DC SAFE is the only 24/7 crisis intervention agency for domestic violence in the District of Columbia, serving over 10,000 survivors and their families annually. Our mission is to ensure the safety and self-determination of survivors through emergency services, court advocacy, and system reform. This is an ideal position for individuals seeking research experience and who are passionate about addressing gender-based violence.
Internship Description:
The Research Project Intern works alongside DC SAFE Advocates to assist survivors of domestic violence. Interns primarily support DC SAFE clients by:
- Compiling data through client case notes, direct interviews, documentation, and submission
- Assisting with reviewing, analyzing, and reporting on internal and external responses to domestic violence survivors using collected data
- Supporting various projects, depending on the organization’s priorities at the time
The primary objective of a Research Project Intern is to collect and interpret data for initiatives that support survivors of domestic violence in Washington, DC. Data sources may include online correspondence, case notes, interviews, and other materials. In addition to direct service support, interns contribute to improving survivors’ safety and well-being through systems advocacy. This is an excellent opportunity for students pursuing or considering careers in social work, social justice, public health, law, or criminal justice.
This position is a volunteer, unpaid internship. We will assist interns in obtaining course credit for the internship if requested.
Responsibilities:
- Complete 40 hours of Domestic Violence Core Competency Training to obtain Advocate Privilege in the District of Columbia (provided by DC SAFE)
- Attend the in-person DC SAFE onboarding training of 20-30 hours (provided by DC SAFE)
- Attend partner and continuum meetings as needed, determined by project leads
- Maintain client records and DC SAFE databases with accuracy and confidentiality
- Conduct client interviews and correspond with DC SAFE partners
- Compile research reports as needed
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or graduate program with a concentration in women’s studies, social work, social justice, public health, law, or criminal justice
- Interest and/or experience in qualitative research collection and reporting
- Demonstrated interest in women’s rights, survivor empowerment, public interest law, or community service
- Ability to complete mandatory 40-hour training program
- Ability to complete an end-of-term research report
- Fluency in Spanish or Amharic is a plus
- Internship hours may vary depending on project needs; the majority of hours will fall Monday-Friday during traditional business hours (8:30am-4:30pm), with occasional evenings or weekend work
- Strong attention to detail
How to Apply:
Please complete the internship interest form available on our website. Then, email your resume and cover letter as a single combined PDF to our Onboarding Specialist, Joanna Spradlin, at jspradlin@dcsafe.org. Include “Research Project Internship Application” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please specify your time availability and if you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis unless otherwise noted.