Welcome to our Internship Program

Kickstart Your Future with the DSHS Internship Program

Intern group

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) of Washington State is the largest state agency, offering a wide range of programs and services to support individuals and communities. Interning at DSHS provides a unique opportunity to work within one of its many specialized administrations and divisions, each dedicated to addressing critical needs across the state. As an intern, you will gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact lives. DSHS offers paid and unpaid internship opportunities for students who want to gain professional experience and make a difference in their communities. These internships provide hands-on learning and allow students to work on meaningful projects that have real-world impact.

Internship types available at DSHS:

Unpaid internship program provides students with the chance to earn academic credit while gaining practical experience.
Volunteer internship program for individuals who are looking to make a career change or gain valuable work experience.
MSW & BASW Practicum program provides social work students, particularly those pursuing their master’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, with supervised learning experiences.
WorkEx and Hiring Our Heroes are internship programs offering service members a unique opportunity to apply their strengths in a civilian environment.
Summer paid internship program receives an hourly wage for 10 weeks during the summer with real world work experience for individuals with a passion for public service.
Paid internship program will receive an hourly wage for a designated amount of time. You will have opportunities to experience real-world projects and gain professional experience.

Why Intern with DSHS?

As a DSHS intern, you will gain valuable experience by working on real-world projects that serve the community. You will have the opportunity to explore career paths in fields such as social services, IT, communications, managment, and other areas. This internship will help you strengthen your professional skills and help you prepare for future career opportunities. Additionally, you'll be able to apply the knowledge you've gained in the classroom to real-world challenges, providing a practical and rewarding learning experience.

DSHS Administrations and Divisions

DSHS is organized into several key administrations and divisions, each focusing on specific areas of service. These serve as potential opportunities for interns to learn and grow while contributing to impactful work.

Administration/Division	Description
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), Adult Protective Services (APS)	Provides services that empower senior citizens and people with disabilities to remain independent and supported in settings of their choice.
Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)	Offers mental health and substance use treatment services to individuals and families.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)	Administers programs designed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to obtain services and supports based on individual preferences, capabilities, and needs.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)	Provides services to individuals with disabilities to help them achieve employment and independence.
Economic Services Administration (ESA)	Offers assistance with cash, food, child support, disability determination, and transition to employment.
Facilities, Finance, and Analytics Administration (FFA)	Manages the department’s facilities, financial operations, and data analytics.
Office of the Secretary, Office of Communications & Government Affairs (OOS)	Provides leadership and strategic direction for the department, ensuring the integrity of DSHS programs and services.
Technology Innovation Administration (TIA)	Leads the department’s information technology strategy, overseeing application development, network infrastructure, and IT security to enhance service delivery.

Applicant Requirements

At the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), we're looking for motivated individuals who share our passion for public service and community impact. Our internships are designed to cultivate future leaders who are eager to contribute to the well-being of Washington residents. To be eligible for the DSHS internship program, applicants must be currently enrolled in good standing at a post-secondary college, university, or specialized technical or trade school. Being in good academic standing demonstrates a strong commitment to your education and ensures you have the foundational skills needed to succeed in this role. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate a genuine interest in public service and thrive in team oriented and inclusive environments. Successful candidates should possess strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills, which are essential for effectively contributing to the work at DSHS. The ideal intern can work independently while adapting to fast-paced and evolving environments. Flexibility, self-motivation, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are crucial for success in this hybrid-remote program. Networking and relationship-building skills are key to maximizing your internship experience. Additionally, applicants should have strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to learning, which will enable them to tackle challenges and grow professionally during their time at DSHS.

DSHS interns should be passionate about helping others and dedicated to public service. This passion will drive your contributions and make your experience at DSHS both impactful and rewarding.

If you share these values and meet the requirement, we encourage you to apply and join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families across Washington State.

Application materials include:

Application form
Internship Request Form
Resume
Cover letter
Documentation of any additional schooling requirements (if applicable)

What Interns at DSHS Can Expect

Interns at DSHS can expect a flexible schedule, either hybrid or fully remote, depending on program needs. They will receive training in departmental procedures and learn important administrative skills. Interns will also work on meaningful projects that support the community and th mission of DSHS. Additionally, they will have opportunities to meet and work with experienced professionals and other interns, building valuable connections for their careers.

Interns at DSHS can expect a hybrid or remote schedule based on program needs. We are looking for interns who are dependable, detail oriented, and able to work during regular office hours. DSHS office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Interns must make sure they are available during these hours to avoid scheduling conflicts.

How to Apply

Apply for an Unpaid Internship:

Fill out the application form, attach your resume, cover letter, internship request form, and any additional schooling requirements (if applicable) and submit by sending an email to: internship@dshs.wa.gov with a subject line that states Unpaid Internship... Credit Eligible.

Apply for a Paid Internship:

We offer a paid summer internship, that is competitive. Recruitment for this internship starts in January through March and can be found on careers.wa.gov. DSHS offers limited opportunities across the administrations. The internship is a 10-week program that generally starts the first week of June and runs through the end of August. We offer two cohort dates, to better accommodate the variety of school schedules.

Important Note:

We are looking for interns who are reliable, detail-oriented, and able to commit to the standard office hours. Office hours for DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) are strictly Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Interns must ensure their availability align with these hours to prevent scheduling conflicts or unnecessary applications.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is it the right time to apply?

Anytime is the right time to apply.

What are the differences between the internship types?

Unpaid...Credit Eligible Internships offer academic credit. Volunteer roles provide experience without credit. Service Member Internships are for veterans or active-duty members transitioning to public service. MSW & BASW Practicums are for Social Work students needing practicum hours.

What does the process look like?

After you submit your application, and additional materials, you can expect a response within 1-2 business days. If you are applying for a Credit...Eligible role, it is recommended that you consult your faculty advisor to ensure you meet all school-specific requirements.

Does DSHS offer paid internships?

Yes, currently DSHS offers summer paid internships and other paid internships opportunities for all year around. Our paid summer internship, is competitive. Recruitment for this internship starts in January through March and can be found on careers.wa.gov. DSHS offers limited opportunities across the administrations. The internship is a 10-week program that generally starts the first week of June and runs through the end of August. We offer two cohort dates, to better accommodate the variety of school schedules.

For more information about internship at DSHS, please contact:

Swilley, Tami - Statewide Interns and Volunteer Program Administrator: internship@dshs.wa.gov