College Intern (Contracts & Acquisitions) - Fall 2026

Who We Are

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supports Ohioans and their families through the following programs:

• Cash and Food Assistance
• Employment Services and Workforce Development
• Unemployment Insurance
• Adult Protective Services
• Child Support

Public service is an honorable way to serve the community in a hands-on dedicated way. You can make a difference in someone’s world!

Guiding Principles

• We will be a leader in customer satisfaction.
• We will have a reputation that attracts and retains talented, diverse, and dedicated employees.
• We get better at what we do every day.

Office of Contracts & Acquisitions 

​​​​​​​The Office of Contracts and Acquisitions (OCA), housed within the Office of Legal and Acquisition Services, has the expertise and authority for creating agreements and contracts, and overseeing the acquisition of goods and services for ODJFS. The Deputy Director of OCA is the Agency Procurement Officer for ODJFS on matters pertaining to contracts and acquisitions.

What You Will Do

In this position, you will provide support to our Office of Contracts and Acquisitions gaining a broad understanding of ODJFS procurement and contracting functions and the inner workings of state government.

During your internship you may: 

• Independently conduct initial procurement checks for contract and grant agreements.

• Create presentations (e.g.: training slides; monthly status meetings; all staff meetings; retreats).

• Prepare documentation (e.g.: journey maps; job aids; responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed [RACI] charts).

• Develop and maintain OCA toolkits that assist internal customers with self-service access to standard tools and templates for procurement, contracting, and sourcing.

• Participate in procurement projects and initiatives. 

• Learn about the Federal and State laws, rules and procedures for acquisitions and contracting.

Learning objectives and competencies: Assess your interest level for a career in Sourcing, Procurement and Contracting. 

Travel: There may be opportunities for in-state travel.

Schedule:

• Part-time - Minimum of 8 hours/week. Hours must be worked M-F between 8AM – 4PM.

• Hours must be worked onsite at 30 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH. 43215

   

Preferred Qualification: 

• Interest in public service
• Major: Public administration, business administration, engineering, logistics

Location: This position will be headquartered in Columbus.

Rhodes State Officer Tower - 30 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215

PN(s): 20038668

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

The ideal candidate, at minimum, must have the following: 

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university and in good academic standing. Proof of academic enrollment (current transcript copy) must be provided upon selection

• Must have completed one (1) academic year of college

• Must be 18 years old at start of employment

Tips For Your Application

The ideal candidate, at minimum, must have the following: 

When completing the different sections of this application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting. We cannot give you credit for your Work Experience and Education & Certifications if you do not provide that information in your online application. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered. 

 

ADA Notice

If you require an accommodation based on a disability for any step of the selection process, please contact [email protected].

Background check information

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Some positions may require drug testing and/or fingerprinting. Criminal convictions do not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.