Domestic Violence Initiatives Intern (Unpaid)

Domestic Violence Initiatives Intern (Unpaid)

Location: Union, New Jersey

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 3-6 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 work as part of a Resource & Referral Hotline and Domestic Violence Program, providing trauma-informed support, safety planning, and referrals to shelters, legal aid, hospitals, and counseling services. The internship is administrative and call center-based, though interns may also be called upon to accompany survivors to hospitals in emergency situations.

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
• 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

Internship Requirements:

To be considered for this internship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be available to intern 10–20 hours per week
• Be available to intern at least three (3) days per week.
• Commit to the internship for a minimum of 3–6 months.
• Be able to work on-site at either our Union, NJ or Cherry Hill, NJ office, based on departmental needs and availability.

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

Disclaimer:

At Neuropath, strong performance matters. If an intern’s performance demonstrates consistent proficiency in required skills, they may be invited to continue their internship into the next semester. For current students, the internship may be extended throughout their academic enrollment, provided they maintain the expected standards of performance and professional conduct.

Our Corporate and Administrative Internship positions at Neuropath are designed as structured learning and development experiences, with a minimum commitment of 3-6 months. Completion of our internship program — whether as an undergraduate or as a graduate with a bachelor’s degree — does not guarantee employment. While participation in the internship may lead to consideration for a paid role, transition to employment is not automatic or guaranteed. Hiring decisions are determined by organizational needs, position availability, and the individual’s demonstrated readiness for the role.

Interns seeking to transition into a paid position must meet the following criteria:

• Successful completion of the full 6-month internship term.
• Completion of all required training and workflow processes.
• Demonstrated proficiency in all core responsibilities, with the ability to perform assigned tasks independently and comprehensively without direct supervision.
• Successful performance reviews at both the 90-day and 180-day milestones.
• Ability to commute to our office in Union, NJ.

Current students who have not yet graduated are not eligible for paid employment in administrative positions but may continue as interns. Candidates without a degree will be considered for entry-level roles (e.g., Client Services) on a case-by-case basis.

All interns — regardless of educational background — must exhibit the level of competency required to meet the demands of the position, including adaptability, technical proficiency, communication skills, and a thorough understanding of our operational standards. This applies equally to entry-level roles such as Client Service Administrators (CSA). We do not hire interns into trainee positions; all hires must be prepared to assume full responsibilities from day one.