riverfront Place: 810 River Avenue, Second Fl, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Project Management Assistant (Director's Office)

The Project Management Intern will directly support the Director's Office within OA on strategic initiatives and corporate communications. This role requires a high-performing, detail-oriented student who can manage multiple priorities and contribute to executive-level projects. The intern will gain exposure to internal operations, leadership communications, and project coordination across DHS.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing internal and external communication plans aligned with OA goals.
• Review, log, and track incoming applications and correspondence
• Draft and send acknowledgment letters to applicants and stakeholders
• Meet with OA leadership to identify communication strategies and target audiences
• Support project documentation, scheduling, and follow-up tasks
• Contribute to process improvement efforts and special projects led by the Director's Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in public administration, communications, business, or organizational leadership
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive information
• Interest in public sector operations, executive communications, or strategic planning

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

Safety Coordinator

The Safety and Facilities Team is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented intern to support day-to-day safety operations and emergency preparedness initiatives. This role is ideal for someone interested in workplace safety, emergency planning, and facilities management.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with inventory tracking and restocking of safety supplies (e.g., first aid kits, PPE, emergency materials)
• Support updates and documentation of disaster recovery and emergency response plans
• Help maintain safety-related records, checklists, and compliance documentation.
• Participate in safety audits and facility walkthroughs
• Organize and label safety equipment and storage areas
• Contribute to internal communications and training materials related to safety procedures

Preferred Qualifications

• Reliable transportation may be required for travel
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Interest in safety, emergency management, or facilities operations
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office
• Attention to detail and a proactive mindset

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

Contracts and Compliance Assistant

The intern will assist the Contracts & Compliance Team in developing a provider risk assessment and tracking expired insurance documentation. This role is ideal for a student interested in public administration, business, or legal compliance. The intern will gain hands-on experience in contract management, provider relations, and public sector operations.

The Contracts & Compliance Team ensures that DHS's partnerships with community-based providers meet legal, financial, and operational standards. The team monitors contract performance, verifies insurance and documentation, and supports risk management efforts across the department. By maintaining strong oversight and clear communication, the team helps DHS deliver services ethically, efficiently, and in alignment with county policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and implementing a risk assessment process for contracted providers
• Review and organize provider documentation to identify missing or expired insurance records
• Communicate with internal teams and external providers to collect updated compliance materials
• Maintain accurate records and logs of compliance status
• Support the team in organizing contract files and documentation workflows
• Contribute to process improvement efforts related to contract and compliance tracking

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, public policy, or law
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and Word
• Ability to interpret contracts and insurance documentation
• Interest in public sector compliance, auditing, or risk management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting

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