At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

These are incredibly exciting times at VDSS! We are leading many aspects of the pandemic recovery and driving unprecedented, progressive organizational change to create platforms for industry-leading innovations with the goal of delivering the best possible outcomes for Virginians. Join our team, drive the change, and make a difference!

The Content and Graphic Design intern with the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Office of Organizational Transformation will provide a graduate or undergraduate college student an opportunity to combine their academic studies with on-the-job training and experience while completing their education. The internship program is designed around a project-based assignment, which will support the mission of the agency and the career goals and interests of the intern.

The Content and Graphic Design Intern will report to the Employee and Organizational Strategy Consultant and gain project based work experience by:

• Researching best practices for driving organizational brand awareness
• Collaborating with subject matter experts on professional network page content and design strategy
• Designing and delivering VDSS professional network pages (i.e, LinkedIn Recruiter or LinkedIn Career pages)
• Writing and editing various internal and external communications, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
• Monitoring professional network web pages to analyze usage and trends
• Updating professional network web pages to increase traffic and remain new & relevant
• Creating and maintaining content calendar for professional network pages

This position will have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside VDSS professionals to develop visual concepts intended to captivate, inform, and/or inspire the end user; and other duties as assigned that may enhance the learning experience.

The intern will work the majority of the time in a telework environment with some work taking place in the office as needed.

#COVAinternships

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site no later than 11:59 p.m. on the closing date listed. This intern position will be open for a minimum of five (5) workdays or until position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. VDSS values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process. [TTY/TTD: (800) 828-1120]

Virginia Department of Social Services does not provide sponsorship. The Virginia Department of Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply.

For more information about our employment practices, please visit our “Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan”. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site when you apply.