Employee & Organizational Strategy Intern

Title: Intern- Employee & Organizational Strategy

State Role Title: Paid Intern

Hiring Range: $20.00-$25.00/hr

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/

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.

This is an hourly/wage position and is not entitled to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s state benefits package. This position is limited to no more than 1500 hours in a 12-month period.

Spend your summer doing meaningful, hands‑on work with the Virginia Department of Social Services.
As an intern in the Employee & Organizational Strategy (EOS) portfolio, you’ll take the lead on a high‑visibility capstone project: developing an engaging, user‑friendly Employee Handbook that supports a consistent and welcoming experience for employees across the agency. It’s an opportunity to apply your skills in design, communication, and project management while contributing to work that directly shapes the employee experience.

While the handbook will be your primary focus, you won’t be limited to just that. You’ll collaborate with teams across the portfolio and gain exposure to a range of initiatives that support employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. The internship program also offers learning and development opportunities, networking experiences, and additional activities designed to support your growth. If you’re looking for practical experience, meaningful collaboration, and opportunities to build skills that translate to any career path, this internship offers a strong foundation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Rising junior, senior, or graduate student for the 2026–2027 academic year, in good academic standing and currently enrolled.
• Available to work from May 18 through August 7, 2026, for up to 40 hours per week.
• Ability to work on-site at the VDSS Home Office (Glen Allen, VA) at least two days per week, with telework options for remaining days.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Strong business writing and communication skills; crafts compelling copy.
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Knowledge of design principles and tools.
• Creative thinker who turns ideas into engaging designs.
• Ability to understand and deliver on others’ design needs.
• Builds strong relationships and collaborates well.
• Organized and manages time effectively.

Additional Considerations

• GPA 3.0+
• Coursework includes significant study in Organizational Development, Human Resources, Communications, Writing, Graphic Design, Marketing, Media Arts, or a related field.
• Familiar with accessibility tools (Microsoft, Acrobat) and style checkers.
• Proven ability to lead or manage projects.
• Experience analyzing data and creating visualizations.
• Committed to growth and self-development.
• Self-driven; takes initiative.
• Captures key details and translates directives into results.
• Experience with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for collaboration.

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.

Please be advised that this position may be approved to work onsite for two days per week and work remotely for three days per week.

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.

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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer