Domestic Violence Housing First Intern

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Role & Responsibilities

The Domestic Violence Housing First Intern will assist survivors of domestic violence to obtain and/or maintain affordable and sustainable housing, responsive to individual needs, based upon evaluation. This will include individuals currently and/or recently experiencing domestic violence who may have limited English, limited/no housing history; limited/no work experience and/or formal education. Interns will work one-on-one, assisting with specific needs related to obtaining housing. Interns may work independently, conducting research and gathering information, or directly advocating, with potential landlords.

Duties include:

• Service Planning
• Assessmentof participants’ needs and goals
• Advocate for participants’ goals and establish plans at their discretion
• Assist survivors with employmentwhich includes but not limited to:
  • Identification of affordable units
  • Attend open houses, viewings and meetings with potential landlords
  • Rental application completion and submission
• Bi-weekly supervision, monthly team meetings

Requirements & Qualifications

• You must wait at least 2 years after receiving domestic violence support services at Walnut Avenue to be an intern
• Completion of 40+ hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training (provided by agency in Spring and Fall)
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the principles and practices of advocacy employed by Walnut Avenue

• Interest in real estate, affordable housing and/or community development
• Dependability, flexibility and creativity in approaching challenges
• Excellent ethical standards, personal integrity and strong personal boundaries
• Excellent research and analytical skills

• High level of self- awareness

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong computer skills
• Bi-lingual desired but not necessary (all languages)

• Pass fingerprint and criminal background check
• Access to email and telephone and/or telephone reception (very important as this is our main way of contact)
• Ability to implement the empowerment model to provide strength based and trauma informed support within the context of housing for survivors
• Ability to provide culturally sensitive support: communicate effectively with participants from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds to gain rapport, maintain confidence
• Excellent organizational skills: efficient and timely
• A commitment to uphold agency Code of Conduct to maintain a mutually respectful & supportive work environment that values and empowers team members to collectively accomplish program goals

Gained Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Experience working in nonprofit social services setting
• Familiarity with community resources
• Experience with local government
• Training as a Domestic Violence Advocate
• Training in Motivational Interviewing, Housing First, Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool, Critical Time Intervention and Trauma-Informed Care

It is the policy of Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center to provide equal employment, volunteer opportunities and services to participants (EEO) to all persons regardless of ancestry, age, color, national origin, disability (physical and mental, includes HIV and AIDS), genetic information, race, religion (includes religious dress and grooming), gender, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military or veteran, request for FMLA or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.