The Office of Father and Paternal Engagement

The Office of Father and Paternal Engagement

Location

Lansing, MI

Job Type

Internship - Non Paid

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

4301-21-FatherPaternal

Department

Health and Human Services - Central Office

Opening Date

01/22/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

• We are now accepting internship applications*

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.

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:

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 RuhlS@michigan.gov.

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.

01

Are you currently enrolled in a undergraduate or graduate program pursuing one of the following?: Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Child Development, Human Resources

• Yes
• No

02

Current Academic Institution:

03

Major/Minor Field:

04

Expected Graduation Date:

05

Faculty Advisor Name:

06

Faculty Advisor Contact Information (Email & Phone):

07

Can you intern between 20-40 hours per week?

08

Has your field coordinator reviewed your application?

• Yes
• No

09

I authorize and understand that a background and reference check will be conducted and am willing to send a copy of my drivers license and social security card if selected.

• Yes
• No

10

Please enter your drivers license or identification number.

11

Have you ever been convicted of misdemeanor?

• Yes
• No

12

If you answered yes to the question above, please list all convictions and dates of offenses. If you answered No, please enter N/A.

13

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

14

If you answered yes to the question above, please list all convictions and dates of offenses. If you answered No, please enter N/A.

15

As a State of Michigan intern, I agree to follow all departmental and state policies. This is my acknowledgment.

• Yes
• No

16

To receive academic credit through my college/university, I understand that it is my responsibility to coordinate the process. This is my acknowledgement.

• Yes
• No

17

I understand this is a non-paid internship.

• Yes
• No

18

• Do you have the ability to work from home, including home internet service? OR Are you willing to purchase home internet service if hired?
• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Michigan

Department Health and Human Services - Central Office Address Office of Human Resources

235 S. Grand Ave.

Lansing, Michigan, 48933