SkillBridge Internship

Job Description

About Company

This job opportunity is with Spokane County, which is participating in the Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge Internship Program. This program aims to facilitate the transition of active-duty military personnel into civilian careers by providing on-the-job training and experience in the civilian sector. Spokane County acts as a host employer for these internships, offering structured opportunities within various departments to help service members apply their skills and gain new ones relevant to professional roles.

Job Description

This is a developmental internship opportunity specifically designed for active-duty military personnel who are within 3-6 months of separating from the military and are eligible for the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. The program’s core objective is to provide comprehensive on-the-job training and practical experience in a civilian professional environment, assisting military members in their transition and career exploration.

Key Program Elements & Activities:

• Varied Work Assignments: Incumbents will engage in diverse work assignments, projects, and activities of varying complexity. These are structured to allow participants to apply theoretical principles, explore potential career paths, and acquire the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required for successful performance at a professional civilian level (often aligning with existing Spokane County job classifications).
• Training, Supervision, and Mentorship: Participants will receive direct training, supervision, and mentorship from experienced professionals within their assigned field. This ensures a guided learning experience and continuous professional development.
• Professional Development: The internship may include opportunities for professional development through participation in conferences, seminars, online events, and other relevant means, further enhancing skills and industry exposure.

Core Responsibilities & Duties:

• Provide entry- to intermediate-level professional services, operating under the supervision of professional staff and/or a supervisor, as dictated by the daily operational objectives of the assigned unit.
• Undertake and/or actively participate in projects and programs specifically designed to develop professional skills and expertise, aligning with the organizational needs.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of unit projects and initiatives within their designated area of expertise.
• Directly interact with colleagues, clientele, and/or other internal or external stakeholders in the planning of assignments and in resolving day-to-day operational issues.
• Receive guidance, training, and direct mentoring from experienced professional personnel in the planning and execution of assigned activities and tasks.
• As appropriate to the position and specified by unit management, conduct original research and prepare comprehensive reports based on findings, including presenting recommendations or alternative proposals for action.
• May undertake related studies or enrichment programs that align with the specific objectives of the operating unit.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications & Eligibility:

• Must be eligible for the DOD SkillBridge program as defined by the official SkillBridge website (skillbridge.osd.mil).
• No previous civilian work experience is required, emphasizing the developmental nature of this internship.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• For those specifically interested in an internship with the SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, a separate, dedicated application process is available via a specific link.

Desired Abilities (Skills to be Developed/Increased):

The internship is designed to help participants increase their ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals of all ages from diverse cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, across a wide variety of situations.
• Gather, organize, analyze, and present information and data from multiple sources efficiently.
• Understand and diligently follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Understand and apply relevant concepts specific to the assigned area.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Exercise effective time management and proficiently handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, co-workers, the general public, and other relevant persons specific to the area of assignment.
• Utilize various work-related computer technology and software applications proficiently.