Intern - Data & Outcomes (Spring)

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Data & Outcomes Intern in Sioux Falls, SD will support the Division of Behavioral Health in developing, maintaining, and analyzing data systems across public services. The role emphasizes practical experience with data tools, reporting, and improving data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities include data collection, transformation, and dashboard maintenance, plus collaboration on an analysis project aligned with agency priorities.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student.
• Completion of one year (nine months) of program by internship start.
• Proficiency in Excel and Power BI required.
• Able to write and troubleshoot basic to intermediate data queries for automation.
• Interest in public service systems, behavioral health, or data analytics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection, transformation, and reporting using Excel, Power BI, and STARS.
• Maintain and update Power BI dashboards for accurate reporting.
• Support data entry, cleanup, and integration across STARS, Excel, and online forms.
• Write or modify code and queries for data automation (DAX, M, SQL).
• Collaborate with staff on at least one priority analysis project aligned with agency priorities.
• Document data workflows and identify opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Excel

Power BI

SQL

DAX

M

Power Query

Analytical thinking

Education

Student in college/university

One year completed in program

Tools

STARS

Job description

Session: Spring Position Title: Intern - Data & Outcomes Intern Hiring Manager: Brittney Langkeek Agency: Department of Social Services / Community Behavioral Health Location: Sioux Falls, SD Minimum Salary: $20.53 per hour

*APPLICANT MUST BE A CURRENT PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME STUDENT (MINIMUM OF 6 CREDIT HOURS) IN UPCOMING SEMESTER OR IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING SEMESTER.

This internship provides an opportunity to support the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) in strengthening its data systems and processes that inform behavioral health and social services across South Dakota. The intern will gain hands‑on experience working with real‑world data and contribute to projects that improve efficiency, enhance reporting, and support data‑driven decision‑making within the public sector. This role also provides exposure to the full data lifecycle, from collection and transformation to reporting and analysis, and helps DBH make informed decisions that improve behavioral health services statewide.

Position Description

The Data and Outcomes Intern will assist DBH in developing, maintaining, and analyzing data systems that support behavioral health and social services programs across South Dakota. This position offers practical experience with data tools and processes while contributing to meaningful service improvements.

The intern will

• assist with data collection, transformation, and reporting using tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and the State Treatment Activity Reporting System (STARS);
• maintain and update Power BI dashboards and visualizations to ensure accurate and timely reporting;
• support data entry, cleanup, and integration across STARS, Excel, and online forms;
• write or modify code and queries-ranging from basic scripts to complex logic-to automate data processes, primarily using DAX, M, Excel, and SQL;
• troubleshoot and resolve data-related issues and system errors;
• add and configure new data sources into existing systems and dashboards;
• document data workflows and identify opportunities for process improvement;
• apply strong critical thinking skills and work independently to troubleshoot issues and improve processes;
• collaborate with staff on at least one analysis project aligned with agency priorities and their own interests;
• have experience with Microsoft Access, SQL, Power Query, or scripting tools, which is considered a strong plus;
• demonstrate strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to think critically and work independently to identify and resolve data or system issues;
• have attention to detail and the ability to document technical processes clearly;
• be willing to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving project needs.

Candidate should

• have proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI, which are required for this role;
• be able to write and troubleshoot basic to intermediate code or queries for data automation and integration;
• be familiar with data validation, transformation, and governance principles;
• have the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with staff;
• have an interest in public service systems, behavioral health, or data analytics;
• have coursework or experience in research methods, statistics, public health, social services, or information systems is preferred.

Qualifications

Applicant must be enrolled as a part‑time/full‑time student at a college, university, or technical institute at the time they apply. By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.

All students are encouraged to apply, but preference may be given to applicants with a standing of junior/senior, South Dakota residents, and students of South Dakota institutions.

*Positions can be filled prior to the closing date.*

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources Telephone: [phone]

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'