Domestic Violence (DV) Legal Advocate Intern

Provide case management, advocacy, and emotional support to program participants.

About Broadview Shelter & Transitional Housing

Broadview provides secure, confidential housing for parents with kids who’ve survived domestic violence (DV) and are moving out of homelessness. Using a trauma-informed care model, we help families address the issues that led to their housing loss, develop a strong community support system, and find and secure permanent housing. Volunteers play an important role at Broadview!

About the DV Legal Advocate Intern

This internship supports Broadview’s DV Legal Advocate with high-quality case management, advocacy, and emotional support for program participants as they navigate legal and social service systems. Tasks include:

• Client Support: Assist with DV Intakes by asking program participants about their: 1) safety concerns, 2) current DV situation, and 3) what legal advocacy needs they might have (e.g., protection orders, family law, divorces/legal separations, child support, and some immigration and criminal legal issues). Together with participants, the intern also helps complete applications and enrollment forms for relevant programs. 

• Crisis Intervention: Support the DV Legal Advocate in light-touch case management. This includes referring participants to other health and/or social services, connecting them to community resources, providing guidance on immediate safety measures, and navigating next steps.

• Administrative Support: Help maintain participant records, both digital and in print, and support data entry into the CaseWorthy database. 

• DV Support Group: Help facilitate meetings, distribute materials, and set up/clean up meeting rooms. 

• Training and Learning: Participate in training sessions, workshops, and supervision meetings to gain knowledge of best practices in trauma-informed care, legal processes, and DV advocacy. Initially, Interns spend significant time shadowing the DV Legal Advocate to learn and understand specific communication and trauma-informed decision-making skills. 

• Other projects and administrative tasks as needed 

Time Commitment

The intern will work 12-20 hours per week, with shifts distributed throughout the week, for a minimum of 3 months (6 months preferred). A flexible weekday schedule is required to provide support during court hearings, which may be scheduled anytime between 8-11am and 1-4pm.

Qualifications

• Age: Must be age 18 or older 
• Must complete 20 hours of relevant DV training as described in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Online training and initial shadowing as a volunteer can count toward the 20 hours. 
• Ability to commit to at least 3 months (6 months preferred), with a flexible schedule for part-time involvement.
• Strong interest in social services – especially supporting DV survivors and working to end gender-based violence – with an empathetic, nonjudgmental, trauma-informed care approach. While prior experience working with DV survivors or in a social service setting is a plus, it’s not required. An eagerness to learn and a passion for social justice are essential. 
• Willingness and ability to work with people from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds, with various lifestyles, sexual orientations, and of all ages.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment with Solid Ground staff, volunteers, and program participants. 
• Comfort in navigating government legal systems through website searches, phone calls, and networking across partners.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).