Scholars in Local Government Program

Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Looking for the Next Generation of Leaders

The Scholars in Local Government Program is looking for the best and the brightest to enter into rewarding and impactful careers in public service. The Scholars program allows talented individuals to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to local government – Scholars apply their skills and creativity to real world problems and use their leadership abilities to influence policy and practice in the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, an agency hailed as a national model for innovative and effective government and located in the heart of Pittsburgh – A Most Livable City.
Overview
Scholars Promo Video
Click to Play: DHS Scholars in Local Government Promo
The Scholars in Local Government Program is a highly competitive career development initiative to attract graduates of masters and doctoral level programs of social work, public policy, public administration, law, business, and related fields to the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Scholars come from diverse backgrounds and join the Department for one-year appointments, during which they complete high-profile projects and analyze difficult problems; specific projects are tailored to the individual skill sets and interests of the Scholars.
In addition to on-the-job training, Scholars are given unique opportunities to meet with high-level government officials, foundation executives, and nonprofit and private sector leaders, as well as participate in educational and professional development opportunities. Scholars who complete their commitment, receive a favorable evaluation, and want to continue working for the County will be given special consideration for full-time employment.
Eligibility
Recent graduates of masters and doctoral level programs of social work, public policy, public administration, law, business, and related fields graduating within 18 months of the application deadline are eligible for the Scholars Program. Although there is no residency requirement, candidates must be willing to move to the Pittsburgh region by the summer of their Scholars year. Candidates are from diverse backgrounds and are selected on the basis of academic and professional experience, demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to public service, communication skills, and creativity.

Application Process
To be considered for the Scholars program, applicants must provide:
·         A fully completed application form
·         A professional résumé
·         A copy of each application essay, as outlined in the Scholars application form
·         Two letters of recommendation (one from an academic institution and one from an employer)
·         An official transcript from every post-secondary educational institution attended

Application materials must be submitted and post-marked no later than December 5, 2014. Completed application materials may be e-mailed to scholars@alleghenycounty.us or mailed to the address below.
A committee of reviewers from the Department of Human Services and partner organizations will evaluate all applications and invite suitable applicants to interview in Pittsburgh in January 2015. At this session, applicants will be evaluated based on an individual interview and analytic exercise. Candidates will be informed of their status by late February 2015. Scholars begin work in the summer of 2015.
Scholars will be employed by Great Lakes Behavioral Research Institute.
For more information on the application process, including this year’s application form, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/scholars.aspx.
Additional Information
Resources are attached, and any additional questions can be directed to:
Kelly Wilkinson
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
One Smithfield Street, Floor Four
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2225
kelly.wilkinson@alleghenycounty.us
P: 412.350.3960
F: 412.350.4004