Internships

SVS offers a structured, mission-driven clinical internship program designed specifically for master’s-level students enrolled in MSW (Master of Social Work), CMHC (Clinical Mental Health Counseling), or MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) programs.

Clinical interns are vital members of our multidisciplinary team. Through their advanced training and dedication, interns expand access to trauma-informed services and directly support our mission of providing compassionate, survivor-centered care.

Under close supervision, master’s-level interns provide:

• Individual therapy
• Support group facilitation
• Crisis support via phone, virtual, and in-person sessions

Interns collaborate closely with professionals across the agency, from case management staff to shelter advocates, ensuring coordinated, comprehensive support for survivors. This interdisciplinary approach strengthens the continuity of care and provides valuable real-world experience within a trauma-informed, community-based setting.

Interns will have the opportunity to work with a diverse population of survivors aged 5 and up, representing a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences. This breadth of exposure supports the development of cultural humility, clinical adaptability, and inclusive practice.

Their work allows SVS to serve more survivors, reduce wait times, and offer greater flexibility in scheduling—ensuring individuals and families receive timely access to healing services.

Training & Supervision

SVS is committed to providing a structured, high-quality, and competitive training experience for emerging clinicians. Our internship program is designed to be reciprocal: interns contribute valuable service to our community, and in return, we provide exceptional supervision, mentorship, and professional development aligned with graduate-level clinical standards.

Structured Weekly Supervision

All interns receive:

• 1 hour of individual supervision each week
• 1 hour of group supervision each week

Supervision ensures ethical, trauma-informed, and evidence-based clinical practice. Individual supervision supports case conceptualization, skill development, and professional identity formation. Group supervision fosters collaboration, peer learning, vulnerability, and reflective practice.

What You Will Gain

As a clinical intern at SVS, you will receive:

• Hands-on clinical experience providing trauma-informed therapy and crisis support
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with case managers, shelter advocates, and other service providers
• Exposure to working with diverse survivors ages 5+ across a range of identities and lived experiences
• Weekly individual and group supervision to support skill development and professional growth
• A 40-hour Domestic Violence Training, providing foundational knowledge in advocacy, safety planning, and trauma-informed care
• An hourly stipend in recognition of your meaningful clinical contributions
• Opportunity for mezzo and organizational-level work, which may include developing a needed program, creating group curriculum, and supporting procedure development based on the needs of the clinical team, shelter services, and your professional interests

Our goal is to provide a training experience that strengthens your clinical confidence, deepens your trauma-informed lens, and prepares you for professional practice in community mental health and survivor advocacy settings

SVS offers internship opportunities for bachelor’s-level social work students (BSW programs) seeking hands-on experience in a trauma-informed, community-based setting.

While bachelor’s-level interns do not engage in clinical therapy services, they play an important supportive role within our interdisciplinary team and contribute meaningfully to survivor care.

Role & Responsibilities

Under supervision, BSW interns support the clinical and case management teams by:

• Providing initial contact and intake support for individuals interested in services
• Assisting with coordination and follow-up communication
• Helping facilitate psychoeducational groups in both shelter and community settings
• Supporting the needs of the clinical and case management teams as appropriate
• Assisting with resource gathering and survivor support initiatives

This role offers valuable exposure to trauma-informed service delivery while helping ensure survivors experience compassionate, responsive, and coordinated care from their first point of contact.

What You Will Gain

As a bachelor’s-level intern at SVS, you will receive:

• Hands-on experience working with survivors of domestic violence, deepening your understanding of trauma-informed care
• Participation in interdisciplinary collaboration, working alongside clinical staff, case managers, and shelter advocates
• Weekly individual and group supervision to support professional development and reflective learning
• A comprehensive 40-hour Domestic Violence Training, covering advocacy, safety planning, and survivor-centered services
• Direct experience facilitating and supporting psychoeducational programming

While this internship does not include a stipend, it provides immersive, real-world experience in survivor advocacy and prepares students for future graduate-level clinical training or careers in social services.