MDHHS Child Welfare Unpaid Internship

Job Description

Our social work internship program is designed for students looking to learn, work hard, and potentially get hired in the social work field.

This program will help you reach your education and career goals. After exposure to our Services Specialists positions, successful interns may be considered for full‑time positions with our department.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self‑sufficient.

MDHHS is committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment where all employees are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran‑Friendly Employer.

At the time of internship, must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.

• A bachelor's or master's degree with a major in one of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, interdisciplinary studies in social science, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, or a human services–related counseling major.
• Or a bachelor's degree in any major with at least 30 semester (45 term) credits in one or a combination of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, interdisciplinary studies in social science, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, or a human services–related counseling major.

• Attach a cover letter that includes responses to the following questions:
  • What qualities or attributes will you bring to MDHHS?
  • What are your career interests, goals, and plans? Be specific.
  • What do you expect to gain from this internship experience?
• Attach a resume, list of three references, and a copy of your official or unofficial transcripts.
• You will be subject to an MDHHS background check. If selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your driver license and social security card. If you have lived outside Michigan in the last 5 years, you may need to provide an out‑of‑state Central Registry.
• If you currently live outside Michigan, you will need to obtain an out‑of‑state driving record (2‑year official) from the state that issued your driver license and attach it to your application.

Unpaid interns receive no comprehensive benefits plan. Internships begin in the 2026 academic year:
Spring (Jan – May), Summer (May – Aug), or Fall (Sept – Dec).

For more information about the State of Michigan Health and Human Services Internship Placement Program, please contact:

• Kearstyn Meyers
• Office of Human Resources, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• Email: meyersk3

Accommodations – 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 vacancy.

MDHHS does not discriminate against any individual or group based on race, religion, age, national origin, color, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political beliefs, or disability.