Student Volunteer Service Program FAQs

The Student Volunteer Service Program provides students with the opportunity to augment the workforce in the OIG’s Office of Investigations (OI). Students gain valuable work experience, apply their educational knowledge to the real workforce, and offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to problems. Opportunities are available at OI Headquarters and all Regional Office and Field Office locations. With more than 70 locations to choose from, students have the opportunity to apply during the school semester (while away from home) or during the summer session (when at home).

This program will enable students to provide volunteer services to OI and expose them to OI career opportunities. The program will focus on providing students substantive work experience in OI functions. Ideally, students will be assigned to work in areas representative of their interests and field of study. A list of work assignments may be provided to the student upon acceptance.

Students interested in working with the Office of Investigations’ locations around the country or with Headquarters may work in any of the three areas listed below, and will assist with the following duties:

Investigations

Support activities related to current OI investigations including data gathering activities regarding alleged fraud, waste, or abuse in HHS programs.

Computer Forensics & Technology

Examination of electronic evidence related to allegations under investigation, as well as managing OI information systems and identifying and implementing new technologies to increase efficiency of operations.

Mission Support

Many different functions must be performed to support OI. Mission support not only encompasses investigative support, but also includes budget formulation and execution, human resources, administrative support, organizational management, policy, property management, hotline complaint processing, and the coordination of special projects.

To be eligible to participate in the Student Volunteer Service Program, the student must meet all of the following qualifications at the time of application:

• must be a US citizen;
• must be at least 18 years of age;
• must be a student enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in:
  • a high school or trade school;
  • a technical or vocational school;
  • a junior or community college/2-year college;
  • a four year college or university; or
  • any other accredited educational institution including home school and online courses;
• must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale;
• must be in good academic standing with the student's institution;
• must agree to a background check;
• must be available to work at least 10 hours per week, with a minimum of 2 hours per work day; and
• must be able to work at least eight consecutive weeks.

No. The Student Volunteer Service Program provides students with an unpaid position.

You will be required to prepare and submit an application package. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, students are encouraged to apply at least one month before the beginning of the school semester. Generally, students will be placed before the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The application package is submitted to the Headquarters Student Volunteer Service Program Coordinator at the contact information listed below.

The applications package must include the following items:

1. Cover Letter;
2. Resume, including address;
3. Transcript;
4. OI-260, Student Volunteer Service Agreement;
5. OI-260a, Student Volunteer Service Program - Institution Agreement;

All components of the application package must be submitted at the same time. Unofficial transcripts may be initially submitted; however, the student will eventually have to provide an official transcript for verification purposes.

Application packages may be mailed, emailed, or faxed to:

HHS/OIG/OI Headquarters
Student Volunteer Service Program Coordinator
330 Independence Ave, S. W.
Rm: 5409
Washington, DC 20201

Fax to: (202) 401-0502

Email to: OI.Internships@oig.hhs.gov

No. All program participants must be United States citizens. If you are a U.S. citizen and hold dual citizenship with another country, please disclose the information in your application.

Participants in the program must be enrolled at least half-time as students in order to participate in the program; the school is a partner in the program. You do not need to be receiving academic credit, nor do you need to be attending classes during time spent volunteering (e.g., during a summer break).

The OI Student Volunteer Service Program Coordinator is your primary point-of-contact during the application process. You may contact the Coordinator at any time to ascertain your status by sending an email to: OI.Internships@oig.hhs.gov. No documents should be sent to this email address.

Complete applications received by Headquarters will be reviewed to ensure all program criteria are met. All eligible candidates will be referred to the nearest OI regional office for further consideration and possible interview.

The regional recruitment point of contact will review the applications and schedule interviews with the most competitive applicants. Applicants will be interviewed at the OI office located nearest to the student. Official notification of acceptance into the program will be provided by the regional recruitment point of contact. Selections are based upon academic achievements, area of study, life/work experiences, and the needs of the OI among other things.

OI encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply.

This must be determined by your academic institution and must be indicated on the OI-260 form as part of the application package. Some students in the past have earned credits.

Students are not guaranteed to receive a job offer for a full-time position at the conclusion of their time spent with OI.

Program participants have all Federal holidays off. Reasonable accommodations will be afforded for needs such as job interviews or school business. Please discuss all leave requests with your supervisor.

Workplace attire should be discussed with your supervisor. Business casual dress attire is most appropriate; however, there may be situations that require different attire.