Opportunities From: University of Iowa

One-time community volunteer groups are welcomed based on the current shelter populations and shelter needs.

The following guidelines apply:

Every participating volunteer must sign a group confidentiality form.If the activity involves direct contact with DVIP & RVAP clients, including children, the activity must be approved by the Volunteer Coordinator, Director of Shelter Services, and current DVIP & RVAP shelter residents.Current shelter residents must be notified of when the group will be in shelter.A reference check is not necessary for a volunteer group doing a one-time, non-direct service activity.

One-time group volunteer events may include but are not limited to the following:

Groups/organizations working volunteer shifts in support of a particular fundraising or donation event – for example: Shop for Shelter volunteers hand out shopping lists to guests at each store to encourage shoppers to purchase items needed for our emergency shelter.Events that are open to the public and often involve volunteers interacting with the public on behalf of DVIP & RVAP.Hosting a donation drive on behalf of DVIP & RVAP based on top needs.Can be a group service project such as shelter yard or building maintenance.

Event Volunteers provide volunteer support for DVIP & RVAP public events and can include:

Groups/organizations and individual volunteers working shifts in support of a particular fundraising or donation event – for example: Shop for Shelter volunteers hand out shopping lists to guests at each store to encourage shoppers to purchase items needed for our emergency shelter.Events that are open to the public and often involve volunteers interacting with the public on behalf of DVIP & RVAP. Hosting a donation drive on behalf of DVIP & RVAP based on top needs. Can be a one-time group service project such as shelter yard or building maintenanceOne-time community volunteer groups are welcomed based on the current shelter populations and shelter needs. The following guidelines apply: Every participating volunteer must sign a group confidentiality form.If the activity involves direct contact with DVIP & RVAP clients, including children, the activity must be approved by the Volunteer Coordinator, Director of Shelter Services, and current DVIP & RVAP shelter residents.Current shelter residents must be notified of when the group will be in shelter. A reference check is not necessary for a volunteer group doing a one-time, non-direct service activity.

Indirect Service Volunteers assist advocates and provide support for Shelter and Outreach departments including but not limited to:

Assist with projects and day-to-day operationsSorting and organizing donationsPicking up donationsCleaning, maintenance, and beautification of agency buildingsOffice support and digitizing documents (additional training required)Community Engagement Support (attending community events on behalf of the agency, tabling, etc.) (additional training required)Gathering supplies needed by shelter and outreach clientsProvide translation of printed materials for use by the Community Engagement department

Direct Service Volunteers go through intensive additional volunteer training and sign a 2-year commitment contract to be able to assist advocates and provide support for Shelter and Outreach departments including but not limited to:

Answering crisis calls and providing resources to clients over the phone.Transporting individuals into the shelter and facilitating emergency shelter intakes.Providing support, information, and referrals to clients.Assisting with daily operations of shelter: donations, supplies, cleaning, and organizing.Support individuals seeking remedy in the courts through civil orders of protection.Provide support for youth services and youth programming.Support group childcare.Meeting clients to drop off requested items.Attending courthouse open hours with advocates.Transporting clients for sexual assault forensic exams.

Social Justice and Administrative Intern (Community Engagement)

Interns in this position will be responsible for assisting the Community Engagement Department with special projects and events and daily tasks within the department. Responsibilities will include:

Attending events on behalf of DVIP & RVAP and supporting prevention education and fundraising goals – must be comfortable speaking with community members about DVIP & RVAP servicesParticipating in speaking engagements that support the goals of the agencyAssisting with legislative research and supporting the CE department to develop rapid responses to legislative campaigns and educating legislators on the needs of those affected by domestic or sexual violence.Fundraising event promotion and preparationWriting, printing, and designing mailings to support fundraising and outreach goalsGeneral office support and administrative tasks in an office setting

Interns in this position should be in a social science or nonprofit communications field.

Practicum Placement/Internships (Shelter)

Direct Service Volunteers go through intensive additional volunteer training and sign a 2-year commitment contract to be able to assist advocates and provide support for Shelter and Outreach departments including but not limited to:

managing crisis line calls and providing triage support on the crisis linedaily client communicationclient intakes and departurescommunicating with clients regarding servicesmanaging conflict when appropriateother daily tasks such as: cleaning client rooms, organizing donation spaces, and maintaining the cleanliness of the communal spaces.

Interns in this position should be in a social work or social services-related field.

Practicum Placement/Internships (Outreach)

Direct Service interns for the DVIP & RVAP Domestic Violence Services department will be responsible for assisting staff with a wide variety of client services in a mobile advocacy capacity. Interns with outreach will be expected to shadow advocates to be able to participate in multiple aspects of client services, including:

managing crisis line callsassisting with protective orders and attending hearings at the courthouseattending DART appointments with advocates and clientsproviding peer support and assisting with DVIP & RVAP support groupsassisting the housing coordinators with apartment showings and helping clients search for housingmaking appropriate referrals to other community resources

Interns in this position are recommended be in a social work or social services-related field.