Skip to content
Search Public Health Job Opportunities Across The Nation

Explore national fellowship and internship opportunities

The list includes opportunities with governmental public health agencies, nonprofits organizations, global health initiatives, and more. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, national programs affiliated with the Centers of Disease Control and Preventions (CDC).

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

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.

Qualifications

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.
Date Posted
09/21/2026
Job Reference
27-00630
Organization
400 Health & Human Services - Community Access Eligibility, Health and Human Services - Community Access Eligibility
Location
Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA 50301
Category
Mental Health/Social Services
Apply Back

Connect with Local, State, and Territorial Health Departments

To find local governmental public health jurisdictions, see - www.naccho.org