Internship Position Description
Position Title:
Community Outreach Intern - District Attorney's Office (unpaid internship)
Name and Location of Agency/Department Requesting Intern:
Orange County District Attorney’s Office
Government and Community Relations (GCR) Unit
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Functions of Agency/Department:
The Office of the District Attorney is the largest law firm based in Orange County. The Office represents the People of the State of California in some civil and in all criminal proceedings, and serves the court and criminal justice system, children in need of financial support, and the Orange County Grand Jury. The department’s mission is to enhance public safety and welfare and create a sense of security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner.
The DA's Government & Community Relations (GCR), Community Education Services division assists Orange County residents in better understanding the criminal justice system. With the support of advisory commissions, interns and volunteers, outreach workers conduct criminal justice workshops, staff outreach booths at cultural festivals, facilitate focus groups and conduct town hall meetings. These services are part of the District Attorney’s commitment to inform the community of the resources available to them if they become victims or witnesses of crime. In addition, the GCR Unit maintains an ongoing working relation with government and law enforcement agencies.
Intern Duties/Responsibilities:
Interns will assist GCR Unit staff with daily operations and with the organization and implementation of various outreach programs. Additional responsibilities include the following:
- Assistance with and participation in community outreach events
- Facilitation and organization of committee meetings
- Assistance with research projects utilizing library resources and the Internet
- Participation in program meetings
- Completion of assignments that require faxing, photocopying, typing, etc.
Education Requirements:
Applicants must be a third or fourth year student enrolled in an accredited college or university, majoring in Marketing, Media Relations, Public Relations, Communications, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Social Ecology or related fields. Recent graduates will also be considered.
Skills, Training or Qualifications:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work well with diverse populations
- Willingness to be a team player
- Bilingual skills preferred (English/Spanish and/or English/Vietnamese)
Time Commitment:
Minimum 10 - 15 hours per week for 3 - 4 months. Hours must be scheduled in 3- to 8-hour blocks of time Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Some weekend hours may be required. Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for the internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.
Benefits Available to Intern:
Although this is an unpaid internship that does not lead to permanent employment, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to work side-by-side with law enforcement, local officials and key community members. In addition, they gain valuable experience related to community outreach that complements their academic knowledge and skills.
Additional Information:
An interview and complete background investigation are required prior to intern placement. Applicants who are selected for an interview must provide a copy of their state-issued driver's license and Social Security card. The background investigation can take up to three weeks to process.
