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. 

2025 Schedule

See below for available opportunities. 

Administrative Operations Quality Assurance (AOQA) offers administrative, operational and systems support to all programs and services working with various county customers including our clients, employees, and providers/vendors. AOQA helps mobilize each unit’s vision and helps integrate them together within the department and organization and has a presence in all aspects of daily work.

Areas of study may include:

• Digital & Print Media Support
• Project Management
• Communications
• Business Administration
• Computer Science 

Positions are primarily out of the Western Service Center (14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124). Locations may also include field work as well as remote work and is dependent on the specific internship. 

Community Living Services provides information and support to people living in Dakota County who are older adults or to individuals that have a disability. The vision of Community Living Services is to partner with people and communities to promote equity, self-determination and belonging.

Areas of study may include:

• Working with current case managers and assessors in program enrollment support
• Provision of administrative supports
• Assuming case management role to support people in the community

Positions are primarily out of the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul (1 Mendota Road West, West St. Paul, MN 55118). Locations may also include field work as well as remote work and is dependent on the specific internship.