Volunteer Intern - Intergovernmental Affairs

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Volunteer Intern for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Broward County's Volunteer Internship Program (VIP) is dedicated to providing students with an unsurpassed learning experience. Our goal is to offer selected VIP candidates the opportunity to gain insight into the new, dynamic and changing world of public sector employment and prepare them for exciting opportunities with Broward County. The program's goal is to encourage students to pursue careers within County government, while providing a meaningful learning opportunity. Interns will also have the opportunity to be mentored by senior staff, contribute to the agency's goals, and make a difference. The VIP Intern may qualify to receive academic credit based upon the school's internship requirements.

POSITION OVERVIEW
This position is an opportunity to volunteer in the State legislative process alongside the professional lobbying staff of Broward County, as well as its contract lobbying firms. No previous legislative experience is required.

The candidate will be responsible for attending legislative committee meetings, analyzing legislation, and assisting in developing the County's lobbying strategy. The position requires a candidate with a strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Weekly meetings will be held here in the Capitol for the intern(s) selected and assignments will be based on your areas of interest.

IMPORTANT DETAILS
Internship Timeline: January 6th, 2025 to May 2nd, 2025
Hours Expectation: 20 hours per week (with flexibility based on your class schedule)
Salary: This is an unpaid volunteer internship opportunity. We will pay for monthly parking near the Capitol, if needed.

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking program at an accredited college, university, or a Council on Occupational Education (COE) accredited vocational/technical school and remain an active student throughout the internship period. (CURRENT OFFICAL SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PROGRAM).
• Intern must possess an overall grade point average of 2.5 or above and in good academic standing.
• Interns must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Interns must have the ability to use computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Interns must be able to work in a team - and have fun! (responsibly)
  
  If selected for the Volunteer Internship Program, a VIP Release and Waiver of Liability Form will be required to be completed and signed upon the acceptance of the internship. Volunteers under the age of 18 will need their parent/guardian's signature on this form.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Interns must interview with a Broward County Agency Selection Committee.

Interns must have availability to work up to 20 hours per week.

Interns have the potential to receive academic credit based upon the institution's internship requirements (Academic Credit is not guaranteed, approval for academic credit is the student's responsibility).

Upon selection, interns must provide a photo ID and undergo a criminal background check and possible drug screening, as well as a professional work experience reference check.

The intern's workplace performance will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Interns not performing at a successful level may be given an opportunity to improve, or may have their internship terminated.

The volunteer intern is not entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and the volunteer intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship. The volunteer intern is not eligible for Broward County Benefits.

NATURE OF WORK
This is a temporary and unpaid/volunteer internship within the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. This is administrative work which provides the opportunity for training within this government agency. Assignments serve to offer practical experience and exposure to the County's organizational structure.

Close direction and supervision is received from a supervisor/mentor. Work is reviewed through observation of performance, performance evaluations, frequent conferences and reports.

The volunteer intern is not entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and the volunteer intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship. The volunteer intern is not eligible for Broward County Benefits.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

• Assist with special projects, including research and analysis.

• Assist with Program and/or Policy Development.

• Assist in preparation of project reports and related data.

• Assist with providing information and help to the general public and other governmental agencies.

• Applies research techniques and analytical methods to the study of administrative systems, organizational structures, policies and procedures.

• Conducts special studies in conjunction with a project; analyzes data and makes recommendations based upon studies.

Knowledge of the principles of management, organization, and administration.

Ability to use computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Ability to conduct research and make recommendations.

Ability to prepare technical reports.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.