MDOC Internship; Offender Success Administration

Position: MDOC Internship (Offender Success Administration)
The Michigan Department of Corrections is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran Friendly Employer.

MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families. Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2026 Fall Semester (September 2026 - December 2026).

Note:

There are multiple internships located at the Michigan Department Corrections. In order to be considered, applicants must apply to the correct internship job posting. This job posting is specifically for applicants interested in doing an internship for the MDOC Offender Success (OS) Administration.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Corrections is to create a safer Michigan by holding offenders accountable while promoting their success. The Offender Success (OS) Administration is housed within the MDOC's Executive Office and has staff at various worksites throughout the state, including the community, prison, and central office. Staff members include educators, school staff, institutional parole agents, specialists, and analysts who oversee various programs within the prisons and contracted services in the community.

The goal of this diverse group of professionals is to foster change and success for those in prison, as well as those on parole or probation.

This internship will help the student develop competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and motivation) needed for a career with the Michigan Department of Corrections through daily interaction with staff, contractors, clients, and other stakeholders.

The intern responsibilities may include the following:

* Review policy and procedures for the Michigan Department of Corrections

* Attend and assist in facilitating OS events

* Assist in the development of reports.

* Assist OS staff in developing and facilitating job readiness and other support programs

* Track job placement and employment retention outcomes

* Provide research assistance and data collection on reentry programs, policies and practices

* Collaborate with contracted reentry service providers, other law enforcement representatives and community organizations

* Assist in administering risk assessments and developing case plans

* Identify and refer parolees to local community resources

* Participate in special assignments as directed by the Manager and/or OS Designee

* Work on quality assurance measures.

* Complete data collection and analysis.

* Create PowerPoint presentations or surveys.

* Research information to recommend solutions.

Applicants applying for the OS Administration internship opportunity:

* Must be enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, counseling and guidance, child development, sociology, school social work, social work administration, education psychology, family relations, human services, or theology or a related field approved by the OS Administration

* Must have good written and verbal communication skills

* Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5

* Must pass a LEIN background check

* Must pass a fingerprinting screen, through the source designated by the Department

* Must pass pre-employment drug screening

Please attach a cover letter, current resume, and a copy of your current college transcripts (official or unofficial). Your cover letter must include your response to the following questions.

1. What qualities or attributes would you bring to the State of Michigan?

2. What are your career interests, goals and plans?  Please be specific.

3. What do you expect to gain from this internship experience?

Failure to include all attachments will result in your application being screened out.

If offered an internship, applicants will be required to complete the program fingerprint screen, drug testing, and a LEIN (background check).  

The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.