Safehouse Shelter Intern (Unpaid) 2006
Court Advocate Program Intern
Development Internship (Fundraising)
Development Internship (Volunteer Management)
For 25 years, Doorways for Women and Families (formerly The Arlington Community Temporary Shelter) has brought hope to women and families experiencing domestic violence by providing a life-saving continuum of care, hope and safety. Doorways seeks an intern to play a key role in providing services to women and families in our shelters. This position requires a thoughtful, compassionate individual with abilities to communicate effectively (written and verbal), take initiative, multi-task, manage time wisely, meet deadlines, conduct research, and think outside of the box. The intern must also be a team player, a good listener, non-judgmental and flexible.
In return, Doorways will provide a meaningful, learning experience in which the intern will:
- Gain valuable work experience in a friendly and fun atmosphere
- Be exposed to the challenges that face domestic violence survivors
- Hone and demonstrate skills in listening, advocacy and support for women and families in crisis
- Learn how a domestic violence shelter run on a day to day basis
- Develop a strong understanding of client services related to domestic violence
- Understand the importance, needs, and challenges of shelter environments
Responsibilities:
- Provide administrative support to staff, including answering phones and other task as needed
- Provide information and referrals to people calling for shelter
- Provide assistance in any form needed to families already in shelter, including advocacy and day to day needs
- Manage the daily operations of the shelter
Qualifications: Applicants must have an interest in social service and/or women’s issues, as well as a basic understanding of or interest in homelessness and/or domestic violence issues. Experience or course work in Women’s Studies or Social sciences a plus, but not required. Fluency in another language, particularly Spanish, is a plus. Basic understanding of Microsoft Office programs is helpful.
Eligibility: Students at all levels of education with the above experience are invited to apply. Placement in internship is contingent upon the successful completion of Volunteer Training.
Length of commitment: Minimum length of commitment is one semester, two semesters preferred.
Weekly hours: Minimum of 10-15 hours each week, with possibility of day-time, night-time or weekend hours.
Worksite: Doorways Shelters – location of shelters is kept confidential until the completion of training and acceptance into the volunteer and intern program.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Khyati Desai, Community Resources Manager via e-mail to kdesai@doorwaysvas.org or by fax to 703-522-4338 with Shelter Intern in the subject heading. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Call 703-522-8858 x13 with questions. For more information about Doorways visit our website at www.doorways.org.