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Undergraduate/Graduate Student Internship

STUDENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANT-Government Affairs

Recruitment #24-005302-0012

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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 internship 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 
Government Affairs-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 undergraduate or graduate student in the fields of government, politics, public policy, social work, law, or similar fields of study with a demonstrated ability to engage thoughtfully and creatively on legislative and policy matters to join the Office of Government Affairs as an intern for the Fall 2024 term. 

Interns will work directly alongside professionals with years of experience in the Maryland Legislature, as well as occasional work with executive level leaders who have decades of experience in federal, tribal, and state contexts. The intern will be supervised by an individual who has extensive experience in a variety of roles working with the Maryland General Assembly. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience related to legislation, policy, and regulations impacting adult and child welfare, public assistance benefits, and child support within the State of Maryland. Interns learn the internal operations of a cabinet-level agency’s Office of Government Affairs, agency external communication processes with the Maryland General Assembly and key stakeholders, legislative and regulatory review and analysis, and advancing a legislative agenda through a state legislature. Under the guidance of the Director of Government Affairs, the intern will make meaningful contributions preparing for the upcoming legislative session through political and legislative research, writing, and personal insight while developing practical skills crucial for a career in government affairs, public policy, public administration, law, or social work. 

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 the history of certain legislative proposals, both within Maryland and other states.
  • Conduct research identifying the impetus for bills and the political history of the sponsor to prepare a strategic approach and recommend creative responses or partnerships to correct, address, or support the proposed legislation.
Writing and Review:
  • Draft and edit executive memos related to mandated reports to the Maryland General Assembly, regulations, and legislation.
  • Draft, review, and inform and edit bill comment forms.
  • Draft legislation; draft written testimony.
  • Review and edit regulation.
  • Review and edit mandated reports.
Legislative 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 legislation from sister agencies, organizations, and members of the Maryland General Assembly to advocate for legislative changes 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 satisfy mandatory reporting requirements, promulgation of new or altered regulations, and the communication of the Department’s legislative agenda.
Legislative Advocacy
  • Communicate with the Governor’s Legislative Office, members of the Maryland General Assembly and their staff, and the staff of the Department of Legislative Services providing support to the various standing committees within the Maryland General Assembly to advance the legislative agenda of DHS.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Applicant must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (e.g., government, politics, public policy) with a demonstrated interest in child welfare, family or poverty policy, or related fields.

Undergraduate/Graduate Students Required Documents:

  1. Cover letter - Please outline your interest in government affairs in the space of child welfare and family support services 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, Maryland Department of Human Services, Recruitment Unit, 25 South Charles Street, 11th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Or email heather.braddy2@maryland.gov, Voice: (410) 767-7855, 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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