Undergraduate & graduate advocacy internships
Now accepting applications for Summer and Fall 2024!
In partnership with local universities in Northwest Arkansas, we are pleased to offer undergraduate-level internships to students from a variety of majors (previous interns have studied public health, psychology, social work, sociology, criminal justice, nursing, and biochemistry to name a few). We're also able to offer internships to MSW (Master Social Work) students.
Internships primarily involve shadowing our advocate staff—when they meet with their clients on-site, when they conduct forensic exams alongside our sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), when they support survivors during meetings with law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys—wherever they are needed. Interns are also assigned to a primary outreach project (to learn more, explore the programs listed under What we do), though they can assist with any of the projects.
Other opportunities include: general community outreach, public speaking and presentations, program and event planning, social media campaigns, creating educational materials, staffing event booths, research and training development, crisis intervention, and SANE exam experience. All interns are asked to take a minimum of two crisis hotline shifts per month (including one weekend evening shift), and no more than an average of once per week. Due to the nature of our work, interns may experience vicarious trauma. If ever triggered or needing to debrief, our onsite counselors are available to all interns, in addition to the center's supervisory team.
Internships are available in the fall (Aug–Dec), spring (Jan–May), and summer (May–Aug). Interns must agree to complete the entire semester with us (a week off for fall and spring break or summer vacation is acceptable). Interns are required to attend our quarterly Volunteer Training (held on a weekend), complete the online ACASA modules and mandated reporter certifications, consent to a background check, and sign various paperwork with the center in order to work with our clients. Developing an individualized work plan and turning in weekly timesheets are also a requirement. Since we are a nonprofit, please note our internships are unpaid.
If you aren't ready to commit to an internship with the center, but are still interested in getting involved, please consider volunteering—we only ask our hotline volunteers to donate as little as one shift per month, and that they volunteer with us for at least four months after training. This is another way to support survivors of sexual assault in our community, as well as a way to become better skilled in crisis intervention.
For more information, please contact DeMarcus, our Client Services Director at: demarcus@nwasexualassault.org. You can also download our checklist, which summarizes the application process to become a center intern.
