Intern - Community Development

Richland County; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Richland County invites undergraduate or graduate students to apply for an internship in the Grants & Community Outreach Department for the 26-27 Academic Year. The intern will support administrative and project-based tasks related to HUD grants management, NOFA processes, and community development initiatives.

The role involves coordinating with multiple partners, handling records requests, and providing courteous customer service. Telework is not available; hours are typically 8:30 a.m.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an accredited undergraduate program in public administration, political science, community/economic development, business, marketing, public relations, English or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field preferred for graduate-level interns who are enrolled in a Master’s program.
• Graduate interns will be compensated above the base internship rate.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and organizational support to Grants & Community Outreach.
• Answer telephones, greet visitors, and route calls to appropriate personnel.
• Process requests for records or information following department policies.
• Assist in research, data collection, and preparation of reports and projects.
• Coordinate tasks with department management and staff on various projects.
• Enter data into department databases and retrieve information as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field

Graduate-level enrollment in related Masters program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database management

Job description

Richland County is seeking an undergraduate or graduate Intern for the Grants & Community Outreach Department for the 26-27 Academic Year. The primary purpose of this role is to provide administrative, organizational, and project-based support to the Department and Community Development Office which manages $2.8 Million in annual Federal Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This Internship is based in the Community Development Office in the Richland County Administrative Building and will require developing an understanding of HUD grants management, as well as, the County’s government structure and its community. This position works closely with Department management and staff to provide operational support by assisting in daily activities and long-term projects as directed.

Project-based initiatives have been identified for this position to assist may include:

• Management of two systems to receive, process, respond to requests for services or records.
• Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) processes for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to select new projects serving low-income communities.
• Developing a potential small business grants program in partnership with the Office of Small Business Opportunities and Economic Development teams.
• 2-1-1 Database Review Project to ensure Richland County information is current and useful.

This class works according to set procedures under the direct supervision of the Community Development Division Manager.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The following essential tasks represent the primary responsibilities and activities for this position. Leadership may assign additional tasks related to areas of grants administration as necessary.

• Answers the telephone; provides accurate information to callers and/or forwards calls to appropriate personnel; takes messages as needed; greets and assists office visitors.
• Receives and responds to requests for records, information, and service from Citizens; provides information in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Performs administrative and professional work as assigned. This may include research, analyzing research, recommending improvements, and delivery of findings as required for reports, special projects, and for decision-making purposes.
• Works closely with department management and staff on assigned projects and daily tasks.
• Prepares, types, copies, files and/or transmits various letters, memoranda, legal documents, notices, requisitions, enters department and other information into computer; retrieves data from department databases.
• Interact with various individuals and groups to provide and obtain information about general operations, projects, and programs.
• Coordinate work activities with other divisions, departments, non-profits, civic groups, businesses, and the general public as needed.
• Provides professional and courteous customer service at all times.
• Performs other general clerical work and all other related duties as required.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a recognized Undergraduate public administration, political science, community and/or economic development, business, marketing, public relations, English, or a related field from an accredited institution is required.
• A bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, community and economic development, business, marketing, public relations, English, or related field from an accredited institution with current enrollment in a recognized Masters-level educational program for Public Administration or a related field is preferred.
• Graduate-level interns will be compensated above the base internship rate.

Work schedule may be tailored to coordinate with class schedules and/or school breaks, however, the individual must have the ability to work a minimum of 18.75 hours per week (up to 29 hours/week) between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for the duration of the internship agreement.

The ideal candidate could remain in the role for the full academic year. A semester-long internship agreement may be considered.

Telework will not be available.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS: Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: The job risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking ability.

ADA COMPLIANCE Richland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

NOTE: The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Richland County Government.