The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and architectural access. We help people understand their rights and obligations under disability laws and how they apply to different situations so they can better assert their rights and comply with the law. * * _The Value of a MOD Internship__ MOD’s Volunteer Internship Program creates a “win-win” experience by providing experiential learning for interns while allowing the agency to cultivate a professional, diverse pool of applicants for employment opportunities in the disability rights field. MOD’s goal is to provide a growth-oriented opportunity for all interns. Interns will receive real-world experience, intellectual challenges, problem solving skills and will make contacts. Interns are considered an integral part of MOD. This is a good opportunity for an undergraduate studying English, journalism, political science, or interested in community organizing. The intern will gain skills in writing in plain language and writing persuasively. The intern will learn about: - the structure of government - basics of search engine optimization The intern will gain real life experience: o Evaluating web content from the user’s perspective o Talking with the public o Learning the landscape of disability services in Massachusetts, including priority initiatives and how organizations overlap o Tracking project work o Creating reports summarizing findings and making recommendations *Practicalities* *Start Date: *September 30, 2024 *End Date: *December 20, 2024 *Time Commitment:*15 – 22.5 hours/week *Location:*Either virtual or hybrid at MOD’s office in Boston** *Pay: *$19 / hour** A time commitment of around 15 – 22.5 hours per week is expected. There is flexibility in the schedule for this internship, including timeframe and hours worked. Candidates will discuss their availability with the internship supervisor to determine a mutually agreeable schedule. *Project Description*_ MOD Referral Improvement Project The intern will research internet references, caller referrals, and internet searches that: o lead people to MOD for areas we do not focus on (for example: legal representation, general advocacy, support services), or o do not lead people to MOD when they usefully could. The intern will report on opportunities identified for improved referrals and will make recommendations to MOD staff on steps to take to improve referrals (for example: outreach, website changes, partnerships with other organizations) _Project Duties and Deliverables_ 1. Internet research to identify opportunities for better descriptions/links to MOD: o Incorrect references to MOD anywhere o Webpages that could valuably reference MOD offerings (on mass.gov and partner organizations such as Centers for Independent Living) 2. Improving MOD web references: o Draft clear, appropriate, and accurate wording for referring to MOD (or more appropriate referral) for each of the identified opportunities o Make recommendations to MOD staff persuading other organizations to change to how they reference MOD content/offerings. 3. Search engine optimization audit of MOD website: o Analyze search data to our content. o Recommend improvements to our pages to drive appropriate search traffic. 4. Attending weekly Inquiry meetings to learn about MOD’s work. 5. Recent caller survey: o Create a brief questionnaire o Survey recent MOD callers about their experience o Produce a report of where callers typically find out about MOD and the effectiveness of MOD consultations at meeting their needs. 6. End of internship presentation: o Brief presentation to the agency (probably in a staff meeting) summarizing your work done, accomplishments, lessons, and recommendations. * * _Application must include a resume, cover letter, and your response to the following exercise_: MOD’s websiteuses the following description of MOD: /The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and architectural access. We help people understand their rights and obligations under disability laws and how they apply to different situations so they can better assert their rights and comply with the law./ Find and share a description of MOD from another organization that differs from the description above. How might the differences between the two descriptions cause problems? List 2-3 changes you think the other organization should make to their MOD description and why. _Application deadline is Monday July 8, 2024 and must be submitted using MassCareers._ An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. * * Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. _Qualifications – External_*Knowledge and Skills Needed* Undergraduate level student or later (we are open to older non-college students needing work experience) 1. Strong written communication skills with great attention to detail 2. Strong user-focus – ability to analyze web content from the perspective of a user 3. Ability to track work carefully 4. Comfort talking professionally with members of the public who may be in distressing situations 5. Interest in disability rights, government, plain language and/or branding useful but not required We are looking for an intern who shares our passion for using clear language to help make it easier for people to find the information and help they are looking for. Job: Administrative Services* *Organization: Massachusetts Office On Disability *Title: *MOD Referral Improvement Intern Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place Requisition ID: 2400068P