Needs From: Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley

This opportunity is for a Spring 2021 internship

What does the organization need?

Support victims and survivors of domestic violence with advocacy, resources, safety planning, and support to help them move forward in their lives with Waypoint Services. 

Responsibilities:

Assist with administrative tasks, such as filing, data entry, and other record keeping Provide emotional support, information, resources, and further assistance to victims in navigating the legal and medical systems Provide emotional support and resources/referrals during business hours over the phone and in-person to clients Meet with clients one-on-one or in group settings (or virtually) How will this help the organization?

Impact of assignment: Waypoint's Domestic Violence Victim Services Program works with over 2,700 victims/survivors each year. Volunteers and interns are crucial to ensure that we can provide individualized support to anyone who walks through our doors. 

Benefits to volunteer: Interns will gain direct experience working with individuals in crisis, knowledge of medical and legal advocacy and how they impact victim service providers and clients, knowledge of various community resources and how they partner with Waypoint to support those in crisis, and opportunities to develop other interpersonal skills

For the Volunteer

Qualifications and requirements: Interns must be at least 18 years-old and pass a criminal background check. We are looking for individuals with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, the ability to work independently and collaboratively with others, and the ability to be non-judgmental, encouraging, and empowering for clients, staff, and other volunteers.

OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY:

Waypoint is looking for volunteers to provide childcare during weekly support groups for victims of domestic violence. Support groups offer a chance for survivors to connect with others and share their experiences in a safe, supportive space. Support groups are offered in Cedar Rapids on Mondays and in Waterloo on Tuesdays, both from 6:00-8:00 pm.

TIME COMMITMENT:

Volunteers must commit to either a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. With group starting at 6:00 pm, volunteers must arrive by 5:45 pm.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead children in active play/structured activities Provide a safe, welcoming environment for the children Keep an eye on children while parents participate in group with advocates

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be at least 18 years-old Must pass a criminal background check Must complete 20 hours of online training through the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

Certification as a victim counselor through the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence An understanding of the effects of second-hand trauma on children Knowledge of the dynamics of homelessness, domestic violence, and other factors and how they impact poverty and oppression A working relationship with victim advocates Insight into the nonprofit world

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY:
Put your energy and passion to use and become part of a local non-profit organization! Do you love to
make a difference in the community you live in? Do you want to help an agency whose mission is to move
people forward? Are you compassionate, understanding, and passionate? Then this internship is perfect
for you!

Under the direction of the Director of Domestic Violence Victim Services Program, the Domestic Violence
Victim Services Intern is responsible for assisting advocates with various tasks supporting individuals who
have experienced domestic violence.     

TIME COMMITMENT:                                                                                                                          Part-time with flexible hours between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Semester commitments are preferred, but can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Some evening hours may be available, but are not required.

PRINICIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Help with filing, data entry, and other record keeping tasks Direct client contact Provide emotional support, information, resources, and further assistance victims in navigating the legal and medical system Provide emotional support and resources/referrals during business hours over the phone Meet with clients one-on-one or in group settings

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Positive attitude Commitment to helping those in need Ability to work independently and collaborate with others Ability to multi-task Ability to be non-judgmental, encouraging, and empowering

A 32-hour training (20 hours online and 12 hours in-person, provided free-of-charge by Waypoint) must
be completed prior to starting the internship. Interested individuals must also be able to pass a criminal
background check.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

Direct experience working with individuals in crisis Knowledge of medical and legal advocacy and how they impact victim service providers and clients Knowledge of various community resources and how they work to support individuals in crisis Opportunities to further develop other interpersonal skills while working closely with clients and staff