Crisis Response Internship - Fall

Job Description

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, with course credit available if your institution approves. 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: July 15, 2025

Rolling Interviews—Apply Early!

Internship Duration: Mid-August to Mid-December 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.