Civil Rights Testing Program Intern

Position Description

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) enforces laws that protect people from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and fair contracting within Seattle city limits. In 2017, SOCR launched an in-house Testing Program to partner with community organizations, uncover barriers to housing, and support compliance with Seattle’s anti-discrimination laws. Using “secret shopper”–style methods, the program reveals subtle forms of bias that often go unreported and allows SOCR to provide training, technical assistance, and resources to housing providers. Findings from our testing program inform compliance efforts and help guide providers toward more equitable practices.

SOCR is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student to support our Civil Rights Testing Program and help advance our mission to remove barriers to equity!

Job Responsibilities

What you’ll do:

• Assist with test site selection, test assignment and tracking, data entry, and ensuring testing standards are maintained
• Support test reviews, communicate with testers, and collaborate on testing priorities and program planning
• Learn about policy, community engagement, and compliance work, with opportunities to explore SOCR’s divisions and connect with staff and leadership
• Report to the Civil Rights Testing and Compliance Manager
  
  

In this internship, you’ll learn to:

• Apply civil rights laws to real situations, supported by training on how discrimination occurs, historical context, racial equity, bias, policy, research design, and data analysis
• Work collaboratively across teams, engage with community partners, and gain exposure to SOCR divisions, including policy, RSJ, and commissions
  
  

We’re excited to work with students who demonstrate:

• Experience with qualitative research and/or coursework in research methods
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Ability to engage respectfully with community members from diverse backgrounds
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Familiarity with research methods, data collection, and report preparation
• A commitment to contributing positively to a diverse and inclusive work environment
  
  

Don’t meet every single qualification? That’s okay! We believe diverse backgrounds and perspectives strengthen our team, and there is no single path to success. If you’re excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students in an accredited program. Preferred areas of study include social sciences, public administration, economics, political science, law, or a related field. Some college-level coursework in research methodology and qualitative data analysis is preferred.

• Undergraduate students must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Graduate students must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  
  

Additional Information

Hiring Timeline: Interviews will be held in May. We are looking to hire an intern to start by June 2026 for a year-long internship, with potential for extension.

Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 30 hours per week during summer and academic breaks.

Benefits: Learn more about internship benefits at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/working-at-the-city/internships

Hourly Rate: $22.56 - $22.56 (undergraduate) / $27.67 - $27.67 (graduate)

Ready to apply?

Here are some informational-only tips for applying and interviewing with us(Download PDF reader).

Submit your application through the City of Seattle Internship Application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/transferjobs by the posted deadline.

Be sure to include:

• A current resume (PDF)
• A cover letter describing your interest in this role
• An unofficial transcript that includes your GPA and current coursework
  
  

Who may apply? This internship is open to all who meet the minimum qualifications. SOCR welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and values diverse perspectives. We strongly encourage students of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experience to apply.

Accommodations and Questions: We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all. Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive all benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov with any questions or accommodation requests.