College Intern

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$18.61 - $21.71

Are you looking to start your professional career while gaining hands-on experience in county government? This entry-level opportunity provides valuable training and exposure to a variety of County departments while helping you build the skills needed for a successful public service career.

What You’ll Do

Perform entry-level professional duties under close supervision while gaining practical training in various County offices.

Gather and organize data to support departmental projects, reports, and special assignments.

Perform basic arithmetic calculations and assist in preparing written reports and documentation.

Accompany professional staff on assignments to observe and learn departmental operations and procedures.

Conduct interviews with clients or County personnel to obtain basic information for departmental use.

Communicate with other County departments or outside agencies by phone to request or provide information.

Assist with a variety of administrative and project-related tasks as assigned.

Utilize Countywide and department-specific software systems to complete assignments efficiently.

Travel to off-site County locations or project sites as needed, which may require reliable personal transportation.

Why You’ll Love It Here

Gain hands-on professional training and real-world experience in public service.

Learn directly from experienced County professionals and staff.

Build valuable skills in research, data organization, reporting, and communication.

Experience a variety of departments and projects across County government.

Develop a strong understanding of how County operations and services support the community.

Create a solid foundation for future career opportunities within government or public administration.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must meet one of the following educational requirements:

Current enrollment in an accredited college or university with status as a freshman or sophomore status (equates to steps 1 or 2 of salary range).

Current enrollment in an accredited college or university with status as a junior/senior status (equates to steps 3 or 4 of salary range).

Current enrollment in an accredited college or university in a graduate degree program (equates to steps 5 or 6 of salary range).

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Reasonable ability to present ideas effectively, either orally or in writing.

Reasonable ability to utilize personal computer programs and other data processing capabilities.

Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

Knowledge of program analysis, evaluation, research methods and statistics.

Ability to:

• plan and complete assignments within deadlines.

• make routine decisions in accordance with policies and procedures.

• recognize and correct departures from operating practices and procedures.

• initiate improvements in operations.

• perform standardized and statistical computations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

WHEN ASSIGNED TO CIRCUIT COURT

Employees of this classification may be required to provide their own vehicle or personal transportation in performing job functions. Employees who use their own vehicle for County purposes are eligible to receive mileage reimbursement.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO HEALTH DIVISION AND / OR CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

Employees must submit to immunizations as required by the Department of Health & Human Services and submit to a tuberculin skin test or chest x ray at County expense.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

Before beginning employment, candidates will be required to provide Children’s Village with documentation from the Michigan Department of Human Services (previously called Family Independence Agency) that they have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. In addition, applicants being considered for hire will be asked to sign a form authorizing Children’s Village to request and receive a criminal history check in accordance with the privacy act of 1974.

Applicants for positions at Children’s Village will not be considered if they have been convicted of either of the following:

(a) Child Abuse or Neglect.

(b) A felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO SHERIFF’S OFFICE

A background criminal check will be conducted before employment begins. Information obtained during the background check will be considered in the hiring decision.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS

A field investigation will be conducted covering an evaluation of employment, school, home, credit, criminal, military, or other personal records. Any conviction or convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non-moving traffic violations, or violations of other laws will be reviewed by the Sheriff ‘s Office before an applicant can be appointed. Information obtained during the background investigation will be considered in the hiring decision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Depending on departmental assignment, one or more job functions may be applicable.

Analyzes, generates, and maintains records and other reference material necessary for departmental use.

Composes, types, and prints reports, general letters, spreadsheets, e-mail, and memoranda from rough drafts or general instructions, involving the assembly of data from computer and paper file or record sources.

Answers and makes phone calls, responds to program related questions, and sends written material as appropriate.

Responsible for project assignments, research, and analysis.

Prepares reports analyzing specific aspects of department structures, functions and/or operational procedures.

Assists in interviewing and communicating with children, parents, schools, police, and other agencies as needed, to determine background information and client/parent needs for counseling.

Conducts interviews with County personnel and outside agencies to relay and gather information for departmental use.

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

Prepares project reports, progress summaries, statistical analysis, and related data.

Conducts initial and ongoing interviews with referred clients to gather and subsequently analyze information and social history to resolve identified issues.

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

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides information and assistance to the general public and other governmental agencies.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Depending on departmental assignment, one or more requirements may be applicable.

Ability to communicate with employees and public, ability to understand and respond to questions, follow directions.

Skilled in comparing characteristics of document, and to perform arithmetic accurately.

Assignments at Children’s Village require the ability to accurately view surroundings and distinguish details at close range. Some assignments include the ability to differentiate color as reports are color coded.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Depending on departmental assignment, one or more requirements may be applicable.

Most assignments involve work performed in a normal office environment.

May be required provide reliable personal transportation to travel off of the County campus or to specific sites in the performance of job duties.

At Children’s Village or Circuit Court may encounter situations where people could become confrontational.

IMPORTANT NOTE : The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.