So you’re thinking about joining our team… whether you plan to apply for an internship or a volunteer position, we know the process can be a bit daunting at first. But fear not - we’ve compiled a list of common questions to help you start to plan.

Have a question but don’t see it here? Email us at steps@stepsvt.org!

What happens after I apply?

Once you fill out and return your application, our Volunteer Coordinator or Education & Outreach Coordinator will review it and forward to the appropriate program. They will contact you to schedule an interview if they feel you’d be a good fit.

Volunteers interested in direct service work and all interns, regardless of program, will be required to complete a 20 hour Community Advocate Training to earn Vermont’s Victim and Crisis Worker Privilege.

What is Victim and Crisis Worker Privilege?

This is a responsibility gained by attending a 20-hour training based on the Vermont Confidentiality Statute, allowing for confidential communications between service users and providers. This training provides participants with foundational knowledge on domestic violence and an overview of Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services.

Can I get academic credit for an internship?

Short answer - yes! We have regular internships for college students. Opportunities for high school students needing volunteer hours may also be available.

All internships must be approved by the interested student’s academic advisor and fulfill their school’s specific requirements. Interns are assigned a supervisor within the organization to help with scheduling, duties and projects, plus educational and skill-building opportunities.

NOTE: While internships are most often done for credit, they can be done simply for experience as well.

Do you have paid internships?

Unfortunately, Steps to End Domestic Violence cannot offer paid internships.

Is childcare provided while I volunteer?

No, we are unable to provide childcare. However, certain positions may allow for children to come along (those who do this will be asked to sign a waiver accepting responsibility for the care of your child).

Does it cost anything to volunteer?

Nope! Community Advocate Training registration is available on a sliding scale from $0 - $50.

Are all genders welcome to intern and/or volunteer?

Absolutely! Steps to End Domestic Violence is committed to inclusivity and we encourage all gender identities to get involved in anti-violence work.

I was in an abusive relationship in the past - can I get involved with you now?

Yes! We recognize the value that lived experience can bring to your advocacy and would encourage you to apply to volunteer with us.

In order to avoid a conflict of interest with current service users, we ask that if you received emergency housing through our program, you wait to apply until one year after you moved out of emergency housing. If you did not engage in emergency housing, but did engage in any of our other programs, we ask that you wait at least six months.

Note that if you were enrolled in housing case management after you moved out from our emergency housing program, this might be a total of 18 months of separation, counting from your move-out date.

If you have any questions about this policy or your eligibility to volunteer, please contact the volunteer coordinator directly at izzyl@stepsvt.org.