The Office of Father and Paternal Engagement

We are now accepting internship applications. The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

About the internship

We are seeking a motivated college intern to support programs that strengthen father involvement, promote child well-being, and empower men of color through community engagement and advocacy. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in social services, program development, and outreach.

Responsibilities

• Create posts, graphics, and short videos for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter).
• Develop culturally relevant and father-friendly messaging that aligns with program goals.
• Respond to comments and messages professionally.
• Promote events, workshops, and success stories to increase participation.
• Aid in planning and executing social media campaigns for initiatives like iCare4Children and Men of Color.
• Track engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments) and prepare simple reports.
• Maintain consistency in tone, visuals, and messaging with organizational guidelines.
• Research grant opportunities (federal, state, private foundations).
• Assist in drafting proposals, budgets, and narratives.
• Collect data and success stories for grant applications.
• Review compliance requirements and deadlines.
• Assist with program planning and outreach for father engagement and Men of Color initiatives.
• Support community events, workshops, and family engagement activities.
• Assist with grant writing, including researching funding opportunities, drafting proposal sections, and compiling supporting materials.
• Manage social media, creating and scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and maintaining consistent branding.
• Organize and collect data for program evaluation and reporting.
• Collaborate with staff on special projects and initiatives.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Social Work, Human Services, Child Development, Sociology, Public Policy, Communications, or related fields.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse communities and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
• Familiarity with Canva, Hootsuite, or grant databases (preferred but not required).

Qualifications

• Father Engagement & Cultural Competence: Understanding of family dynamics and ability to work with diverse communities.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal skills; comfortable engaging with families and community partners.
• Organization & Outreach: Ability to assist with event planning, program coordination, and community engagement.
• Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
• Additional Capabilities: Grant Writing Assistance, Social Media Management, Familiarity with tools like Canva, Hootsuite, or grant databases is a plus.

Preferred Education

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Social Work, Human Services, Child Development, Sociology, Public Policy, Communications, or related fields.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse communities and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
• Familiarity with Canva, Hootsuite, or grant databases (preferred but not required).

Alternate Education and Experience

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Social Work, Human Services, Child Development, Sociology, Public Policy, Communications, or related fields.

Required Skills

• Must be actively enrolled in a college and university.
• Must provide a copy of respective academic institution’s Internship Agreement outlining internship objectives and academic instructor’s name and telephone number.

Additional Requirements And Information

• Contact Samantha Ruhl at RuhlS@michigan.gov for questions regarding this internship.
• MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.
• If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
• State of Michigan unpaid Intern positions do not include a comprehensive benefits plan.

Application Process

• Are you currently enrolled in a undergraduate or graduate program pursuing one of the following?: Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Child Development, Human Resources
• Current Academic Institution
• Major/Minor Field
• Expected Graduation Date
• Faculty Advisor Name
• Faculty Advisor Contact Information (Email & Phone)
• Can you intern between 20-40 hours per week?
• Has your field coordinator reviewed your application?
• I authorize and understand that a background and reference check will be conducted and am willing to send a copy of my driver's license and social security card if selected.
• Please enter your driver's license or identification number.
• Have you ever been convicted of misdemeanor?
• If you answered yes to the question above, please list all convictions and dates of offenses. If you answered No, please enter N/A.
• Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
• If you answered yes to the question above, please list all convictions and dates of offenses. If you answered No, please enter N/A.
• As a State of Michigan intern, I agree to follow all departmental and state policies.
• This is my acknowledgment.
• To receive academic credit through my college/university, I understand that it is my responsibility to coordinate the process.
• This is my acknowledgment.
• I understand this is a non-paid internship.
• Do you have the ability to work from home, including home internet service? OR Are you willing to purchase home internet service if hired?