Clarification from the agency

Students currently enrolled, at least half-time, in an accredited: • Junior or community college; • Four-year college or university; or • Any other accredited educational institution.

The selected candidate will serve as a Student Volunteer with the Department of Labor and would be placed within one of Department of Labor’s offices or agencies based on skills and interests. The student would report to a supervisor within their host Agency, but would have opportunity to engage in DOL-wide meetings or events, as available, to gain exposure to the broad set of issues and policies that the Department of Labor reaches under its mission. The student will gain experience working with career and non-career executives, managers, and employees who are committed to advancing the welfare of wage earners, job seekers, and retirees across the United States; improving working conditions; advancing opportunities for workforce development and training; and assuring work-related benefits and rights.  The student will assist on a wide variety of administrative, planning and research activities regarding the development, implementation, and evaluation of organizational policies and priorities. The student must either receive a stipend from an outside academic institution (at the rate of at least $15.00/hour), or receive academic credit, consistent with the Department’s policies regarding student volunteers. The hours worked per week and length of assignment can be flexible and determined between the student and supervisor so long as they meet the Department’s time and earning policies, but can be 40 hours per week at a maximum over the course of an 8-10-week student assignment.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in the review and development of memos, supporting documents, or presentations to support Agency leadership or staff in guiding the strategic planning for the accomplishment of Department’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Conduct research, prepare and review written documentation, including research summaries, stakeholder meeting notes, or other communications for Agency leadership.
• Work with the Department’s senior career and non-career staff to collect information and other materials to brief leaders for upcoming meetings and events that may require the attendance of senior political leadership, the Secretary, or other high-level Departmental officials.
• May work on a variety of special, nonrecurring, and recurring assignments that are sensitive, confidential, or of a policy-making nature.
• As appropriate, analyze program trends and make recommendations to improve operations and/or effectiveness.
• On occasion as appropriate, manage casework or other administrative duties for the Agency.
• Meet with Department staff to learn about specific policy issues or Administration priorities, and attend briefings and events across the Department.

Conditions of employment

• This opportunity is open to U.S. Citizens living within the United States.
• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Successfully complete Pre-Employment Background Investigation
• Must be actively enrolled at least part-time in an accredited institution
• This is a student volunteer (unpaid) opportunity
• Relocation and housing expenses are paid by the student

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and must not require sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future (e.g. H1-B status).
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 cumulative at an accredited college education program.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is preferred.
• Strong project management skills, excellent communication, presentation skills, and leadership qualities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives while maintaining a strong sense of urgency.
• The work schedule and hours of work are flexible with approval of the supervisor. The program will run 8-10 weeks with adjustments as needed.
• Ability to work effectively in a virtual work setting.
• An interest in public administration, public policy, political science, labor management relations, employment benefits, workforce development and training, occupational safety and health, or related fields of study.

Before a student may begin volunteer service, written permission must be obtained from an appropriate official of the educational institution in which the student is enrolled. The student, educational institution, and DOL must complete and sign DOL's form DL1-6082 Student Volunteer Agreement.

The student's hours of work and work schedule may be negotiated with the DOL supervisor, but may not exceed 40 hours per week.  

Notification Concerning COVID-19 Vaccinations.  Student Volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the student's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law.  If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to submit documentation of proof of vaccination or to be in the process of requesting an exception to the vaccination requirement before being onboarded with the agency as a student volunteer.  You will need to complete a self-certification form regarding your vaccination status prior to coming on-board.  If applicable, you will need to provide your proof of vaccination within the first three business days of working at DOL.

Currently, implementation and enforcement of Executive Order 14043 has been suspended pursuant to an injunction pending further litigation.

Qualifications

To be considered for the Student Volunteer assignment, you must apply via the on-line application. Student must maintain student eligibility and enrollment before and throughout the duration of the assignment. (Be actively enrolled at an accredited institution not less than half-time). Graduated students may not volunteer beyond their graduation date without proof of future enrollment in an accredited educational institution.

The student would be unpaid by the Department of Labor, but must receive a stipend from an outside academic institution (at the rate of at least $15.00/hour), or receive academic credit, consistent with the Department’s policies regarding student volunteers. This will be documented on the Student Volunteer Agreement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Complete applications will be reviewed to make sure all student volunteer program criteria are met. Selections are based on academic achievement, area of study, experience, completeness and professionalism of application package. Eligible candidates will be referred for consideration based on current work projects and available opportunities.