Federal Policy Internship

Organization Overview

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services.  If you are looking for a positive professional experience where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

The Federal Policy Team:

The federal policy team leads Youth Villages’ advocacy strategies in Washington, D.C. and its federal work on the Hill. The team is working to build Youth Village’s profile on the Hill and among federal players, influence and shape child welfare and mental health policy with the White House and congressional leaders, and relevant federal agencies. The federal policy team is uniquely positioned to help Youth Village think about federal strategies and engagement with members of Congress and federal officials.

Federal Policy interns provide general project support to the team, including tracking legislative activity, helping to schedule meetings, assisting with policy research, drafting advocacy materials, and attending briefings and hearings. Interns on the federal policy team are given opportunities to learn and participate substantively in internal and external meetings and projects, where appropriate.

Please note this role will report to our Washington, DC office. Youth Villages interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule.

The intern will have the opportunity to hone research and writing skills, strengthen communication skills, participate in event coordination, improve networking skills, and apply skills to address real-world issues involving practice and policy issues. Ideal candidate will be available 20-30 hours per week both in the office and at home, with some travel potentially. The intern will report to the Director of Federal Policy.

What you’ll do:

• Assist with monitoring and tracking activity in Congress and throughout the federal government relevant to Youth Village’s policy priorities and focus areas.
• Conduct background research and prepare succinct and comprehensive memos on key policy areas of concern to Youth Villages
• Help schedule meetings, look up staff contact information, review time-sensitive documents and generally assist with administrative tasks.
• Attend internal and external meetings on behalf of the Federal Policy team and share notes on discussions and takeaways.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned

Requirements:

• Problem-solving
• Organization
• Flexibility
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Please note this role will report to our Washington, DC office. Youth Villages interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in the human services/ social services realm
• Sharp and concise writing skills
• Strong verbal communication skills and comfort with public speaking
• Ability to work with people who hold a broad variety of political viewpoints
• Knowledge of internet research sources, including media search engines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint), email, shared documents and familiarity with Smartsheet is helpful but not required
• A willingness and ability to travel