Advocacy Intern

MOCSA Overview

The Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) is an agency which exists to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual assault and abuse, and to prevent sexual violence in our community. Our 24-hour crisis line, counseling services, and victim advocacy services are available to residents across the metro area.

Position Overview

The Crisis Line and Advocacy Support Intern will:

• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, information, resources, and referrals to individuals impacted by sexual violence. The Interns will provide in-person hospital and/or law enforcement advocacy services, and will provide callers with information about MOCSA services, resources, and crisis intervention on MOCSA’s 24-hour crisis line.

• Assume responsibility for related documentation and submission of paperwork within 24 hours of a completed activation.

• Provide coverage for a minimum of one primary crisis line shift per week.

o Primary Crisis Line Shift Options:

§ Mornings: 8:30 AM to 12:45 PM

§ Afternoons: 12:45 PM to 5 PM

o Depending on the requirements on the internship, interns may have the opportunity to provide coverage for an additional daytime shift or to provide advocacy coverage during one overnight shift per week.

• Attend, as available, internal meetings on Wednesdays (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM) and Thursday afternoons (2:30 PM to 3:30 PM).

The intern will be assigned to a staff liaison, who will serve as the intern’s supervisor for the duration of the internship. The intern will attend a one-hour supervision meeting with their staff supervisor each week, prepared to discuss progress and questions related to their internship tasks and special projects.

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.

• Comfort and/or experience working with individuals in crisis situations.

• A basic understanding of or interest in the field of sexual abuse and assault.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle; if providing overnight coverage, must have access to a reliable mobile phone.

• Clear criminal and child abuse background screening.

• Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills.

Internship Benefits

• Training and professional development opportunities including MOCSA’s 40-Hour crisis intervention and sexual assault advocacy training, weekly supervision meetings, and continuing education workshops.

• Valuable knowledge regarding the structure of non-profit organizations, opportunities for community networking, and experience working directly with survivors of sexual violence.

• Interns will complete an internship project as outlined in their internship agreement to be determined in discussion with their MOCSA supervisor and school liaison (if applicable).

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in both standing and stationary positions for extended periods of time

• Must be able to operate a computer and other office machinery (such as a copy machine, a telephone, a printer, etc.)

• MOCSA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities.