Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis offers structured, supervised internships across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, advocacy, and community outreach programs. Internships are designed to meet academic field requirements while providing hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program.

Social Media & Outreach Intern

Program: Outreach / Development

Position Overview

The Social Media and Outreach Intern supports community engagement, awareness, and outreach initiatives through content creation and partnership development.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and schedule 2–3 social media posts per week
• Develop and maintain a monthly content calendar
• Create and share monthly “Needs List” posts
• Coordinate and edit staff 1-minute educational videos

Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Assist with donation drives and outreach campaigns
• Develop outreach materials (flyers, social media content, guides)
• Research and connect with community partners (businesses, colleges, agencies)
• Support coordination of presentations and community events
• Assist with website updates and donation guide content
• Track engagement, outreach efforts, and community responses
• Support development of social media strategies and campaigns

Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain experience in:

• Social media strategy and content development
• Community outreach and engagement
• Nonprofit marketing and communications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s level student in communications, marketing, or related field
• Must be completing internship as part of a required field experience
• Experience using X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok
• Strong writing, organization, and creative skills

Schedule Requirements

• Two-semester commitment required
• Flexible scheduling with consistent engagement

Supervision

• Weekly supervision (minimum one hour)
• Team meeting participation as appropriate

Why This Internship

This internship offers hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program serving survivors across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, and advocacy services, while building skills in outreach, engagement, and nonprofit communications.

Additional Information

• Responsibilities may evolve based on program needs, intern learning goals, and client needs

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis offers structured, supervised internships across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, advocacy, and community outreach programs. Internships are designed to meet academic field requirements while providing hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program.

Nonprofit Management Intern

Program: Administration

Position Overview

The Nonprofit Management Intern supports program operations, development, and fundraising efforts while gaining experience in nonprofit leadership within a domestic violence agency.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with grant research and tracking
• Support fundraising efforts and campaigns
• Assist with program development and implementation
• Support policy updates and administrative tasks

Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Assist with program evaluations (June/December)
• Support training coordination
• Help improve internal systems and workflows

Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain experience in:

• Nonprofit operations and leadership
• Fundraising and grant processes
• Program development and evaluation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s level student in nonprofit management, business, or related field
• Must be completing internship as part of a required field experience
• Strong organizational and communication skills

Schedule Requirements

• Two-semester commitment required

Supervision

• Weekly supervision (minimum one hour)
• Participation in team meetings as appropriate

Why This Internship

This internship offers hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program serving survivors across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, and advocacy services while providing exposure to nonprofit operations, program development, and fundraising.

Additional Information

• Responsibilities may evolve based on program needs, intern learning goals, and client needs 

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis offers structured, supervised internships across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, advocacy, and community outreach programs. Internships are designed to meet academic field requirements while providing hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program.

Hotline / Advocacy Support Intern

Program: Advocacy

Position Overview

The Hotline/Advocacy Support Intern supports advocacy services through referrals, follow-up, and coordination of services for survivors.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with referrals and resource coordination
• Support follow-up with clients after initial contact
• Assist with documentation and data entry
• Support advocacy team with service coordination

Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Learn crisis response protocols
• Support safety planning processes
• Assist in connecting clients to appropriate services

Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain experience in:

• Crisis response fundamentals
• Advocacy systems and service coordination
• Resource navigation and referrals

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s level student in related field
• Must be completing internship as part of a required field experience
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Schedule Requirements

• Two-semester commitment required
• Flexible scheduling based on program needs

Supervision

• Weekly supervision (minimum one hour)
• Team meeting participation required

Why This Internship

This internship offers hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program serving survivors across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, and advocacy services. Interns will work closely with experienced staff, participate in real case discussions, and gain practical, trauma-informed skills applicable to careers in social work, counseling, psychology, and human services.

Additional Information

• Responsibilities may evolve based on program needs, intern learning goals, and client needs

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis offers structured, supervised internships across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, advocacy, and community outreach programs. Internships are designed to meet academic field requirements while providing hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program.

Group Facilitation Intern

Program: Advocacy / Safe House

Position Overview

The Group Facilitation Intern supports psychoeducational and support groups for survivors, focusing on empowerment, education, and skill-building within safe house and program services.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-facilitate groups
• Assist in curriculum development
• Track attendance and participation

Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Support domestic violence education groups
• Assist with self-sufficiency and life skills programming
• Help develop new groups (e.g., therapeutic or garden-based programming)

Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain experience in:

• Group facilitation techniques
• Curriculum development
• Survivor engagement strategies

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s level student in related field
• Must be completing internship as part of a required field experience
• Strong communication and facilitation skills

Schedule Requirements

• Two-semester commitment required
• Availability during scheduled group times

Supervision

• Weekly supervision (minimum one hour)
• Group facilitation support and team meeting participation required

Why This Internship

This internship offers hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program serving survivors across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, and advocacy services. Interns will work closely with experienced staff, participate in real case discussions, and gain practical, trauma-informed skills applicable to careers in social work, counseling, psychology, and human services.

Additional Information

• Responsibilities may evolve based on program needs, intern learning goals, and client needs

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis offers structured, supervised internships across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, advocacy, and community outreach programs. Internships are designed to meet academic field requirements while providing hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program.

Domestic Violence Counseling Intern

Program: Counseling Services

Position Overview

The Domestic Violence Counseling Intern provides supervised emotional support and assists in delivering trauma-informed counseling services to survivors within safe house and housing programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one support
• Assist with safety planning
• Support domestic violence curriculum implementation
• Document sessions and client interactions

Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Facilitate counseling sessions
• Support coping skills and emotional regulation
• Assist with referrals to mental health and supportive services

Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain experience in:

• Trauma-informed counseling practices
• Domestic violence dynamics
• Client engagement and rapport building
• Ethical practice in counseling settings

Requirements

• Master’s level student in social work, counseling, or related field
• Must be completing internship as part of a required field experience
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Schedule Requirements

• Two-semester commitment required

Supervision

• Weekly clinical supervision (minimum one hour)
• Group supervision and team meeting participation required

Why This Internship

This internship offers hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program serving survivors across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, and advocacy services. Interns will work closely with experienced staff, participate in real case discussions, and gain practical, trauma-informed skills applicable to careers in social work, counseling, psychology, and human services.

Additional Information

• Responsibilities may evolve based on program needs, intern learning goals, and client needs

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis offers structured, supervised internships across safe house, housing, court services, counseling, advocacy, and community outreach programs. Internships are designed to meet academic field requirements while providing hands-on experience in a comprehensive domestic violence program.

 Survivor-Focused Advocacy Intern

Program: Safe House / Transitional Living Program (TLP)

Position Overview

The Survivor-Focused Advocacy Intern supports direct client services within the Safe House and Transitional Living Program using a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach focused on empowerment, safety, and service coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with client assessments using agency tools
• Support individualized advocacy and goal planning
• Participate in safety planning with clients
• Provide referrals and assist with follow-up services
• Document client interactions in Empower
• Attend Tuesday program meetings and advocacy meetings

Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Support shelter and TLP clients with service navigation
• Assist with housing coordination and resource access
• Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions
• Support client engagement and participation

Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain experience in:

• Trauma-informed and survivor-centered care
• Domestic violence advocacy practices
• Safety planning and crisis response
• Housing and shelter-based services
• Documentation and case management systems (Empower)
• Multidisciplinary teamwork

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s level student in social work, psychology, human services, or related field
• Must be completing internship as part of a required field experience
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Schedule Requirements

• Two-semester commitment required
• Availability during Tuesday meeting block (10 AM – 2 PM)

Supervision

• Weekly supervision (minimum one hour)
• Group supervision and team meeting participation required

Why This Internship

This internship provides hands-on experience working with survivors across shelter and housing programs, offering real-world exposure to advocacy, safety planning, and coordinated service delivery.

Additional Information

• Responsibilities may evolve based on program needs, intern learning goals, and client needs

Fundraising & Development Intern

Basic Functions

To support the agency’s fundraising and development efforts through donor engagement, event support, research, and administrative assistance. The Fundraising & Development Intern will assist with planning and implementing fundraising activities, including summer fundraising events, while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit development and community engagement.

Reports To

The Fundraising & Development Intern is supervised by the Development Director and ultimately accountable to the Executive Director. Tasks may also be assigned by program or administrative staff to meet agency needs.

Schedule

School and Agency Determined

Hours per Week

School Determined

Areas of Responsibility

This position requires work assignments and responsibilities such as, but not limited to:

Fundraising & Development

• Assist with planning and supporting fundraising campaigns and appeals

• Support donor stewardship efforts, including thank-you letters, emails, and acknowledgments

• Help maintain and update donor records and databases

• Conduct basic donor, foundation, and grant research

• Assist with grant preparation and reporting as needed

Events & Community Engagement

• Assist with planning and staffing summer fundraising events

• Support event setup, guest check-in, and breakdown

• Assist with post-event follow-up, including donor communication and data entry

• Represent the agency in a professional and welcoming manner at community events

Communications & Outreach

• Assist with fundraising-related social media and marketing efforts

• Draft content for emails, newsletters, and fundraising materials

• Support coordination between development and program staff for campaigns

General

• Maintain accurate records and submit required documentation by agency deadlines

• Attend meetings, trainings, and events as scheduled

• Maintain confidentiality of donor and agency information

• Perform administrative tasks as needed to support development operations

Qualifications (Will Be Met Through Agency Training)

• Interest in nonprofit work, fundraising, or community engagement

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to maintain confidential information

• Basic computer skills, including Google Workspace or Microsoft Office

• Willingness and ability to attend occasional evening or weekend summer events

Special Requirements

This position may require infrequent travel. A valid driver’s license and current certificate of insurance is required for personnel who may travel within the scope of service. Criminal background checks may be required to confirm suitability for placement.

Areas of Responsibility

This position requires work assignments and responsibilities such as, but not limited to:

Direct Services

·         Provide client intake and assessment, including sheltering women and families in accordance with agency protocols

·         Assist clients in developing individualized safety plans including: plans for leaving, for staying and for long-range planning

·         Assist parents in developing safety plans which include their children

·         Provide individual domestic violence counseling and advocacy

·         Provide coverage to 24-hour domestic violence hotline

·         Serve as a member of the 24-hour hotline back-up rotation

·         Provide clients with information and referral to community services and resources

·         Advocate with outside systems regarding clients’ needs

·         Facilitate support/education groups

·         Other services as deemed necessary

·         Provide written educational information to adult clients about domestic violence, its effects on victims, as well as its effects on children

·         Provide to adult clients a state and local listing of available resources

·         Provide information regarding state victim compensation resources

General

·         Maintain accurate service records and submit all required statistics in accordance with agency due dates

·         Attend and participate in regular meetings called by MWC, CCADV and other meetings as scheduled, including training programs developed for Advocates

·         Must uphold privileged communication of clients and all responsibilities of mandatory reporting

·         Provide peer coverage to critical tasks such as court-based family violence victim advocacy as needed

·         Maintain vacant shelter rooms for immediate occupancy

·         Other duties as assigned

Qualifications (Will be met through agency training)

·         Comprehensive working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.

·         Commitment to working with domestic violence victims and their children to develop a plan for their safety and preserve their right to self-determination.

·         Effective oral and written communication skills

·         Ability to gather, consolidate and present client information through interviews

·         Knowledge of community resources

·         Ability to work effectively with both traditional and non-traditional systems

·         Ability to maintain service records, complete accurate statistical and narrative reports and submit in accordance with due dates

·         Must obtain and maintain certification as battered women’s counselor, as per CGS 52-146k

Special Requirements

This position requires periodic travel.  A valid driver’s license and current certificate of insurance is required for personnel who may travel in their scope of service to Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis.  Criminal, Department of Children and Families and Department of Motor Vehicles background checks are required for all staff to confirm suitability for employment.

Areas of Responsibility

This position requires work assignments and responsibilities such as, but not limited to:

Community Education

·         Market agency programs and services to service area schools and community groups

·         Co-Facilitate community education and primary prevention programs on domestic violence and related issues.

• Attend summer community events, will require some weekends 

Youth Advocacy

·         Co-Facilitate support and educational groups for program children

·         Provide individual support to shelter and transitional living program youth residents a minimum of weekly

·         Organize and facilitate activities periods to promote Real Strength Pillars

·         Provide referrals and advocacy to appropriate agencies on behalf of the youth

General

·         Maintain accurate service records and submit all required statistics in accordance with agency due dates.

·         Provide coverage to 24-hour hotline and shelter as scheduled

·         Attend and participate in regular meetings called by MWC, CCADV and other meetings as necessary, including training programs developed for Advocates

·         Must uphold privileged communication of clients and all responsibilities of mandatory reporting

·         Maintain vacant shelter rooms for immediate occupancy

Social Media

Qualifications (Will be met through agency training)

·         Comprehensive working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.

·         Commitment to working with domestic violence victims and their children to develop a plan for their safety and preserve their right to self-determination.

·         Comprehensive knowledge child development, including the impact of trauma on child witnesses of domestic violence

·         Effective oral and written communication skills

·         Ability to gather, consolidate and present client information through interviews

·         Knowledge of community resources

·         Ability to work effectively with both traditional and non-traditional systems

·         Ability to maintain service records, complete accurate statistical and narrative reports and submit in accordance with due dates

·         Must obtain and maintain certification as battered women’s counselor, as per CGS 52-146k

Special Requirements

This position may require infrequent travel.  A valid driver’s license and current certificate of insurance is required for personnel who may travel in their scope of service to Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis.  Criminal, Department of Children and Families and Department of Motor Vehicles background checks are required for all staff to confirm suitability for employment.