People Operations Intern in Lanham, Maryland at Opportunities Inc

About Opportunities, Inc.

Opportunities, Inc. seeks to ensure that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided chances to build a broad range of skills through experience, gain new knowledge, interact with their community, and most importantly, be provided a variety of inclusive opportunities within the communities where they work, recreate, and live. We provide excellence in vocational, social, and adaptive skill development to help adults with disabilities achieve their fullest potential for independence and self-confidence.

At Opportunities, Inc., we believe that a strong and people-centered workforce is the foundation of the meaningful work we do every day. Our People Operations team plays a vital role in supporting the staff who serve our mission — and we are looking for an intern who wants to be part of that.

About the Internship

The People Operations Intern will work directly under the supervision of the Chief People Officer and will gain meaningful, hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a dynamic HR function within a nonprofit human services organization. This internship is designed to provide exposure to a broad range of HR functional areas — including administrative operations, compliance, benefits, recruitment, and employee relations — while offering the intern an opportunity to contribute to real and meaningful work.

This is more than a résumé line — it is an opportunity to develop professionally, build confidence in your HR skills, and make a genuine contribution to an organization that changes lives every day.

This internship is unpaid. Opportunities, Inc. is willing to work with your academic institution to facilitate college credit in lieu of compensation. Interns are required to provide documentation from their academic institution confirming eligibility for credit and must sign any required agreements between Opportunities, Inc. and the institution prior to the start of the internship.

Essential Functions & Learning Opportunities

Administrative

• Assist with updating and maintaining employee files to document personnel actions, evaluations, and payroll-related information
• Support the maintenance and accuracy of the HRIS system
• Assist with coordinating payroll changes related to employee status, pay, and tax updates
• Participate in the planning and facilitation of New Hire Orientation, including completion of new hire paperwork, badge processing, and delivery of orientation content
• Participate in People Operations staff meetings and attend seminars or training sessions as needed
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the People Operations section of the organizational website and intranet, including culture and company information
• Assist in establishing departmental measurements that support the organization's strategic goals

Compliance

• Assist with maintaining knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting HR functions
• Support the CPO in conducting investigations into employee complaints, grievances, or concerns
• Assist with ensuring that policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance with applicable law and organizational standards
• Learn and assist with the implementation of company safety and health programs

Benefit Management

• Assist with maintaining records of benefits plan participation, including insurance, retirement plans, personnel transactions, and employee statistics
• Support the administration of benefits programs including health, dental, life, and disability insurance, retirement plans, vacation, sick leave, and leave of absence programs
• Assist with responding to employee inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and benefit programs
• Gain exposure to workers' compensation filing processes

Employment & Recruitment

• Assist in the recruitment process for exempt and nonexempt positions using standard recruiting and hiring practices
• Support interview coordination, candidate screening, and selection processes as needed
• Assist with recruitment activities including career fairs, job advertisements, employee selection committees, and community outreach

Employee Relations

• Work closely with management and direct line staff to support a positive and productive work environment
• Assist in the development and implementation of People Operations policies
• Support initiatives related to employee safety, welfare, wellness, and health
• Assist with wage survey research within the labor market to support competitive compensation analysis
• Support the CPO and Director of Training in developing mentorship programming for entry-level staff

What You Will Gain

• Hands-on, practical experience across a broad range of HR functional areas within a mission-driven nonprofit organization
• Direct mentorship from an experienced Chief People Officer with dual HR certification and over 14 years of progressive experience
• Exposure to the unique intersection of human resources, compliance, and human services in the ID/DD sector
• A professional portfolio of HR experience to support your career launch
• Networking opportunities within the nonprofit and human services community
• Professional references upon successful completion of the internship
• A deeper understanding of how strong people operations support the individuals and communities we serve

Desired Skills

• Creative, flexible, and detail oriented with a strong ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proven initiative and self-starter attributes — you do not wait to be told what to do
• Genuine desire to learn HR, people operations, and business skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to relate well to diverse populations and build appropriate professional rapport
• Outstanding written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employee and organizational information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Understanding of or interest in state regulations for DDA-funded services preferred

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field — junior or senior status preferred
• SHRM student membership or interest in pursuing SHRM-CP certification is a plus
• 0–2 years of experience in an HR, administrative, or people operations capacity preferred but not required
• Basic knowledge of or coursework in Human Resources or employment law preferred
• Genuine interest in the nonprofit sector and in working with organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Academic Credit & Internship Agreement

This is an unpaid internship. Opportunities, Inc. is pleased to support students seeking to earn academic credit for this experience. To participate, interns must:

• Confirm eligibility for academic credit with their college or university prior to the start of the internship
• Provide all required documentation from their academic institution
• Sign any required internship agreement or affiliation agreement between Opportunities, Inc. and the academic institution
• Agree to fulfill all academic requirements associated with the credit, including any evaluations, reflections, or reports required by their institution

Opportunities, Inc. will provide documentation of hours, assignments, and supervisor evaluations as required by the intern's academic institution.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to [HR Contact Name] at [Email Address]:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in Human Resources and your passion for working in a mission-driven, nonprofit environment
• Unofficial transcript
• Documentation confirming academic credit eligibility (if available at time of application)
• Two professional or academic references

Application Deadline: [Date]

Opportunities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.