Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc.

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)

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.

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

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

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

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.

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