POSITION SUMMARY
The Ethics Hearing Board (“EHB”) provides an introduction to careers in government and public service through unpaid (for-credit/experience) internships available to law school students and recent graduates. These internships are designed to be part-time with flexible time frames so that students/recent graduates can combine them with a class or work schedule.
Law Student Interns work directly with the Executive Director on updating and expanding governmental ethics rules and guidance. Successful candidates will research municipal governmental ethics rules and procedures. Law Student Interns may also conduct other legal and best practice research, draft legislation and memoranda, and participate in meetings of the Board and its committees. They will have the opportunity to learn about general operating procedures, public service and the workings of City government. Based on current needs, interns may have the opportunity for project ownership. Law Student Interns learn, work, and develop specific skills in a variety of areas: campaign finance, conflicts of interest, researching and developing policy, creating forms and surveys, comparative analysis and related reports, maintaining databases and customer service.
Although this internship is unpaid, students can apply for externship credit and/or summer public interest funding or scholarships. Federal work study eligible students are encouraged to apply. The City of Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board, located at 414 Grant St., Room 904, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, qualifies as an off-campus employer under 34 CFR §§ 675.26 and 675.18(g)(4). Rates of pay for the position will be set by the sponsoring school or university and cross-referenced to the wage rates appearing in the school’s policies and procedures manual. Dates of employment will be offered on a semester basis will align with the sponsoring school’s academic calendar.
Department: Ethics Hearing Board
Salary: Unpaid Internship/Course Credit/Federal Work Study Pay Eligible
- WORK EXPERIENCE: None required for this position.
- EDUCATION/TRAINING: Must be currently enrolled and taking classes in an accredited college or university undergraduate or graduate program; OR have graduated within the last twelve (12) months.
POSITION DUTIES
- Researches and analyzes governmental ethics legislation, case law, state and municipal ethics agency opinions and orders.
- Drafts memoranda on simple to moderately complex research assignments.
- Writes drafts of resolutions, ordinances, regulations, policy and procedures.
- Collaborates with departmental staff to update the Code of Conduct handbook.
- Compares ethics agencies’ practices nationwide and organizes findings.
- Proposes project and program ideas to further EHB’s mission.
- Contributes to departmental goals by completing assigned tasks and projects.
- Coordinates work in conjunction with project timelines.
- Develops surveys and processes data to generate interactive graphics and tables.
- Performs analytic research on a variety of topics and develop reports.
- Creates engaging and educational materials or participates in outreach efforts.
- Provides general administrative support to staff, as needed.
- Performs such other related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.
- Presents work product, program or project ideas to the Board in public meetings.
- Meets, corresponds or collaborates with City personnel, officials, various civic groups and governmental ethics agencies across the country.