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.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
- Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service - http://www.sss.gov.
- Documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System.
- Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. All information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation.
- Suitable for federal employment.
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.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
This is an unpaid volunteer internship. Participants are not eligible for salary, stipends, benefits, or other forms of compensation. Participation does not confer eligibility for federal employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement, leave accrual, or any other employment-related benefits.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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
OCRInternships@hhs.gov
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.
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: OCRInternships@hhs.gov with the subject line: "OCR Law Internship - [Term/Year] - [Student Name]."
Questions: vadrienne.starks@hhs.gov and please cc: chantilly.sowell-sutton@hhs.gov.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.