DHS forms partnership with UCO to fill positions

Oklahoma City --The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) entered into a formal partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) on Friday to recruit top-quality candidates to fill positions within the agency.

DHS Director Ed Lake and UCO President Dr. Don Betz signed the Memorandum of Understanding during a formal ceremony on the UCO campus.

“The DHS is pleased to memorialize this partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma,” Lake said.  “We look forward to providing internships and employment opportunities for students in a variety of settings.  By partnering with UCO, we aim to attract top-notch candidates to help us fulfill our important mission in service to vulnerable Oklahomans.”

The Memorandum states the ultimate goal is to “recruit from a wide audience of UCO students for all available positions with DHS.” 
DHS Human Resources Manager Tamara Steele says the agency has been working on the partnership for several years.

“DHS has been progressively partnering with UCO Career Services over the past two years,” Steele said.  “The DHS presence on the UCO campus has significantly increased by means of career fair events, informational sessions, and on-campus hiring events.

“This Memorandum of Understanding will solidify the current relationship between DHS and UCO,” she added.  “Our primary focus in this endeavor will be recruiting students to fill our Child Welfare Specialist positions.  However, DHS offers a variety of career opportunities which will be available through internship or full-time opportunities.”

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Editors:  High-res photos are available upon request by contacting the DHS Office of Communications.