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