MN Department of Human Services Public Policy 
Fellowship

Two Year Full time Fellowship
The Minnesota Department of Human Services helps 
people meet their basic needs by providing or 
administering health care coverage, economic 
assistance, and a variety of services for 
children, people with disabilities and older 
Minnesotans.  It is the largest agency in the 
Executive Branch, with more than 7400 employees 
and administers a significant portion of the 
state budget.  DHS and other state agencies are 
facing escalating numbers of retiring employees 
over the next decade which will increase 
opportunities for advancement and development. 

Eligibility:  Spring 2007 Masters or Doctoral 
graduates in Public Policy, Social Work, Human 
Services, Political Science, Public Health and 
Law or related areas or have completed graduate 
work within the prior twenty four months. Be a 
citizen, or have permission to work in the 
United States for at least 2 years.  (You must 
provide proof of this before your placement 
begins.)

Program Purpose:  The program seeks 
exceptionally qualified students who are 
interested in public service careers.  

Program Description:  Public Policy Fellows are 
hired as Project Specialists (hiring range: mid 
30’s to       low 50’s depending on 
qualifications) with full state employee 
benefits which in general is equivalent to 30% 
of the salary and includes retirement, health 
and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave, 
etc.  within the State system. This rotational 
fellowship will offer 3-6 months projects in key 
policy areas of human services.  DHS has 
supported this program since 1998 and has a 
track record of positive benefits for Fellows 
and the agency.  DHS offers some of the most 
innovative and nationally recognized public 
policy initiatives and programs within the 
public sector.  Four Fellows will be selected in 
2007-08 and an additional four fellows will be 
hired in July 2008-09.  

2007 TIMELINE
March 5	Applications available online at 
www.dhs.state.mn.us keyword search “Fellowship”
April 27	Deadline for Applications
May 		Applicant interviews and 
selection
July 		Internship begins.  

For further information please contact:  
Dhs.Policyfellowship@state.mn.us   or 651-431-
3038