Crisis Response Internship - Summer 2025

Description

Are you ready to gain real-world experience on the frontlines of crisis response? Join our mission at A Safe Place as a Crisis Response Intern, supporting our comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and trauma-related housing instability.

This internship offers a rare, hands-on opportunity to contribute to our Crisis Response division, which spans five dynamic programs:

• Human Trafficking Response – 24/7 crisis care, victim advocacy, and  restoration support in partnership with law enforcement and national agencies.
• Family      Trauma Program – Emotional support and legal advocacy for families impacted by homicide due to DV or trafficking.
• Rapid      Re-Housing (RRH) – Transitional housing placement, landlord partnerships, and economic stability planning.
• Emergency & Transitional Housing (ETH / SHINE) – Crisis shelter coordination, barrier reduction, and navigation of public benefits to prevent homelessness.
• Supportive Housing (Sanctuary of Hope) – Long-term stabilization for survivors with layered needs through life-skills coaching, counseling, and legal aid navigation.

This internship offers a powerful blend of trauma-informed practice, program operations, and advocacy, preparing you to thrive in nonprofit, social work, or criminal justice careers.

Interns will shadow our multidisciplinary team, participate in direct service activities, and gain exposure to real-time intervention, trauma-informed care, and community partnerships.

 What You'll Do: 

•  Assist Case Managers in intake coordination, documentation, and needs assessments across all Crisis Response sub-programs
• Support onsite and offsite crisis response efforts, shadowing trauma-informed staff
• Help connect clients to resources like therapy, housing, education, employment, and public aid
• Aid with documentation required for grants, victim compensation, and safety planning
• Attend case conferences, staff meetings, and multidisciplinary collaborations (law enforcement, hospitals, housing providers, etc.)
• Participate in community outreach events, memorials, and safety education efforts
• Observe the implementation of tools like VI-SPDAT, IM+CANS, and individualized service plans

Compensation & Schedule: This internship is unpaid or stipend-based (as applicable), with course credit available if approved by your institution. The schedule is flexible, with a minimum of 10–15 hours per week, including occasional evenings or weekend events.

Requirements

• Pursuing a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field
• Passionate about crisis response, justice work, and systems of support for survivors
• Strong emotional intelligence and sensitivity to trauma
• Organized, proactive, and ready to contribute in fast-paced environments
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, and digital documentation tools
• Strong communicator with a heart for social justice and survivor-centered care
• Able to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to attend events occasionally during evenings or weekends

What You’ll Gain:

• In-depth  knowledge of how crisis intervention works in real time
• Shadowing opportunities with law enforcement, community coalitions, housing teams, and trauma therapists
• Experience supporting survivors through life-changing transitions
• Training in trauma-informed practices and legal rights for survivors (DV, HT, protection orders, stalking laws)
• The opportunity to make an actual difference in someone’s moment of crisis
• A resume-building, meaningful experience in one of the most critical and compassionate arms of social services
• Training in the Illinois Model for Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths (IM+CANS) and Domestic Violence Protocols
• 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certification Training 

Application Instructions:

Please submit the following materials to be considered for this internship:

• Your resume
• A brief letter of interest outlining your availability and why this opportunity resonates with your goals
• One (1) letter of recommendation
  

Letter of Recommendation

The letter should come from a faculty member or professional reference who can speak to your character, work ethic, or readiness for an internship experience. Letters from family members or personal friends will not be accepted.

Apply by: May 3, 2025
Rolling Interviews—Apply Early!
Internship Duration: Mid-May to Mid-August 2025
(Flexible start/end dates; ideal for summer internships)

At A Safe Place, we believe that safety is just the beginning.
This is more than an internship—it’s a frontline experience that changes lives, including your own.