Community Services Internship

Internship Opportunity

This is a non-merit internship position with Health & Human Services - Family Well Being & Protection. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being & Protection (FWB&P), Early Intervention & Support, Community Services Intern to join our team!

This internship will be for Fall 2026 and will be based in the Lucas Building (Des Moines).

Internship hours are typically Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, however, flexibility in schedule is structured with supervisory approval and ideally set before internship begins.

If you use your own vehicle, mileage is paid at $0.50/mile travelled according to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) State Accounting Enterprise Procedures.

Experience with Early Intervention and Support, Community Services Internship may include but is not limited to:

• Compile and analyze asset mapping data for current and future Thrive Iowa sites.
• Inventory Thrive community resources in HopeHub.
• Develop a framework and process for initial community asset mapping and follow up discussions to assist communities to develop plans for addressing resource gaps.

The following experience/skills are preferred for being hired as a permanent employee with HHS and are helpful for an intern:

• Critical thinking skills
• Strong observational and analytical skills
• Exceptional customer service including de-escalation of conflictual or adversarial situations
• Excellent oral and written communication and report composition
• Teamwork, collaboration, and consultation
• Integrity
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines

Requirements to be considered for this internship:

1. Currently enrolled as a student at a college or university.
2. Ability to work in the United States.
3. A valid driver's license is required.
4. If offered the internship, you will be required to Pass a level 1 background check (Criminal History, Child and Adult Abuse Registry, Sex Offender Registry and National Criminal History).

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit