MDHHS Child Welfare Unpaid Internship

We are now accepting internship applications for internships beginning in 2026. Please indicate on your application which semester you are interested in.

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 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. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.

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

• Must be pursuing one of the following: 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 the responses to the following questions:
  • What qualities or attributes will you bring to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services?
  • 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 and, if selected to move forward in the process, will be required to provide a copy of your driver license and social security card. If you have lived outside of the state of Michigan in the last 5 years, or currently do, and are asked to move forward with placement, you will need to provide an out of state Central Registry from that state.
• If you currently live outside of the state of Michigan, you will need to obtain an out of state driving record (2‑year official) from the state in which your driver’s license has been issued and attach it to your application.

Failure to attach any of the above may result in your application being screened out.

Please use the map below to determine which three locations you would like to do your internship.

With questions or 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

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) does not discriminate against any individual or group because of race, religion, age, national origin, color, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political beliefs, or disability.

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.