Legislative Affairs intern - OC Community Resources (unpaid internship)

OC Community Resources, Administrative Services - Strategic Operations and Professional Standards

OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES (OCCR) 
OC Community Resources (OCCR) consists of 6 Programs – OCCR Administrative Services, OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Housing & Community Development, OC Parks, and OC Public Libraries. OC Community Resources is committed to connecting people with resources. The Legislative & Government Affairs unit serves as an in-house resource to OCCR Programs and provides liaison between CEO Legislative Affairs and OCCR Programs. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The primary duties of the legislative intern will be to research pending state and federal legislation and related topics, prepare reports regarding legislative activity, and present reports and analyses to staff.   Duties may also include assisting staff in their day-to-day assignments; researching the political landscape; providing assistance with special projects, preparing written communications; attending meetings; filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.

The legislative affairs intern(s) will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout the duration of the internship. Upon onboarding, the intern will participate in an orientation session to become familiar with the program’s structure and the functions of OC Community Resources, with a particular focus on County legislative advocacy.

Training will include: 

• An overview of the state and federal legislative process.
• Instruction on how to track and analyze pending legislation using legislative tracking resources.
• Guidance on writing legislative analysis, tracking reports, policy briefs, and memos.
• Opportunities to observe and participate in legislative strategy meetings and discussions.

Supervision will be provided by the Government & Legislative Affairs Manager (Supervisor) for OC Community Resources who will serve as the intern’s primary point of contact. The Supervisor will hold regular check-ins to review progress, provide feedback, and offer mentorship. Additional support will be available from team members within the Strategic Operations and Professional Standards team to ensure a collaborative learning environment. The intern will have access to professional development resources and will be encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas, and reflect on their learning experiences.  

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school and majoring in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Public Affairs, Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, History, or related fields; or be a recent graduate (within 6 months) who has completed their degree in one of the above fields of study.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to research information and prepare reports and other correspondence; experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel; reliable, outgoing and able to work independently. Previous office experience preferred. Professional appearance and business attire required.

TIME COMMITMENT

Minimum 12 - 20 hours per week for 1 - 2 semesters/quarters. Hours must be scheduled in 3- to 8-hour blocks of time during regular business hours (Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and will be in the office. 

Summer placement of a shorter duration may be available. Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for this internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INTERN
Although this is an unpaid internship that does not lead to paid employment or include employee benefits, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to:

• Build resumes/work history and explore career options
• Apply skills and knowledge acquired in an academic setting to the workplace
• Intern with one of the premier employers in the region
• Fulfill college/university internship requirements
• Network with professionals in their field of interest

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts to their application. The cover letter is an opportunity for students to describe career and academic goals, to elaborate upon personal and academic accomplishments, and to identify what type of internship experience they are seeking. Learn more about what to include in a cover letter HERE.
 
Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts will not be considered.
 
REQUIRED BACKGROUND SCREENING/REFERENCE CHECK
The background screening requires the applicant’s full legal name, date of birth, address and U.S. Social Security number. Turn-around time for the background screening is approximately 72 hours.

Internship recruitments at the County may close at any time at the discretion of the Agency. 

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For additional internship postings, please check our Web site at the following link: https://hrs.ocgov.com/careers/volunteer-intern/internships/internship-opportunities

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact (714) 834-2555 or CountyofOrangeInterns@ocgov.com