Intern – Emergency Shelter Internship

Description

A Safe Place has been a beacon of hope across Lake County for over 46 years—empowering survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking to rebuild their lives. As an intern, you’ll play a meaningful role in fostering safety, independence, and brighter futures for survivors. 

Internship Snapshot

Gain hands-on experience in emergency shelter operations, client-centered advocacy, and trauma-informed care—all while building essential professional skills in a compassionate, mission-driven environment. 

• Client Support & Advocacy 
• Shelter Operations & Community Engagement 
• Professional Development & Training 
• Operational Exposure 

You will learn how advocacy intersects with one of the most mission-driven and survivor-centered programs in Lake County.

What You’ll Do:

•  Shadow and assist staff in developing safety plans and managing cases to support shelter residents.
• Support crisis counseling, advocacy efforts, and connections to community resources.
• Help facilitate legal referrals, community benefits support (e.g., DHS), and education on domestic violence laws.
• Assist with daily shelter operations—such as donations coordination, community outreach, and volunteer support. 
• Participate in client check-ins and record-keeping, learning to maintain accurate documentation.
• Engage in volunteer mentorship and build relationships with local partner agencies.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and team activities to gain exposure to best practices and organizational collaboration.
• Receive training in key standards like IM+CANS and a 40-hour Domestic Violence certification (as relevant or scheduled).
• Foster cultural competence, maintain professional boundaries, and align with ethical frameworks like the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Observe scheduling logistics and flexible coverage routines, including weekend or holiday shifts, supply runs, and cross-program collaboration.
• Learn about adaptations for accessibility, such as navigating facility logistics and safely handling light tasks.

Compensation & Schedule: This internship is unpaid; course credit is available if approved by your institution. 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, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Passionate about survivor safety, empowerment, and systems-level change.
• 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 or court sessions during the day

What You’ll Gain:

• In-depth knowledge of how emergency shelters provide safety, stability, and immediate resources for survivors of domestic violence.
• Shadowing opportunities with shelter advocates and staff to observe case management, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
• Experience supporting survivors through critical transitions, including intake, daily living needs, and connections to community resources.
• Training in trauma-informed practices, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, safety protocols, and shelter operational procedures.
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s pursuit of safety, stability, and healing.
• A resume-building, meaningful experience in survivor advocacy, social services, and crisis shelter operations.
• Exposure to the Illinois Model for Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths (IM+CANS).
• 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certification Training (provided at a discounted rate).

Please note: Completion of the 40-hour Domestic Violence & Crisis Intervention Training is a requirement for all interns. This training is provided by A Safe Place at a discounted cost of $150. Payment instructions and training dates will be shared upon acceptance into the program.

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.

Rolling Interviews— 

Internship Duration: Flexible start and end dates.

Join us in creating safer futures and sustainable healing.
This is more than an internship—it’s a chance to make a difference.