Student Volunteer Service Program (SVSP) Miami District Office

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency pledged to eradicating employment discrimination. The commission is committed to the enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Equal Pay Act of 1963, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) all aimed at preventing and remedying employment discrimination. 

The EEOC Miami District Office offers service opportunities in Enforcement (Investigations), Charge Receipt (Intake), Alternative Dispute Resolutions (Mediations), Legal (Litigations) and Hearings (Federal EEO cases).  All volunteer service opportunities are unpaid; however, students may receive academic credit from their accredited educational institution.

Program Benefits: The SVSP is designed to provide educationally related assignments that complement the individual’s unique course of study. Students who have expressed interest in civil rights and/or public service endeavors are encouraged to apply. Through their experience, students are exposed to Equal Employment Opportunity laws and case processing procedures to better prepare them for their future endeavors. 

Expectations: Student volunteers are encouraged to immerse themselves in EEOC functions during their service. The investigative process, mediations, federal EEO hearings procedures, outreach, technical assistance, and litigations are some of the many educational opportunities offered. Students will work closely with supervisory personnel or Administrative Judges during their assignment.

Program Requirements:

• At least 16 years old, or in the 10th grade or equivalent
• Currently enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• Active Student Volunteer Service Agreement between the EEOC and the educational institution signed by appropriate school official (i.e. Career Services Advisor, Assistant Dean of Students, Admissions Department, International Student Services Department)
• Successful completion of security pre-screening via E-Verify Form (I-9), the Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306) and EEOC Form 554A
• Non-US citizens studying under an F1-Visa status, must supply a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) and Student Status-For Academic and Language Students CPT authorization (Form I-20)
• Must be completed by the appropriate school official (i.e. International Services Department) authorizing the student’s participation in an internship program or work-related occupation tied to the degree program off campus. Form I-20 must specify the employment period with the EEOC and the individual must be in possession of a valid U.S. Social Security Number prior to entrance on duty date.

Application Deadlines:

Fall service deadline- June 1st

Spring service deadline- November 1st

Summer service deadline- March 1st

Though offers are made on a rolling basis, length of service coincides with educational institution semester schedules. Volunteer service opportunities last about 14 weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on length/hours of commitment. Students are eligible to work under part-time, full-time or intermittent schedules, dedicating 9-40 hours per week. Dependent on successful completion of first term, students are eligible to participate in the program for up to two academic semesters, upon supervisory approval. Consecutive semesters are not required.

Application Packet Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Most Current Transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306)

Alternative Dispute Resolutions (Mediations)

Positions Available: A limited number of internships are available with the ADR Units in the Miami District Office, and the Tampa Field Office.  Interested students should e-mail or send a letter of interest and resume to ADR Program Coordinator, Marvin Frazier,  at EEOC, 100 SE 2^ND Street, suite 1500, Miami, Florida 33131 or marvin.frazier@eeoc.gov indicating which office they wish to be considered for.

Enforcement

For the Miami District Office, interested students should e-mail or send a letter of interest and resume to Enforcement Manager, c/o Michael Bethea, District Resource Manager at EEOC, 100 SE 2^ND Street, suite 1500, Miami, Florida 33131 or michael.bethea@eeoc.gov.

Tampa Field Office

For the Tampa Field Office, interested students should e-mail or send a letter of interest and resume to Director, Evangeline Hawthorne, evangeline.hawthorne@eeoc.gov Field Director at EEOC, 501 East Polk Street, Suite 1000, Tampa, FL 33602

San Juan Local Office

For the San Juan Local Office, interested students should e-mail or send a letter of interest and resume to Director, William Sanchez, william.sanchez@eeoc.gov , 525 F.D. Roosevelt Ave. Plaza Las Americas, Suite 1202 San Juan, PR 00918-8001.

Legal (Litigations)

Positions Available: A limited number of internships are available with the Legal Units in the Miami District Office, and the Tampa Field Office.  Interested students should e-mail or send a letter of interest and resume to Trial Attorney Erica Selig, Erica.Selig@eeoc.govindicating which office they wish to be considered for.

Hearings (Federal EEO cases)

Positions Available: A limited number of internships are available with the Hearings Unit in the Miami District Office.  Interested students should e-mail or send a letter of interest and resume to Supervisory Administrative Judge, Patrick Kokenge, patrick.kokenge@eeoc.gov, 100 SE 2^ND Street, suite 1500, Miami, Florida 33131