Title: State Programs’ Division of Business Operations Intern, #P0312, #COVAinternships

State Role Title: intern

Hiring Range: Up to $20/hr. (commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: 

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.

The State Programs’ Division of Business Operations intern with the Virginia Department of Social Services will provide students an opportunity to combine their academic studies with on-the-job training and hands-on experience while completing their education. The internship program is designed around a project-based assignment, which will support the mission of the agency and the career goals and interest of the intern.

The State Programs’ Division of Business Operations Intern will report to the Director, Division of Business Operations, State Programs and gain project based or work experience by:

• Maintaining data regarding customer concerns and case actions in order to provide ongoing data to management
• Preparing reports per standard operating procedures
• Directly working with internal partners to identify and recommend training and/or enhancements that will help the agency achieve the desired goal of providing the highest level of customer service possible
• Providing fast, friendly, and effective customer service to external and internal customers every day as measured by supervisory observation and/or review of written and interpersonal interactions with internal and external customers.
• Working as a member of the team to generate compelling marketing and communications efforts, with key responsibility for project management.
• Collaborating with internal and external teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and with a high degree of professionalism.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment in messaging and consistency in communications.
• Assisting in creating and monitoring communications project timelines.
• Creating and coordinating standard reporting and analytics for communication initiatives to measure success.
• Preparing materials, documents, and data related to various marketing efforts.
• Participating in creative briefings, project meetings, design review, and content planning meetings.
• Providing ad-hoc problem-solving and support for day-to-day team needs.
• Customer Service / Internal Collaboration

This position will also have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside the team to develop and support outreach to OBI providers, develop and support adoption of DCSE electronic payment options and develop and support Responsible Parenting marketing and other duties as assigned that may enhance the learning experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
• Rising junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled in an accredited university or college, in good academic standing, pursuing a major in social or behavioral science, communications, marketing or a related area.
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Knowledge of core functional areas related to a social or behavioral science, communications, marketing or related degree.
• Ability to work the entire duration of the internship program, from May 19, 2025 – August 8, 2025.
• Advanced Microsoft office skills and demonstrated proficiency with email programs such as Gmail or Outlook.
• Ability to research, analyze and write policy documents, position papers and other management documents.

Additional Considerations

Additional Considerations
• 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.

This position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration will be in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Teleworking policy on a case-by-case basis.

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 additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

NOTE: This is an hourly/wage (P-14) position and Wage employees are limited to working a maximum of 1500 hours in a 365-day period. This intern position may average more than 29 hours a week within the internship program period. Wage positions carry no benefits.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS - Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.