2026 Summer Internships | Operations & Communications

About Us

Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is the largest agency in Allegheny County, 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 through meaningful projects that strengthen social services. DHS seeks undergraduate and graduate students to apply their skills, collaborate with professionals, and contribute to programs serving vulnerable populations.

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

Internship Overview

This internship track supports the internal systems and operations that enable DHS to function effectively. Interns will contribute to projects across hiring, training, communications, and organizational operations.

You will gain hands-on experience supporting the infrastructure behind public service delivery and learn how internal systems drive agency performance and impact.

Focus Areas

Communications & Publications

Learning & Development

Safety & Facilities

Talent Acquisition & Programs

What You’ll Do

During your internship, you may:

Support internal projects and operational initiatives

Assist with communications, materials, and content development

Coordinate processes, schedules, and tracking systems

Maintain and organize data or documentation

Contribute to process improvement efforts

Collaborate with cross-functional teams across DHS

Preferred Core Skills

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create professional, audience-appropriate materials

High attention to detail, with the ability to track tasks, data, and processes accurately

Ability to take initiative and follow through on tasks with minimal oversight

Strong problem-solving skills, including identifying inefficiencies and proposing practical improvements

Comfort working across teams and navigating ambiguous or evolving priorities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience tracking or organizing data preferred

Preferred Skills by Focus Area

Communications & Publications

Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content

Experience with content creation tools (e.g., Canva, PowerPoint) preferred

Strong writing and editing skills with attention to tone and audience

Learning & Development

Ability to organize and develop structured content (e.g., guides, presentations, toolkits)

Interest in training, education, or instructional design

Strong written communication and attention to clarity in materials

Safety & Facilities

Ability to track processes, maintain documentation, and ensure accuracy

Interest in operations, logistics, or compliance environments

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured procedures

Talent Acquisition

Ability to manage candidate pipelines, scheduling, and communications with attention to detail

Experience or interest in recruiting, hiring processes, or HR operations

Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism when engaging with candidates and stakeholders (e.g, DHS leaders, university partners, hiring managers)

What You’ll Gain

Experience supporting internal operations within a large public agency

Skills in coordination, communication, and process improvement

Exposure to how organizational infrastructure supports service delivery

Understanding of career paths in operations, HR, communications, and administration