Safe Harbor is a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers a continuum of services for survivors of domestic violence and their children in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee Counties. Our services include a 24/7 helpline, safe emergency shelters, counseling for survivors and their children, case management, assistance with filing for an Order of Protection, transitional housing, domestic violence education and parenting classes, and group support.
The helpline is our primary entryway to services. The line is often the first point of contact for survivors seeking help, and calling it is one of the most difficult steps a survivor can take. It is important to not only help the caller by providing resources or connecting them to services, but to also respond in a trauma-informed way that extends beyond the resources and services we are able to offer them.
We are looking for compassionate, hard-working college students interested in a career in human services to intern for our 24/7 Helpline. This position is perfect for those looking to gain practical experience in helping professions such as social work or psychology, as well as for those interested in pursuing a career in the nonprofit field.
As a Helpline Intern, you will work directly with people experiencing domestic abuse, and will learn how to use crisis intervention skills such as active listening and safety planning through a trauma-informed lens. Professional development and mentoring opportunities may also be available.
This internship is not paid but will fulfill practicum requirements for many major programs.
Responsibilities:
- Answer calls from people experiencing domestic abuse. This entails but is not limited to:
- Completing over-the-phone emergency shelter, community service, and order of protection (OP) intakes
- Assisting survivors with safety planning
- Providing survivors with referrals to other community resources, when applicable
- Demonstrating active listening and emotional support as survivors tell their stories
- Answer and re-route other calls as appropriate including:
- Current clients seeking to speak to their community advocate/therapist/shelter staff
- Other service providers calling on behalf of their own clients who may have experienced domestic abuse and are in need of shelter or services
- Community members who know someone experiencing abuse, and have questions about how to connect the survivor to Safe Harbor’s services
- Law enforcement officers seeking to transport survivors to our shelters
- Assist with resource development to ensure our community referrals are up-to-date, adding/removing resources when applicable
Essential Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- Enrolled in or have recently graduated from a 2- or 4-year college/university
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Commitment
- 8-12 hours per week for at least one semester
- Ability to commute to Safe Harbor’s Helpline office in downtown Greenville
- Maintain client confidentiality at all times and never disclose shelter locations
Core Skills
- Empathetic and nonjudgmental mindset
- Ability to remain calm in a crisis
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Passion for Safe Harbor’s mission