Domestic Violence Initiatives Intern (Unpaid)

Job Summary:

Neuropath Behavioral Healthcare is seeking a Domestic Violence Initiatives Intern to support our Women & Children Safety Program based out of our Union, NJ call center. This 6-month onsite internship is ideal for students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in crisis response, referral coordination, and case management for victims of domestic violence.

Interns will be trained to support hospital response protocols, including domestic violence evidence kits and rape kit coordination — foundational knowledge required for those pursuing certification in Domestic Violence Case Management.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Answer hotline calls from victims and referring providers in a trauma-informed, confidential manner
• Conduct basic risk assessments and safety planning
• Engage in regular training sessions to prepare for Domestic Violence Case Management Certification
• Make appropriate referrals to shelters, legal services, law enforcement, or counseling
• Document all contacts and maintain accurate client case records
• Assist with outreach materials and maintain updated referral databases
• Participate in call center briefings and clinical debriefs

• Shadow or accompany staff during emergency hospital-based interventions when needed (e.g., assistance with domestic violence kits and rape kits)

Certification Preparation & Hospital Accompaniment Training

As part of this internship, participants will begin preparing for a recognized Domestic Violence Case Management Certification. This includes:

• 40-hour DV training and documentation standards
• Crisis and risk response
• Legal and ethical guidelines for hospital accompaniment
• Chain of custody and reporting procedures for DV evidence and rape kits
• Cultural sensitivity and confidentiality practices

Interns will receive access to resources and study materials, with the option to pursue certification post-internship.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Public Health, or a related field
• Available to work onsite in Union, NJ at least 16 hours/week for 6 months
• Strong communication and emotional regulation skills during crisis interactions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and composure under pressure
• Bilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or Arabic) strongly preferred
• Willingness to support in-person hospital accompaniment in rare but urgent cases
• Interest in completing formal certification following internship

Training & Supervision Provided:

• Trauma-Informed Care & Crisis Intervention
• Confidentiality & Legal Protections
• Referral Coordination Protocols
• Hospital Advocacy & Forensic Kit Handling
• Weekly clinical supervision and progress reviews
• Certification preparation support and resources

Benefits/Perks:

• Eligible for academic credit or volunteer/community service hours
• Direct experience in a call center-based DV response program
• Exposure to real-time crisis intervention and hospital-based advocacy
• Guidance toward national or state-recognized certification
• Reference letter upon successful completion