Sociology Intern Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Description Pay Grade: B The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is one of Georgia's four health agencies serving the state's growing population of over 10 million people. DCH serves as the lead agency for Medicaid, oversees the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) and Healthcare Facility Regulation, impacting one in four Georgians. Through effective planning, purchasing and oversight, DCH provides access to affordable, quality health care to millions of Georgians, including some of the state's most vulnerable and under-served populations.

Six enterprise offices support the work of the agency's three program divisions. DCH employees are based in Atlanta, Cordele and across the state. DCH is committed to providing superior Customer Service and Communication, embracing Teamwork and fostering Accountability to ensure that our internal and external customers and stakeholders feel included, respected, engaged and secure.

DCH is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Intern, Legal Services Unit with Healthcare Facility Regulation Division. This paid internship assignment is for a duration of six months and reports directly to the Senior Manager of the Legal Services Unit. This is a hybrid position that requires in-office and remote work with the approval of the supervisor.

The days and frequency in the office can change at any time during employment based on the business needs of the organization. Candidates must respond to all application questions independently, based on their own qualifications and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other automated content-generation systems to prepare responses is prohibited and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Job Responsibilities Under general supervision, this position provides analysis and/or recommendations on legal issues within scope and authority of the agency. Interns will learn daily affairs in the Healthcare Facility Regulatory legal field. We're looking for a legal intern to accomplish tasks such as: Drafting various court documents at Attorney's requests.

Perform legal research as needed, and support smaller projects as requested by attorneys. Preparing responses to information requests received by the department [i.e Open Records Request [ORR]. Handling paperwork and helping attorneys with projects, sometimes, of a sensitive nature

Proof documents and submit them to attorneys for review. Observe and participate in client meetings, trials, mediations and outreach. Research relevant case law and applying it to investigations by draft and legal analysis and conclusion for the investigation.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND currently enrolled in a graduate program relevant to the area of assignment. Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year. Candidates must also meet the requirements below: Must be a U.S

citizen or a lawful alien. Candidate must be enrolled in an accredited law school and pursuing a JD or LLM. Must be a junior, senior, or graduate level student at a 4-year accredited college/university with a minimum Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) of 2.5 on 4.0 grading scale, a 3.5 on a 5.0 grading scale, or equivalent grading scale

Must be majoring in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Political Science or Public Administration, Pre-Law Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Journalism, Management, or Human Resources. Comfortable with handling confidential documents and under confidentiality obligations. Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Must have no criminal history of offenses involving moral turpitude or a pattern of disregard for public safety. Careful consideration will be given to any criminal history the applicant might have. Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates, who have a legal background and in addition to meeting the qualifications listed above, possess the following: Knowledge of Local, State and Federal laws, ordinances, statutes, and court decisions relating to Healthcare Regulatory Laws.

Knowledge of Georgia's Sunshine Laws (Open Records Act) Currently enrolled in a graduate program related to Healthcare Law, Policy, or Regulatory Law Compensation: Sophomore - $15 per hour for a maximum of 29 hours a week. Junior - $16 per hour for a maximum of 29 hours a week. Senior - $17 per hour for a maximum of 29 hours a week.

Graduate or Law - $18 -$20 per hour for a maximum of 29 hours a week. Note: Possession of a valid driver's license, which would enable the applicant to drive in Georgia, and use of a car at work, are required for employees in this job. This is a hybrid position that requires in-office and remote work with the approval of the supervisor.

The days and frequency in the office can change at any time during employment based on the business needs of the organization. Legal Internship Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Who is eligible to apply. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.) program

Preference may be given to students who have completed at least one year of law school. What will interns do. Interns will assist attorneys and legal staff with legal research, drafting legal documents, reviewing policies, supporting compliance initiatives, responding to Open Records Requests, and conducting legal analysis related to healthcare regulation.

What areas of law will I be exposed to. Interns may gain experience in healthcare regulatory law, administrative law, government operations, compliance, agency governance, risk management, and litigation support. Will I receive training.

Yes. The internship begins with a structured onboarding process that includes agency orientation, legal team introductions, policy reviews, and training on legal research tools and regulatory frameworks. Will I work directly with attorneys.

Yes. Interns work closely with attorneys and legal professionals, receive mentorship, and participate in regular check-ins and feedback sessions. Will I conduct legal research.

Yes. Legal research is a significant component of the internship. Interns may research statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance and assist attorneys with legal analyses.

Will I have opportunities to observe hearings or meetings. Depending on availability and business needs, interns may observe administrative hearings, mediations, agency meetings, and other legal proceedings. What skills will I develop.

Interns will strengthen their legal research, writing, analytical thinking, communication, professionalism, and regulatory compliance skills. Is there a final project. Yes.

Interns will complete a capstone project and present their work and key learning outcomes to members of the legal team. How is performance evaluated. Performance is assessed based on the quality of work, professionalism, communication, engagement, legal research and writing skills, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Is prior legal experience required. No. Prior legal experience is not required; however, strong research, writing, and analytical skills are preferred.

Can I receive academic credit. Possibly. Academic credit eligibility is determined by your law school.

Applicants should consult with their academic advisor regarding internship credit requirements. Does completion of the internship guarantee employment. No.

Participation in the internship does not guarantee future employment; however, it provides valuable experience and exposure to legal careers in state government and healthcare regulation. Are interns expected to maintain confidentiality. Yes.

Interns must adhere to all agency confidentiality, ethics, and conflict-of-interest requirements and are expected to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. Additional Information Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview.

Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification. This position is unclassified and employment is at-will.

Candidates for this position are subject to a pre-employment background history and reference check. The Intern position is temporary in nature and is not eligible for State of Georgia employee benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, holiday pay, or other benefit programs. Internship appointments are intended to provide educational and professional development opportunities and do not confer eligibility for benefits associated with regular full-time or part-time employment.

For more information about this job and other career opportunities with DCH, please visit our Careers Page: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dchga.