• Job ID: 92494
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/28/2026
• Closing Date: 03/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept
• Division/Unit: DHS-Payroll / (I)Communications
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly; $50,070 - $72,432 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Anticipated Start Date: 06/10/2026
• End Date: 08/19/2026
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
  
  

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with many partners, helps Minnesota’s most vulnerable residents meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential.

The Executive Pathways Program is a paid summer internship (June – August) for college students to explore a rewarding career in public service.

What you can expect during your internship:

• Hands-on experience impacting individuals and processes within a large human service agency
• Opportunity to meet (virtually and in-person) to network with other state employees
• Attend virtual workshops focused on your Professional development
• Give back to the communities DHS serves through volunteerism
  
  

The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services Administration (HHSSA) are committed to advancing equity, both for our staff and for the community members we serve. As we continue the journey towards ensuring every employee can thrive and experience inclusion, psychological safety, respect, wellbeing, and joy, the Equity and Employee Engagement Intern will support our workforce equity and employee engagement efforts. Under the support and guidance of the Equity Director in BHA and HHSSA, the Equity and Employee Engagement Intern will be an important liaison for increasing employee engagement efforts, supporting BHA/HHSSA equity committees, and co-creating implementation and communication efforts for equity and engagement initiatives. This is a great opportunity for someone who is relationship-centered with interest and experience in applying equity principles and using data to drive positive change.

Some responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Conducting best-practice research
• Supporting employee listening sessions and stay interviews
• Collecting and analyzing qualitative data related to employee engagement
• Communicating data and narratives to audiences of different backgrounds
• Supporting the facilitation and/or notetaking for listening sessions or other employee engagement efforts
• Regularly attending Equity Committee meetings, taking minutes, and participating in action team work as needed
• Working collaboratively with Employee Engagement Ambassadors, equity committee co-chairs, research and evaluation team members, and cross-agency partners as needed
  
  

To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; or recently graduated December 2025 or May 2026

AND

• Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to a culture of inclusion
  
  

• Preferred majors include: Human Services, Human Resources, Organizational Development/Leadership or related fields or coursework preferred, though all are encouraged to apply
• Experience with equity, inclusion, or employee engagement initiatives
• Online Presentation Skills- Comfort organizing and executing digital events, including confidence in ability to learn and use online meeting applications.
• Time Management- Ability to work in face-paced environment on multiple tasks with various deadlines
• Public Speaking- Comfortable speaking to groups of up to 200 individuals in a professional setting
• Qualitative Data Collection- Experience or coursework in qualitative data collection methods, especially qualitative interviewing and/or survey data collection Ability to translate data and research into clear insights and recommendations
• Relationship-centered approach and ability to build rapport with others
• Experience working on projects that involve cross-team or cross-agency collaboration
  
  

• Must be in academic years of sophomore, junior, or senior (Graduate students allowed)
• Must provide unofficial transcript to show proof of school enrollment
• Must be willing to reside in Minnesota for the duration of internship
• Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) criminal background check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check.
  
  

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Evelyn Witherspoon at evelyn.witherspoon@state.mn.us or 651-431-6579.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.