Helpline Intern (Fall 2026 - Unpaid)

Time Requirement:    14 Weeks: 10 hours/week minimum, 5 hours/per shift minimum* 

Starting Week Date:   August 24th 2026 

Ending Week Date:     December 4th 2026 

Orientation date(s):   Three consecutive days, in-person, 9AM-4:00AM August 3rd, 4th, & 5th 

Internship Location:  Greenville County, multiple sites 

Application Deadline: 11:59PM on 7/19/26, unless internship spots are filled prior to application end date 

*Please see additional note about internship training & availability Preferences 

About Safe Harbor: Safe Harbor is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides pathways for people impacted by domestic abuse to survive and thrive and raises awareness of domestic abuse through community engagement and education in Greenville, Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties. Our services include a 24/7 helpline, emergency shelters, therapy, case management, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and trainings through education and prevention.

About Safe Harbor’s Helpline: The 24/7 helpline is the primary method for domestic abuse survivors to connect with Safe Harbor’s services. Helpline operations and communication are based on survivor-centered, trauma-informed care, and empowerment model practices. Safe Harbor’s helpline also offers emotional support, safety planning, and referrals.  

Internship Summary: Helpline interns work with people experiencing domestic abuse. Interns are trained to recognize domestic abuse dynamics and learn about other public health issues that intersect with domestic abuse. Interns are expected to support full-time staff with a wide range of internal infrastructure projects and answer calls on the helpline. Safe Harbor Interns leave a lasting impression on intake procedures, policies, and the training program. 

We are looking for empathetic and hard-working college students who have an interest in human service-related career paths. This position provides practical, professional experience that translates into a wide range of career fields such as social work, psychology, business, public health, community planning and development, criminal justice, legal, and government.

This internship is part time and unpaid but will fulfill practicum requirements for many major undergraduate-level programs.

When applying, please provide 2-3 references with name, title/position, relationship to you, and contact information (email and phone number). At least one reference must be academic in nature such as an advisor or professor.

Reports To: Helpline Training Coordinator and Helpline Manager

A Special Note About Internship Training Program Requirements & Expectations 

Due to the level of training required to answer the Safe Harbor helpline, interns are required to complete a consecutive, three-day orientation and initial training program during the week of August 3rd, 4th, and 5th. This training is in-person from 9:00AM-4:00PM. 

Prior to the in-person onboarding, interns will be sent virtual classroom materials to review and complete. These materials include recorded training with interactive activities, totaling approximately 4-6 hours. Completion of the virtual coursework is required prior to the in-person training starting on August 3rd.  

Internship Responsibilities & Expectations:

Training & Development 

• Be present and engaged with training process 

• Provide feedback on helpline training program throughout internship 

• Participate in staff trainings and meetings, as applicable and available 

Supporting the Safe Harbor 24/7 Helpline  

• Assist callers by connecting them with service(s) or information for their needs 

• Complete increasingly advanced calls as internship progresses 

• Learn, practice & refine trauma-informed active listening skills 

• Provide emotional support without bias or judgment to all callers 

• Offer referrals to local, state or national organizations or agencies based on the unique needs of each caller 

• Collaborate with other third-party service providers or agencies  

• Maintain & protect confidentiality of callers, client records, and shelter locations 

Administrative Tasks & Support 

• Complete data entry for after-hours case forms for follow up 

• Input voicemails from the helpline for follow up 

• Verify current contact information and services for Safe Harbor’s Resource Database and ensure uniform formatting as resources are entered 

• Assist full time staff in on-going and future projects, as deemed necessary, based on the needs of the helpline and future helpline infrastructure planning  

• Be proactive with learning new technology platforms 

Minimal Qualifications: 

Education & Life Experience 

• Enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college/university for an associates or undergraduate degree 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite & Google Suite required; Canva & Adobe a plus 

• Ability and willingness to learn new technology platforms 

• Maintain a trauma-informed environment for our callers, clients, and staff 

Time Commitment & Expectations 

• 10 hours per week, 5 hour per shift minimum requirement 

• Consecutively scheduled shifts strongly preferred (Example: Monday & Tuesday 9AM-2PM) 

• 14-week commitment, starting the week of August 24th  

• 14-week commitment doesn’t include virtual orientations or three-day onboarding. 

• Please note: the total hours for the 14-week internship typically exceed University/College/Course-specific internship hour requirements (averaging approximately 150-160 hours). Internship credit is awarded based on the expectation of the full 14-week completion, plus pre-semester training, not total minimum hours required for University/College/School coursework.   

Role Requirements: 

• Demonstrated history of dependability and reliability 

• Access to reliable transportation to Safe Harbor shelter(s) and/or administration site(s) within Greenville County.  

• Detail oriented 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills  

• Be passionate for Safe Harbor’s mission 

• Fully completed application, including application questions and references