Federal
Student Volunteer
Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services · Department of Health and Human Services
About This Position
*THIS IS A PUBLIC NOTICE FOR VOLUNTEER UNPAID INTERNS WITH THE OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS (OCR)* HOW TO APPLY Submit the following materials: - Resume (2 pages) - Cover letter (include preferred term and availability) - Unofficial college, graduate school, or law school transcript(s) Send application materials to: [email protected] with the subject line: "OCR Law Internship - [Term/Year] - [Student Name]." Questions: [email protected] and please cc: [email protected].
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following qualifications to be considered: - Be a current undergraduate student, law student (1L-3L), or post-graduate student in a field of study relevant to the work of the Office for Civil Rights.- Demonstrate strong research, analytical, investigatory, and/or writing skills appropriate to an academic or training environment.- Demonstrate an interest in civil rights, health or social/human services, and public service.- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work independently in a legal or public-service setting. Qualification determinations will be made based solely on the information submitted in the application package. Selection for this unpaid volunteer internship does not constitute employment with the Department of Health and Human Services and confers no entitlement to compensation, future employment, or non-competitive conversion.
Major Duties
As a law enforcement agency, OCR investigates complaints, conducts compliance reviews, develops policy, promulgates regulations, and provides technical assistance. In addition, OCR educates the public about (1) federal civil rights and conscience laws that prohibit recipients of HHS federal financial assistance ("Covered Entities") from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, and conscience, and (2) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy, security, and breach notification laws that protect the privacy and security of health information. Through its work, OCR endeavors to promote and protect the privacy of individuals' health information privacy and the security of our nation's health care systems -- and thereby protect our national security -- including implementing and enforcing the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules and the Patient Safety Act and Rule. OCR also aims to safeguard non-discriminatory access to the nation's social service and health care systems and provides tools for Covered Entities and individuals to understand their rights and obligations under the law. OCR vigorously enforces laws that prohibit discrimination in health and human services and those that protect and secure the nation's privacy and security by regulating health privacy, breaches, and cybersecurity. OCR believes that achieving its goals requires active and strong collaboration with other federal partners, including Congress; state and local officials; community-based organizations; and Covered Entities to drive compliance and protect the nation's health information systems and people. As an Unpaid Volunteer Intern, your duties may include the following: Conduct legal and/or topical research. Draft memos on civil rights, conscience/religious freedom and/or health privacy issues. Support investigations, compliance reviews, policy analysis, and/or regulatory development. Assist with outreach, education, and stakeholder engagement. Attend internal meetings, trainings, and presentations.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your application package will be reviewed to determine whether you meet the internship requirements and to assess your qualifications. A complete application must include all required documents submitted to [email protected] by the stated deadline. Applications will be evaluated based on relevance of education and experience, demonstrated interest in civil rights or public service, and overall fit with the Office for Civil Rights. Qualified applicants may be contacted for further consideration. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
How to Apply
Submit the following materials: - Resume (2 pages) - Cover letter (include preferred term and availability) - Unofficial college, graduate school, or law school transcript(s) Send application materials to: [email protected] with the subject line: "OCR Law Internship - [Term/Year] - [Student Name]." Questions: [email protected] and please cc: [email protected].
Required Documents
Submit the following materials: - Resume (2 pages) - Cover letter (include preferred term and availability) - Unofficial college, graduate school, or law school transcript(s) Send application materials to: [email protected] with the subject line: "OCR Law Internship - [Term/Year] - [Student Name]." Questions: [email protected] and please cc: [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Student Volunteer position at Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services?
Salary details are available on the USAJobs announcement.
Where is the Student Volunteer job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Applicants must meet the following qualifications to be considered: - Be a current undergraduate student, law student (1L-3L), or post-graduate student in a field of study relevant to the work of the Office for Civil Rights.- Demonstrate strong research, analytical, investigatory, and/or writing skills appropriate to an academic or training envi...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Dec 31, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GG-00 mean?
GG-00 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.