Department of Health and Human Services Internships: Opportunities and Requirements

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers a wide array of internships designed to provide students with invaluable experiences in public health, healthcare administration, social services, and related fields. These internships give students hands-on experience in a professional setting, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations. Whether exploring a career path or determining the best one, HHS has numerous opportunities for students of all academic disciplines and levels.

Diverse Internship Opportunities within HHS

HHS internships span across its various agencies and offices, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH), among others. This provides a broad spectrum of experiences for students with varied interests.

Focus Areas: HHS internships cover a wide range of focus areas such as public health policy, healthcare management, research, public affairs, communications, data analysis, and community outreach.

Eligibility and General Requirements

To be eligible for HHS internships, applicants generally need to meet certain criteria. These requirements ensure that interns are prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of the internship.

Citizenship and Age Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident. Non-citizens may apply. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement.

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Enrollment Status

Applicants must be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution on a full- or half-time basis, as defined by the educational institution. This includes awardees of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship Program under Public Law 93-842. Students do not need to be in actual physical attendance in school (i.e., virtual learning), as long as all other requirements are met. A student who needs to complete less than the equivalent of half an academic, vocational, or technical course-load immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for purposes of the Internship Program.

One full academic year of undergraduate, graduate, vocational, trades, technical, or high school education is the number of credit hours determined by the college, university, or school to represent 1 year of full-time study. The high school curriculum must be approved by a State or local governing body.

The Internship Program (TIP) and Internship Program (IIP)

HHS offers two primary internship programs: the Internship Program (TIP) and the Internship Program (IIP). Each program has its own specific characteristics and benefits.

Internship Program (IIP)

Interns in this program are appointed to non-temporary, excepted service appointments, expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled. IIP participants, while in the program, are eligible for noncompetitive promotions if they meet the developed qualification standards for the position. IIP interns are also eligible for federal employee benefits (e.g. life, health, and retirement).

Internship Program (ITP)

The temporary nature of the ITP allows for interns to work during seasonal and holiday breaks in academic programs as well as year-round. Interns in this program are appointed to temporary appointments, not to exceed one year or their projected graduation date (whichever is shorter) and extensions may be made in one year increments. The positions to which the interns are appointed have no promotion potential, therefore, students must apply through USAJOBS to be considered for higher-graded positions. ITP participants who are expected to work 130 hours per month or more for at least 90 days will be eligible to enroll in a health benefits plan. ITP participants are not eligible for any other benefits until after conversion into the competitive service.

Application Process and Required Documents

The application process for HHS internships typically involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and possibly letters of recommendation.

Submitting the Application

Once an announcement is posted on www.usajobs.gov, complete applications (to include all required documents) must be submitted electronically. Candidates have until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement to complete the application process. This includes submitting the online application as well as any required documents as defined in the Required Documents section in the listed announcement. Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications the day the announcement opens to ensure they receive consideration. Should candidates be missing any of the required documents or submit their application late, they will be disqualified for consideration of employment.

Due to the volume of applications for the HHS’s Pathways programs, there is typically a maximum number of applications for each vacancy announcement. The vacancy will close on the closing date listed in the announcement or on midnight the day that the maximum number of applications are received. The vacancy will close when the first of these conditions are met.

Required Documents

The following documents must be submitted for your application package to be considered complete. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are received within the required time frames.

Transcripts: Transcripts MUST include the student’s name, name of the school, current GPA/academic standing, past and current coursework, and degree program. If your school’s transcripts or documentation do not provide all the necessary information listed above, you should include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements.Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration and Documentation that States Projected Graduation Date: Proof of Enrollment may include a screen shot of the semester class schedule, an official letter of enrollment, or listed on official transcripts. The document should show the academic institution where the student is actively enrolled in courses, the degree or certificate program, and enrollment in at least a half-time status (as defined by the academic institution).

(If applicable) Veterans Preference Documentation: If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must submit proof of veterans’ preference with your application.

For 5-point veteran’s preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 is preferable) which must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. If you are currently on active duty, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service date, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be within 120 days of the date the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement.
For 10-point veteran’s preference, you must submit a current version of the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference), dated October 2013, and any documentation required by this form to support your claim. Previous editions of the SF-15 will not be accepted.

Duration and Responsibilities

Internship durations can vary, ranging from a few months to a year, depending on the program and position. Interns at HHS may work on research projects, policy analysis, data collection and analysis, program evaluation, outreach and education initiatives, and other tasks that align with their skills and interests.

Examples of Internship Programs in Different States

Many states have their own Department of Health and Human Services (or similar agency) that offers internships. Each has specific requirements and opportunities.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) of Washington State is the largest state agency, offering a wide range of programs and services to support individuals and communities. Interning at DSHS provides a unique opportunity to work within one of its many specialized administrations and divisions, each dedicated to addressing critical needs across the state.

Eligibility and Skills: To be eligible for the DSHS internship program, applicants must be currently enrolled in good standing at a post-secondary college, university, or specialized technical or trade school. Successful candidates should possess strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills. The ideal intern can work independently while adapting to fast-paced and evolving environments. Flexibility, self-motivation, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are crucial for success in this hybrid-remote program. Networking and relationship-building skills are key to maximizing the internship experience. DSHS interns should be passionate about helping others and dedicated to public service.

Internship Structure: Interns at DSHS can expect a flexible schedule, with some hybrid/remote opportunities, depending upon the program needs. They will receive training in departmental procedures and learn important administrative skills. Interns will also work on meaningful projects that support the community and the mission of DSHS. DSHS office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Paid Internship Program: DSHS offers paid and unpaid internship opportunities for students who want to gain professional experience and make a difference in their communities. DSHS offers limited opportunities across the administrations. The internship is a 10-week program that generally starts the first week of June and runs through the end of August. Recruitment for this internship starts in January through March and can be found on careers.wa.gov.

Olmsted County, Minnesota, Health, Housing, and Human Services (HHH)

Olmsted County HHH welcomes applications for internships. To be considered for an unpaid internship, applicants must be receiving college credit as part of their educational program. A wide range of opportunities are available to serve the diverse and unique needs of the community.

Background Checks: Background checks are required for internships with Olmsted County. Background check results are reviewed on an individualized basis, considering the findings reported with the area of internship placement. There are no automatic disqualifiers. Some internships in Public Health may require proof of valid driver’s license and insurance.

Social Work Internships: Olmsted County HHH welcomes applications for master’s social work internships but notes limited capacity to support the requirements of these internships, especially clinical internships.

Sheriff's Office Internship: The Sheriff's Office internship program aims to allow students enrolled in an accredited law enforcement program to learn about the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office and enhance their understanding of the criminal justice system. Each internship lasts about 12 weeks.

Parks and Trails Internships: Olmsted County Parks and Trails has paid internship opportunities. Workdays run in 8-hour shifts with a total of a 40-hour work week. This internship does require evening and weekend hours.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

DSHS hosts a variety of internships across all divisions and public health regions. It offers a broad range of internships to students of different academic levels from universities inside and outside of Texas. Internship projects are offered three times a year, during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. DSHS internships provide students with hands-on experience working on real-world public health projects that benefit Texans. Along with the intern project and day-to-day work, DSHS provides additional educational and networking opportunities to expose students to the varied work of DSHS as well as the many career paths in public health. In addition to the project work, the program offers a variety of structured activities to develop professional skills and gain a more comprehensive understanding of DSHS to provide a more in-depth internship experience.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a mission-driven organization that works every day to provide high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities. The department actively works to identify and address knowledge gaps through ongoing workforce training and development. The Public Health Workforce Development Plan is part of these efforts. The Workforce Development Plan also addresses the changing demographics of the workforce, the challenges of retaining employees and the need for orienting new, incoming employees.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services-Developmental Disabilities Division (DHHS-DDD)

Interns with DHHS-DDD will participate in providing services both to individuals receiving supports in the community and at BSDC. For individuals at BSDC, interns will provide psychological evaluations and therapy. Types of assessments at BSDC include intelligence, adaptive, dementia, risk, and diagnostic clarification. Interns can also participate in assisting with functional behavior assessments and writing, training, and monitoring behavior support plans for individuals who reside on campus.

Interns will also participate in assessments and consultation for individuals being supported by providers in the community. While there is a limited possibility of occasionally working with adolescents, the majority of the individuals we work with are adults. These evaluations include adaptive assessments, intellectual assessments, diagnostic assessments, risk assessments, and court-ordered Developmental Disability Court-Ordered Custody Act assessments. Interns will also participate in behavior assessments, behavior consultation and training. Because DHHS-DDD provides services across the state of Nebraska, this will include occasional trips to different parts of the state to complete these assessments.

Location and Travel: Travel is required throughout the internship year. Interns will be at BSDC in Beatrice at least one day per week and will participate in at least a couple week-long trips for assessments throughout the state. Interns will office out of the Omaha State Office Building (1313 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE).

Benefits: The DHHS interns will have a cubicle space in Omaha, with a desktop computer with intranet and internet access, a laptop with the ability to remote-access the desktop, and a cell phone. Stipend is approximately $19.00 per hour for 40 hours per week for no less than 50 weeks (2000 clock hours). Interns have cubicle space in the DHHS Developmental Disability Division in the Omaha State Office Building and are assigned an individual computer with intranet and internet access, as well as a cell phone. State-owned vehicles are available for work or consortium-related travel. During assessment trips, the state can cover the cost of the hotels and provides reimbursement for meals.

Impact and Benefits of HHS Internships

Interning at HHS offers students an opportunity to make a positive impact on public health policies and programs. Whether you are on a career path or in the process of determining which career you would like to pursue, HHS has numerous opportunities for students of all academic disciplines and levels. Interns may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, to a term position lasting 1-4 years) within 120 days of successful completion of the program.

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