DCSE- Policy & Initiatives Intern

Title: Intern

State Role Title: Paid Intern

Hiring Range: $20.00-$25.00/hr

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

This is an hourly/wage position and is not entitled to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s state benefits package. This position is limited to no more than 1500 hours in a 12-month period and averages no more than 29 hours a week.

Minimum Qualifications

• Rising junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled in an accredited university or college, in good academic standing, pursuing a major in Social Work or a related area.
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Knowledge of core functional areas related to a Social Work degree.
• Ability to work the entire duration of the internship program, from May 19, 2025 – August 8, 2025.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other computer software tool as applicable to the position.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions or Strong reading skills, with the ability to analyze, understand, and apply written procedures.
• Ability to research, disseminate and present information.
• Identify problems and recommend solutions.
• Promote feelings of trust and security by establishing strong, caring relationships.
• Ability to display tact, discretion, and sound judgment.

Additional Considerations

• • At least one year of experience working in a social service-based program
• Experience writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Experience with crisis Intervention and management
• Leadership role within a professional organization, or student chapter.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Exhibits a commitment to self-development.
• Self-driven and shows initiative.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Please be advised that this position may be approved to work onsite for two days per week and work remotely for three days per week.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and addition