The Office of Father and Paternal Engagement

Internship Opportunity

*We are now accepting internship applications*

The mission of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) 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.

Location: 51111 Woodward Ave. 4th Floor, Pontiac, MI 48342

Must be willing to intern 6-10 hours a week

Intern Responsibilities / Projects:

• Content Creation: Develop posts, graphics, and short videos for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter).
• Create culturally relevant and father-friendly messaging that aligns with program goals.
• Community Engagement: Respond to comments and messages professionally. Promote events, workshops, and success stories to increase participation.
• Campaign Support: Assist in planning and executing social media campaigns for initiatives like iCare4Children and Men of Color.
• Analytics: Track engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments) and prepare simple reports.
• Brand Consistency: Ensure tone, visuals, and messaging align 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.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with program planning and outreach for father engagement and Men of Color initiatives.
• Support community events, workshops, and family engagement activities.
• Grant Writing Assistance: Research funding opportunities, draft proposal sections, and compile supporting materials.
• Social Media Management: Create and schedule posts, monitor engagement, and maintain consistent branding.
• Collect and organize data for program evaluation and reporting.
• Collaborate with staff on special projects and initiatives.

Required Education and Experience:

At the time of internship, must be currently pursuing or holding a degree in fields such as Social Work, Human Services, Education, Child Development, Sociology, Public Policy, or Non-Profit Management.

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.

Position Details:

Type: Unpaid Internship

Location: Pontiac, MI (Hybrid options may be available)

Schedule: Flexible; approximately 06-10 hours per week

Duration: Semester-based or as agreed

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).

Benefits:

• Gain practical experience in community engagement, program development, and advocacy.
• Build skills in grant writing and social media strategy.
• Network with professionals in social services and public policy.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in fatherhood and child well-being initiatives.

Alternate Education and Experience:

Preferred Skills / 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: Research funding opportunities, draft proposal sections, and compile supporting materials.
• Social Media Management: Create and schedule posts, monitor engagement, and maintain consistent branding.
• Familiarity with tools like Canva, Hootsuite, or grant databases is a plus.

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:

For questions regarding this internship, please contact Samantha Ruhl at View email address on click.appcast.io. MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.

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 position vacancy.

State of Michigan unpaid Intern positions do not include a comprehensive benefits plan.