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Children’s Developmental Programs & Services Internship

Tennessee State Government
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Children’s Developmental Programs & Services Internship

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Schedule: 20 hours per week for 16 weeks (approximately 320 hours)

Internship Description

The Department of Disability and Aging (“DDA”) is seeking a college senior or graduate student for a paid internship opportunity with the Children’s Developmental Programs & Services division.

This 16-week internship is designed for students interested in expanding their understanding of disability services, early childhood programs, statewide resource coordination, and public service. Students currently pursuing a master’s degree are preferred.

The intern will receive direct supervision from the Deputy Director of Children’s Developmental Programs & Services and will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the division’s daily operations while gaining hands-on professional experience.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with the development and organization of a statewide resource database supporting children’s programs.
  • Conduct resource research to help respond to referral requests from specialized programs serving vulnerable children.
  • Provide general administrative support, including documentation, data organization, and communication coordination.
  • Assist with additional program-related tasks as needed.
  • Work collaboratively with staff supporting children at risk or in state custody.

Ideal Candidate

This internship may be a great fit for college seniors and graduate students, with preference given to those currently pursuing a master’s degree in:

  • Disability studies
  • Social services
  • Early childhood development
  • Public administration
  • Information and resource management
  • Program support
  • Related fields

The internship provides experience in administrative operations, information management, program support, research, and cross-team communication. These skills can be valuable across many professional pathways.

Professional Expectations

The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, reliability, strong communication skills, and attention to detail. Candidates should be comfortable collaborating with staff, maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information, and completing assigned responsibilities accurately and on time. Because this is a 100% AWS position, candidates should also be able to work independently, manage their time effectively, and maintain consistent communication with their supervisor.

Position Requirements and Work Arrangement

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Residency Requirement: Applicants must be Tennessee residents.
  • Driver’s License: Applicants must possess a valid, active Tennessee driver’s license.
  • Background Check: Selected candidates must successfully complete all required background checks, including checks necessary to access Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) records.
  • Work Arrangement: This internship is a 100% Alternative Workplace Solutions (AWS) position.

About DDA

The Department of Disability & Aging is the state agency responsible for providing services and support to more than 1.5 million Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to older Tennesseans. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this is done through programs such as, but not limited to, the home and community-based waiver programs, Tennessee Early Intervention System (“TEIS”), Katie Beckett Program, Medicaid Alternative Pathways (“MAPs”) Program, and Family Support Program. For older adults, some of those programs include CHOICES, State Health Insurance Assistance program (“SHIP”), home and community-based programs, nutrition services, caregiver support, transportation assistance, and public guardianship.

The department supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. DDA is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership. It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities and its commitment to enhancing independence through Enabling Technology.

Interested candidates should send their resume to Sarah Burton at Sarah.Burton@tn.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Tennessee is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair employment practices. Applicants are considered without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations

The Department of Disability and Aging provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and selection process, in accordance with applicable law. For assistance or to request an accommodation, contact DDA Human Resources at DDA.HR@tn.gov.