Human Services Program Specialist Intern: Aging Services - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship

Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026!

Department:

Health and Human Services

About Our Job

This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive self-motivated, and creative individual to make a positive impact on Sarasota County. Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in the Health and Human Services department.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in the delivery and Aging System of Care within the Human Services Department. Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed in relation to intern’s interest and area of study within the field of human services (behavioral health, child welfare, criminal justice, homelessness & poverty). Specific interest area available for this internship is aging system of care. The program will provide the intern with a constructive review and evaluation of their skills and competencies, providing growth opportunities and direction to further professional and educational development.

Job Description:

Are you interested in getting hands-on experience in your chosen field? Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Intern Sarasota County dedicated to providing students with an unsurpassed learning experience and insight into the dynamic world of public sector employment.

Develop new skills you can apply in the workplace. Gain skills that will enhance your resume and increase your career options while exploring public service! Observe and participate in tasks and responsibilities performed daily by skilled professionals. Experience workplace culture, office dynamics, and business etiquette.

Your internship will include impactful hands-on work within a department, networking, professional development, and building long lasting connections with other interns, mentors, and Sarasota County team members.

Department Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and monitor a coordinated action plan that advances Age-Friendly Sarasota priorities in alignment with community needs, best practices, and local planning efforts.
• Translate community assessments, stakeholder input, and data into measurable goals, strategies, and timelines.
• Work closely with Sarasota Community Health Action Teams (CHAT) to ensure alignment with broader community health priorities.
• Facilitate meetings and collaborative planning sessions to support shared ownership of the action plan.
• Attend Contracted Human Service meetings and assist in monitoring contracts, as needed.
• Author draft reports, memos, etc.
• Collaborate with your department colleagues to make and influence real changes.

Ideal competencies for this position include but are not limited to: analyze data to understand and convey to others the results, develop/maintain positive relationships, knowledge/interest in human services programs and budgeting, ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced atmosphere; along with creative problem-solving skills.

Internship Program Responsibilities:

• A presentation to the County Administrator and other County Leadership staff is required at the close of the internship program on Friday, August 7, 2026.
• Participate in all organized intern events and trainings.

Your Internship Includes: 

• Competitive wage 
• Hands-on work experience
• Professional headshot
• 1-1 mentoring with county staff
• Professional Development Events:
  • Civics 101 & Facility Tour
  • Own Your Career
  • Business Etiquette & Professional Networking
  • Philanthropy & Your Career
  • Board of County Commission Public Hearing Session
  • Speaking for Success
• Opportunity to job shadow in other departments

Location: 2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236

Learn more about the internship program at: scgov.net/intern

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ages 16-17 with parental consent, or 18 and above.
• Eligible to work in the United States – we love local, national, and international students!
• Active, enrolled student.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, public health, public administration, aging, or public policy or closely related field.

About Everything Else

• Program Dates: The 2026 internship program will begin on May 18, 2026 and end on August 7, 2026.  
• Internship Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some departments vary. 
• Pay Range: $15 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.