Thursday, October 2, 2008

Scholars in Local Government, Great Lakes Behavioral Research Institute - Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 10/2/08

Scholars in Local Government
Looking for the Next Generation of Leaders

The Scholars in Local Government Program is looking for the best and the brightest to enter into rewarding and impactful careers in public service. The Scholars program allows talented professionals to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to local government – Scholars apply their skills and creativity to real world problems and use their leadership abilities to influence policy and practice in the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, an agency hailed as a national model for innovative and effective government.

Overview

The Scholars in Local Government Program is a highly competitive career development initiative designed to attract recent graduates of master’s degree programs in public policy, public administration, social work, business, law, and related fields to work at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Scholars join the Department for one-year appointments, during which they complete high profile projects and analyze difficult problems; specific projects are tailored to the individual skill sets and interests of the Scholars.

In addition to on-the-job training, Scholars are given unique opportunities to meet with high-level government officials, foundation executives, and nonprofit and private sector leaders, as well as participate in educational and professional development opportunities. If Scholars complete their commitment, receive a favorable evaluation and want to continue working for the County, every effort will be made to continue their employment.

Eligibility

Recent graduates in public policy, public administration, social work, business, law, or related master’s degree programs graduating within 18 months of the application deadline are eligible for this fellowship program. Although there is no residency requirement, candidates must be willing to move to the Pittsburgh region by July of their fellowship year. Candidates will be selected on the basis of their academic and professional experience, demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to public service, communication skills, and creativity.

TO APPLY: To be considered for the Scholars program, applicants must provide:

A fully completed application form
A professional résumé
A copy of each application essay, as outlined in the Scholars application form
Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers
An official transcript from every post-secondary educational institution attended

Application materials must be postmarked no later than December 5, 2008. Completed application materials may be e-mailed to scholars@alleghenycounty.us or mailed to the address below.

A committee of reviewers from the Department of Human Services and partner organizations will evaluate all applications and invite superior applicants to interview in Pittsburgh in January 2009. Candidates are required to pay their own way to the interview. At this session, applicants will be evaluated based on an individual interview and analytic exercise. Candidates will be informed of their status by late February 2009. Scholars begin work in July 2009.

Scholars will be employed by Great Lakes Behavioral Research Institute.

For more information on the application process, including this year’s Scholars application form, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/scholars.aspx

Additional Information

The application form, answers to frequently asked questions, and the Scholars in Local Government brochure can be accessed at www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/scholars.aspx

Any additional questions can be directed to:

Ms. Dana Kunzman
Attn: Scholars in Local Government application
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
One Smithfield Street, 4th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone (412) 350-4015
Email: scholars@alleghenycounty.us

Please mention that you heard about this opportunity from Dewey & Kaye Jobs Watch in your cover letter when applying for this position.

The Dewey & Kaye division of McCrory & McDowell LLC provides strategy development, planning, financial sustainability, facilitation, training and executive search services to help nonprofits, foundations, community collaboratives and government agencies address strategic, operational and administrative issues.

Founded in 1951, McCrory & McDowell LLC today ranks as one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the region, offering a wide range of services through distinct, but integrated groups that include Dewey & Kaye, Diversified Medical Management, Three Rivers Institute, and McCrory & McDowell's accounting, tax, and business consulting practices.