HELP Committee Chair Internships

Applications for Spring 2025 internships at the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), Office of Chair Sanders, are now closed.

The HELP Committee offers Vermonters and other entry-level candidates the opportunity to gain substantive experience in a Senate office while participating directly in the legislative process. Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assisting Committee staff in performing office duties, conducting research, analyzing legislation, drafting memorandums, and assisting in hearing preparation. Interns play a key role in the office and will work closely with policy advisors and counsels. The HELP Committee works on a wide range of issues in the areas of health, education, labor, disability, pensions, and oversight. Please specify within your application which policy team you would prefer to work in. Qualifications: Applicants should have an interest in fighting together for policies that serve the needs of people across Vermont and the country and a desire to learn.

Health Policy Intern: Interest in health-related matters, including: prescription drug prices; primary medical and dental health; mental health and substance use; health care workforce; the Affordable Care Act; Medicare and Medicaid; private health insurance; children’s health; women’s health; aging policy; health equity/disparities; the Food and Drug Administration; National Institutes of Health; and/or public health and preparedness.                            

Education Policy Intern: Interest in education-related research, policy, or practice, including: early childhood, k-12, postsecondary education, workforce, and civil rights issues.        

Labor Policy Intern: Interest in issues facing workers, including minimum wage and overtime, wage theft, union organizing and collective bargaining, workplace safety and health, and paid family and medical leave. Applicants with organizing experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Pensions & Tax Policy Intern: Interest in economic policy related matters, including pensions, tax, Social Security, banking, and consumer protection.        

Disability Policy Intern: Interest in disability-related matters, including but not limited to: the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Administration for Community Living, Office of Disability Employment Policy, school discipline, accessibility, home and community-based services, and civil rights issues.        

Internship experiences are generally consistent with the descriptions above but change from term to term in accordance with the Senate calendar, office legislative and casework priorities, and intern performance.

Interns are compensated at a rate of $17.50/hour, unless sponsored by an outside organization or academic program that prevents such compensation. All candidates must be able to reside within commuting distance to the Capitol during the duration of the internship. Due to our current office policy, we expect that interns will work both remotely and in-person, dependent on office needs.    

This office is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, disability, national origin, genetic information, uniformed status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. People of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, working class individuals, and those from other traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Internships are divided into three terms:
Spring: January through mid-May
Summer: Late May through mid-August
Fall: Late August through December

Questions? Please call 202-224-0767 or email internshipd@help.senate.gov.