Dakota County, MN

Dakota County Social Services Internship Program

The Dakota County Department of Social Services provides a broad range of programs and services that enhance the well-being of individuals and families in the community. We offer a limited number of internships for associates, undergraduate and graduate degree students looking to fulfill academic degree requirements. 

General Process

• Submission of an online application through Better Impact.
• An email request will be sent out requesting a resume and cover letter to add to applicant's file.
• County staff will review all potential applicant submissions. 
• A brief interview conducted by county staff to top applicants for final selection and position offers. 
• A background check will be sent out for completion to selected applicants.
• If necessary, a written agreement between Dakota County and the college or university prior to acceptance will be drafted and sent.
• If necessary, a meeting between the school contact and intern supervisor prior to start date will be scheduled. 

2026 Schedule

See below for available opportunities. 

Children and Family Services staff deliver a variety of mandated and voluntary services to support families and keep children safe. In all that we do, we strive to ground our work in the guiding principles of equity; trauma-informed responsive practices; integrated service delivery; and safety, permanency, and well-being frameworks. 

Areas of study may include:

• Intake
• Child Protection - Family Assessment, Family Investigation, and Ongoing Case Management
• Truancy
• Children's Mental Health
• Foster Care and Adoption 

Positions are primarily out of the Western Service Center (14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124) though work is also done at other designated sites in addition to telework as appropriate for the specific work assignment.