Governor's Summer Intern - IDR Legal Services

Date Posted: Dec 12, 2024

Requisition ID: 453573

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46205

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the Governor's Summer Internship Program (GSI):

The Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSI) is designed to give college students real-world, hands-on experience in their desired field of study to enhance marketability upon graduation. Participation in the program will offer students a multitude of experiences including networking with state employees, resume building and soft skills workshops, agency head panels, and much more.

About Indiana Disability Rights:

Indiana Disability Rights’ (IDR) Mission is to uphold, promote, and advance the rights of individuals with disabilities through empowerment and advocacy to achieve a more equitable society. IDR’s work is guided by the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission.

Role Overview:

IDR is offering this disability rights summer legal internship to provide a law student or recent law school graduate with direct experience in disability rights advocacy. The intern will report to an attorney. The intern will support multiple attorneys, based on intern interest, incoming service requests, and team needs.

Salary Statement:

The hourly rate for this position is $16.24 for those that do not hold a bachelor’s degree & $17.24 for those that hold a bachelor’s degree or higher by the time the internship starts.

Location:

This position is located in INDOT’s Central Office, Indianapolis.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Identify and execute one major project related to agency needs and academic area of study

• Create, develop, and sustain the programmatic efforts for the assigned discipline

• Analyze data and feedback to provide recommendations

• Partner with other relevant stakeholders to promote and enhance the quality of projects

• Collaborate with State of Indiana agencies to ensure effective implementation of internal and external initiatives

The IDR legal intern will gain valuable hands-on experience with:

• Communicating with clients

• Researching legal and policy issues

• Drafting legal documents

• Working with attorneys and advocates on active individual advocacy cases

• Disability Policy Research

• Identify and review relevant disability-related data and reports regarding institutionalization, psychiatric treatment, abuse, and neglect

• Attend committees or workgroups involving disability policy issues

• Prepare briefing reports

• Attend meetings with the Executive Director, as appropriate

  Attend and participate in:

• Orientation

• Welcome and exit meetings

• Weekly mentoring meetings with rotating IDR staff and Hoosier disability leaders

• Weekly case review meetings

• Biweekly supervisory meetings

• Monthly team meetings

• Maintain professional and timely communication with clients, IDR staff, and partners

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, an accredited law school and have completed at least one (1) year of legal education

• Academic work in related field

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to analyze data sets related to discipline

• Ability to build relationships, establish credibility, and influence leaders at all levels

• Ability to conduct well-informed research

• Ability to solve complex, critical problems

• Ability to review and make recommendations on proposed changes to relevant policies and procedures

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Applicants should:

• Have a demonstrated passion for promoting and upholding civil rights

• Be capable of conducting internet research and using tools such as Westlaw

• Possess strong organization skills

• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills

• Be comfortable working individually and with others, including individuals with a variety of disabilities

• Display proficiency in Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Be self-motivated

• Applicants with lived disability experience are preferred

  Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

  This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period

  Equal Employment Opportunity:

  The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

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