Survivor Advocate Graduate Internship

WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING INTERNS FOR THE 2025-2026 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR!

Graduate advocacy interns gain a variety of skills and experiences in direct victim services for students, staff, and faculty experiencing and/or impacted by interpersonal violence (relationship violence, sexual violence, and stalking).

They are trained to provide advocacy both in-person and via our 24/7 helpline. This includes providing trauma-informed emotional support, court and police reporting accompaniment, extensive resource coordination, and safety planning. We are looking for flexible and committed individuals who are dedicated to the cause.

Interns will be provided with in-depth and ongoing training in dynamics of victimization and will gain experience in providing direct service advocacy to our large campus community. In addition to becoming a Colorado certified Victim’s Advocate, Interns gain valuable experience in case management, crisis intervention, and collaborating with multiple systems/organizations. 

About Us: The Phoenix Center at Auraria was established in 2009 as a comprehensive resource for interpersonal violence on the Auraria Campus. Our mission is to implement campus response services, provide education, and facilitate dialogue related to sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking in the Auraria community.

Overview of Position: MSW advocacy interns will gain a variety of skills and experiences in direct victim services for students, staff, and faculty experiencing and/or impacted by interpersonal violence (relationship violence, sexual violence, and stalking).They will be trained to provide advocacy both in-person and via our 24/7 helpline. This will include providing trauma-informed emotional support, court and police reporting accompaniment, extensive resource coordination, and safety planning. We are looking for flexible and committed individuals who are dedicated to the cause.

Reports to: Harriet McTigue, Assistant Director of Advocacy Services

For an application/questions contact: harriet.mctigue@ucdenver.edu

Duties:

• Position begins late August and runs until the end of May;

• 16-20 hours in office per week, plus a 2.5 day shift on the hotline once per month.

• Participate in awareness activities each semester (incl. orientations and tabling);

• Direct practice advocacy work and crisis intervention with primary and secondary survivors of interpersonal violence

  and concerned others, including:

  • Assess survivor or concerned person’s immediate needs, including Suicide Risk Assessment, and provide necessary referrals;

  • Provide education and information on the dynamics of interpersonal violence;

  • Provide information about judicial, legal, medical, law enforcement, counseling, and academic services; o Accompany victims of interpersonal violence to court, Title IX, DPD, Rose Andom, and the health center; o Complete & maintain documentation of services rendered including client files.

  • Provide case management to in-office clients;

• Participate in at least one research project during the internship;

• Attend weekly advocacy meetings and semester helpline meetings;

• Respond promptly to any PCA staff member communication (must check email daily);

• Receive regular ongoing supervision and training individually and in a group setting.

• Requirements:

  • Be enrolled and in-good standing with a Master of Social Work program;

  • Successfully complete 36-hour mandatory victim advocacy training & additional training as needed;

  • Must agree to a background check and at least 18 years of age;

  • Must have an open and non-judgmental attitude and a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion;

  • Adhere to strict policy of confidentiality;

  • Must share program philosophy and remain in good standing with the program;

  • Acknowledgement of and plan to cope with any personal triggers related to victimization with sexual violence,

    relationship violence, or stalking.