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Graduate Student/Law Student Externship

STUDENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANT-Policy Team- Unpaid

Recruitment #24-005302-0008

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Introduction

 

When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults. 


We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we leave no one behind. 

Duration: This externship is available for the duration of one semester or academic term, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability.

GRADE

76

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Human Services 
Policy Team-Office of the Secretary
25 S. Charles St. 
Baltimore, MD 21201 

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Department of Human Services is seeking a motivated graduate student in the fields of social work, public policy, law, or similar fields of study with a talent for creative problem solving to join the Policy Team in the Office of the Secretary as an in-person extern for the Fall 2024 term.
Externs work alongside professionals with decades of experience in federal, tribal, and state contexts who are dedicated to working at every level to create the conditions for child and family well-being in Maryland. The extern will be supervised by a lawyer with 25+ years experience in tribal, state, and/or federal child welfare and poverty law and policy. The externship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on policy experience related to adult and child welfare, public economic benefits, and child support administration. Externs learn the tools, levers, and practical skills for advancing a project or moving a policy agenda in the public sector. Under the guidance of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, the extern will make meaningful contributions to projects through research, writing, and personal insight while developing practical skills crucial for a career in social work, policy, or law.
DHS policy priority initiatives include increasing out-of-home placements with kin; ending youth aging out of foster care; implementing the letter and spirit of the Indian Child Welfare Act; streamlining applications for economic benefits; building strong relationships with the judiciary and community partners; and modernizing state child support administration.

POSITION DUTIES

Research and Analysis
  • Conduct research and make recommendations for best practices that advance well-being.
  • Conduct legal and broad research identifying relevant statutes, policies, regulations, court precedent, and innovative practices, to inform and recommend creative administrative and legislative action that advance policy priorities. 
Writing and Review:
  • Draft and edit executive memos related to policies, regulation, and legislation.
  • Draft, review, inform, and edit bill comment forms.
  • Draft legislation; review and edit regulations.
  • Review and edit policies, state plans, and public comment on federal regulations for executive approval.
Policy Analysis
  • Stay current on state and federal policies, legislation, and trends impacting child welfare, adult care, public economic benefits, and child support. 
  • Assist in analyzing proposed policy changes and advocating for reforms that promote the best interests of children and family well-being.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, data analysts, communications, and lawyers. 
  • Participate in team meetings and collaborative problem-solving efforts to address complex issues affecting children and families.
Community Advocacy
  • Participate in meetings with community advocates and constituents to hear and engage with their concerns and needs and identify opportunities for working together to solve problems, communicate with constituents, or take corrective steps.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Applicant must be enrolled in a graduate program (e.g., social work, public policy, human services, law) with a focus on child welfare, family or poverty policy, or related fields.

Graduate Students Required Documents:

  1. Cover letter - Please outline your interest in family and/or child welfare and relevant experience.
  2. Resume
  3. Two Professional or Academic References 
  4. Unofficial Transcript
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred applicant must have:
  1. Excellent research, verbal and written communication, and analytical skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
  2. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and professionals with a range of disciplinary lense
  3. Demonstrated interest in supporting families or child welfare issues and a commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Marylanders.
  4. Ability to work both independently, collaboratively, and with a positive attitude in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  5. Sensitivity to cultural differences, trauma-informed practice, and ethical considerations when working with people.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Recruitment Unit, 25 South Charles Street, 11th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Or email kendra.young2@maryland.gov: Voice 410-767-0603, toll-free: 1-800-332-6347. 

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Do not submit unsolicited documentation.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.



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