Intern - Victim/Witness, Victim Assistance ProgramsAt — Waymakers
The internship provides exposure to the criminal justice system, victim advocacy services, crisis intervention practices, and interagency collaboration.
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Interns will work alongside victim/witness advocates supporting individuals impacted by crime as they navigate the criminal justice system. Responsibilities include assisting with administrative and client-support functions such as answering phones, maintaining case files, preparing outreach correspondence, and supporting resource coordination efforts. Interns will also have opportunities to shadow court support staff, observe court proceedings, and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
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This placement is designed to strengthen professional communication, crisis management, networking, and criminal justice knowledge while providing meaningful, supervised experience in victim services and court-based advocacy.
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Students will perform the following duties to support achievement of the learning outcomes:
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Assist with professional office operations, including case file organization, data entry, and administrative support.
Answer and appropriately route calls received through the organization's main phone line while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Shadow court support staff and observe interactions within the court system to gain practical knowledge of criminal justice processes.
Assist staff with crisis intervention support activities and client service coordination under supervision.
Participate in case updates, documentation, and maintenance of client records as appropriate.
Prepare and mail outreach letters and informational materials to clients, community partners, and stakeholders.
Research and compile community resources to support client referrals and service delivery.
Attend staff meetings, trainings, and community collaboration activities when appropriate.
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Students will receive comprehensive training and supervision throughout the placement, including:
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Initial organization and workplace orientation, including policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and professional expectations.
On-site training regarding crisis intervention, client support services, and community resources.
Court support observation and job-shadowing opportunities to gain exposure to criminal justice processes and courtroom procedures.
Training on case documentation, client communication, and resource referral procedures.
Ongoing mentorship and supervision through regular meetings with staff to review progress, discuss cases, and provide feedback.
Overview and contextualization of assigned duties to ensure students understand the purpose and impact of their work within the organization.
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By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to:
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Demonstrate foundational knowledge and practical skills in crisis intervention and crisis management techniques when assisting clients and community members.
Explain the structure, processes, and functions of the criminal justice and court systems and apply this knowledge in a professional setting.
Develop professional networking and communication skills through interactions with court personnel, community partners, service providers, and clients.
Collaborate effectively with community organizations and stakeholders to support client needs and resource coordination.
Apply professional standards of confidentiality, documentation, and client support while working within a community-based criminal justice environment.