Intern Domestic Violence DuPage

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois’ first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,900 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

We are now seeking for a Part-time Intern for the fall to join our Domestic Violence program with our DuPage Team!

This is an unpaid internship for current college students needing the hours to complete a course or graduation requirements. We are offering three internship opportunities in the Domestic Violence Program at our DuPage Center.

1. INTERN COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION

ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP FUNCTIONS: Can include some or all of the following:

• Support domestic violence community outreach and education efforts through prevention education in DuPage schools.
• Assist in tabling events with local organizations.
• Learn to promote Bathroom Poster project.
• Learn to create social media content.
• Providing support for 40hr domestic violence training.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's level program preferably in Education, Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, required.

2. INTERN SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP FUNCTIONS: Can include some or all of the following:

• Learn to provide direct services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or their children, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, life skills development, parenting support, information, and/or referrals.
• Assist in direct services provided to clients may be in-person, virtual, or by phone and may be conducted in individual, group, family, or communal settings.
• Learn to assess and effectively respond to the needs of survivors seeking supportive services using short-term, strengths-based interventions.
• In partnership with the client, learn to develop and regularly review a service plan that describes the client’s goals while receiving services.
• Assist in tracking their progress in the achievement of those goals.
• Learn to develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of MFS programs and community-based resources.
• Support in facilitating linkages with services both within MFS and in the community.
• Assist in administering any required assessments and outcome tools at their designated intervals.
• Attend any mandatory group supervision and program/agency meetings.
• Participate in a team-oriented approach by collaborating with departmental staff and other programs to provide comprehensive services for clients.
• Support in completing paperwork in a timely manner, including case notes and other documentation needed for a client’s file.
• Learn to work within contract, grant, and program expectations, including meeting timelines and reporting requirements.
• Remains cognizant of current developments in the field of domestic violence.
• Attends appropriate workshops, conferences, etc. to enhance professional development and understanding of issues in the field.
• Learn to establish and maintain contact with local agencies, organizations, and partnering sites as appropriate.
• Support to effectively and professionally represent Metropolitan Family Services and the domestic violence program in the community.
• Assist in providing services in accordance with the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals’ code of ethics.
• Other duties specific to the needs of the particular site or program where this position is based.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Intern can be in a Bachelor's or Master's level program.

3. INTERN COURT ADVOCATE

ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP FUNCTIONS: Can include some or all of the following:

• Welcome individuals who enter the Family Shelter Services (FSS) office space.
• Assist in providing survivors accurate and appropriate information about the process for obtaining an order of protection (OOP).
• Assist survivors in completing relevant screening documents for service eligibility.
• Learn to provide directions to help individuals navigate through the courthouse.
• Learn to provide emotional support, modeling trauma informed care.
• Assist survivors with completing OP petitions (depending on length of time interning).
• Learn to provide linkages with other resources and referrals both inside and outside of FSS.
• Assist in preparing proper documentation for client files.
• Support in representing FSS in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Ensure confidentiality at all times.
• Other duties as negotiated.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors is preferred but will consider masters if it aligns with the program/school requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL DV INTERNSHIPS:

• Must complete a minimum of 300 hours
• Must have access to a vehicle, proof of insurance and valid driver’s license to perform essential functions, required.