Volunteer Engagement & Capacity Building Unpaid Internship (Macro Social Work)

Volunteer Engagement & Capacity Building Unpaid Internship (Macro Social Work)

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

27-00630

Agency

400 Health & Human Services - Community Access Eligibility

Division

Health and Human Services - Community Access Eligibility

Opening Date

09/10/2026

Closing Date

9/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Benjamin Cohen - benjamin.cohen@volunteeriowa.org

Job Description

This is a non-merit internship position. 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 Community Access, Bureau of Volunteer Iowa is seeking a Volunteer Engagement & Capacity Building Intern to join our team!

Overview

Join Iowa HHS and Volunteer Iowa in advancing statewide volunteer engagement efforts! This internship will provide hands-on experience in capacity building, technological solutions, and outreach strategies aimed at improving community-based volunteer networks. Interns will support initiatives that strengthen service delivery, expand access to resources for underserved populations, and align efforts with Iowa HHS's mission to improve the well-being of all Iowans.

Project Scope

Interns will assist in integrating Volunteer Iowa's Get Connected platform with Iowa HHS initiatives, and non-profit programs across the state, ensuring effective volunteer coordination and community engagement. The role may also involve supporting emerging volunteer management systems, refining outreach materials, and developing best practices for sustained engagement. This internship is ideal for Social Work students interested in policy, technology, and program development.

Key Responsibilities

• Database Optimization: Review and enhance volunteer data accuracy for streamlined engagement.
• Outreach & Training Development: Create promotional materials and provide training sessions for nonprofit and community partners.
• Technology Implementation: Research and support emerging volunteer management solutions to improve program efficiency.
• Impact Evaluation: Track engagement metrics and assess program effectiveness through feedback-driven improvements.

Learning Outcomes

Interns will gain practical experience in social work at a macro level, including policy implementation, nonprofit capacity building, and large-scale volunteer coordination. They will develop analytical and communication skills while collaborating with professionals in state-level human services and volunteer engagement.

Supervision

Volunteer Iowa can provide required supervision for BSW and MSW candidates and will work with students to determine goals and activities to meet practicum competencies for the student's program.

Ideal Candidates

• Enrolled in a Social Work or related program (undergraduate or graduate level).
• Interest in macro-level social work, community development, or nonprofit administration.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

E-Verify and Right to Work

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 www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 400 Health & Human Services - Community Access Eligibility Address Lucas State Office Building

321 E. 12th Street

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://hhs.iowa.gov/