2026 Allegheny County Department Of Human Services Internship - Community Services

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.

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 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 Community Services (OCS) Overview

The Office of Community Services (OCS) works to build a healthy, connected Allegheny County by delivering human services that empower individuals and families. Through partnerships with over 100 community-based agencies, OCS provides programs that stabilize housing, strengthen families, and promote self-sufficiency. Key initiatives include homelessness prevention, early childhood supports, youth development, financial empowerment, and neighborhood-based resource coordination.

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

Available Internships (Oct 2025):

Homeless and Housing Intern

The intern will support the OCS Administrator with special projects and administrative tasks that advance the office's strategic goals. This role is ideal for a student interested in public administration, community development, or human services. The intern will gain exposure to cross-sector collaboration, program operations, and systems-level planning.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with project coordination, documentation, and follow-up for strategic initiatives.
• Support scheduling, meeting preparation, and internal communications
• Help organize and maintain records related to housing, family support, and community engagement programs
• Conduct background research and compile materials for presentations or reports
• Participate in cross-team collaboration and stakeholder engagement efforts
• Contribute to special projects that improve service delivery and community impact

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework or experience in public administration, social work, public health, or nonprofit management
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Interest in community-based services and systems-level planning

Veteran Services Coordinator

The intern will assist Veteran Service Officers with administrative tasks and outreach efforts to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled. This role is ideal for a student interested in public service, social work, or advocacy for veterans. The intern will gain hands-on experience supporting veterans through direct service coordination and behind-the-scenes operations.

Allegheny County's Division of Veterans Services connects veterans and their families to federal, state, and local benefits—including housing, education, employment, and medical care—and advocates for their needs across all stages of life.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with scheduling appointments and managing communications with veterans and service providers
• Support data entry, document processing, and record organization, including categorizing service records
• Participate in outreach efforts to connect veterans to housing, medical, and financial resources
• Help maintain organized files and track service utilization
• Contribute to small projects that improve office efficiency and service delivery

Essential Skills:

• Detail-oriented and organized
• Background in data analysis preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Interest in veteran services, public administration, or human services

Housing Solutions Intern

The Housing Solutions Intern will assist the team in delivering client-centered housing support and exploring systems-level strategies to address homelessness. This role is ideal for a student interested in social work, sociology, or a related field in human services. The intern will gain hands-on experience in housing navigation, service coordination, and community engagement.

The Housing Solutions Team provides intensive case management and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. Using a Housing First approach, the team reduces barriers to stable housing through direct services, resource coordination, and community partnerships.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with housing assessments and documentation collection for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Organize and order household goods to support housing transitions
• Maintain updated lists of affordable housing units and landlords accepting housing choice vouchers
• Create neighborhood resource guides to support clients in their new communities
• Process housing applications and track progress toward placement
• Research best practices in housing-first models, human-centered case management, and community engagement strategies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework or experience in social work, sociology, public health, or human services
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Proficiency in data management and documentation
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness
• Interest in housing policy, equity, and systems-level solutions