CONNECT to End Violence High School Student Internship

Skills and Qualifications Required/Preferred:

CONNECT is looking for energetic and responsible students who are able to adhere to the policies and procedures of MVCS, CONNECT, and our funders. A thorough and a complete understanding, comprehension and practice of confidentiality is an absolute requirement. This experience will be most beneficial to students who are passionate about building a community based on safety, respect, and wellness. All students who are currently enrolled in 12th grade studies are eligible for this internship. The CONNECT high school internship is a volunteer position with many opportunities to receive excellent practical knowledge.

Duties and Responsibilities:

As a high school intern, you will be assigned a staff member of CONNECT as your supervisor/ mentor. You are responsible for reporting directly to your supervisor/ mentor regarding questions about education materials or assigned tasks. You are responsible for arriving on time or contacting your supervisor/ mentor regarding any changes in your schedule. As a representative of MVCS and CONNECT, you are responsible for presenting (in dress and behavior) in a professional manner while fulfilling your internship duties and responsibilities in all settings. Your supervisor/mentor will be responsible for evaluating your performance and will ask you to evaluate your overall internship experience. You are responsible for reading and following all program policies and procedures given to you by your supervisor/ mentor.

Internship Objectives:

• Understand the role and resources of MVCS and CONNECT
• Maintain client and staff confidentiality
• Demonstrate appropriate boundaries with clients and staff
• Understand the role of a Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Counselor
• Understand the complex dynamics of domestic and sexual violence
• Provide general clerical/ office support
• Support outreach/educational events

About CONNECT

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) is a comprehensive multi-service agency that serves the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The mission of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is to enhance the lives of those it serves by meeting the comprehensive needs of individuals, families, and community through a partnership of programs that provide accessible education and health and human services of the highest quality. As one of the departments within MVCS, CONNECT to End Violence (CONNECT) works within the vision of the agency as stated above. CONNECT is the only dual Domestic Violence Program and Rape Crisis Center on the Island. CONNECT provides direct services to victims of crimes of domestic and sexual violence. These services include the following: a 24-hour crisis hotline response to victims of domestic and sexual violence as well as secondary survivors, safety­ planning and resources, short-term counseling, criminal justice advocacy, hospital advocacy, individual and group support, child witness to violence services, legal support, clinical services, and supervised visitation program. CONNECT also collaborates with the island schools to provide healthy relationship curriculum, as well as participation in local community events to ensure our services are easily accessible and made known to the public.

CONNECT provides free and confidential services to all participants. CONNECT receives funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance Victims of Crime Act, Violence Against Women Act, and private donations.

Contact Information:

CONNECT to End Violence, a program of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
Mailing Address: 111 Edgartown Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Physical Address: 261 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539 Contact: Programming Manager: Emily Medeiros
Phone: 774-549-9667 x104
Fax: 774-549-6908
Email.-  emedeiros@mvcommunityservices.org