Student interns work alongside CADA advocates and staff to provide critical services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as working within the community.
CADA works with students from a wide range of academic departments and programs. Internships at CADA are specialized and competitive. Prospective internship candidates should have a passion for CADA’s mission, as well as a basic understanding of domestic violence, sexual violence, and trauma.
Click here to download CADA's Internship Application
Prospective interns should review our available internship opportunities and decide which position fits their interests and skills and aligns best with their future career goals. Intern candidates should then download and complete the internship application and submit this, along with a resume and cover letter to CADA’s volunteer coordinator at: hollym@cadamn.org
Position availability is limited, so candidates should identify their top three choices of internship positions.
Upon receiving your application, the volunteer coordinator will review your materials and if we determine there is a possible match, will set up a time for an interview. The application process can take anywhere between 2 – 4 weeks. Prospective interns should begin the application process at least one semester prior to the anticipated internship placement.
All intern candidates must complete a Minnesota Department of Human Services background check as well as complete CADA’s 40-hour sexual assault advocacy certification training.
All interns will also go through an internship orientation and on-the-job training with their site supervisors.
Child and Family Advocacy Intern
Interns work closely with CADA’s Child & Family Advocates to provide support for the needs of mothers and children who reside in shelter. Students interested in a child and family advocacy position should have a minimum of 120 hours to complete.
Interns work closely with CADA’s Community Advocates to serve victims of domestic and sexual violence through legal advocacy, emotional support, and support groups. Community advocacy interns also participate in the crisis call-out rotation to respond to incidents of domestic and sexual violence that present at hospitals or law enforcement centers after regular business hours. Students interested in a community advocacy position should have a minimum of 400 hours to complete. Opportunities are available throughout CADA’s service area.
The Communications Intern works closely with CADA's Development and Communications Manager on external communications efforts, including social media, newsletters, website maintenance, awareness months, and more.
Development & Fundraising Intern
The Development & Fundraising Intern works closely with CADA's Development and Communications Manager on CADA's organizational development strategy including grant writing, fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship and cultivation, and fundraising events.
Interns work closely with the Education Program Manager to provide opportunities for the community to engage in learning about domestic violence, sexual violence, and CADA’s resources. Interns also participate in researching, preparing, facilitating and evaluating multiple prevention initiatives throughout CADA’s service area. Students interested in an education program position should have a minimum of 120 hours to complete.
Offender Education Program Intern
Interns work closely with the Southern Minnesota Offender Education Program (SMOEP) manager to assist with case management duties for men who use violence against intimate partners. The offender education program intern also assists the SMOEP manager in providing evaluation and outreach throughout the community regarding the program. Students interested in an offender education program position should have a minimum commitment of 200 hours to complete.
Interns work closely with the Keep Me Safe (KMS) staff to provide court-ordered and voluntary supervised visitation and exchanges for non-custodial parents and their children. Interns may work between three KMS locations in Mankato, St. Peter, and New Ulm. Students interested in a parenting time center position should have a minimum of 120 hours to complete.
Interns work closely with shelter advocates to provide advocacy, crisis intervention, and support to victims/survivors and their children – both in the shelter environment and on the crisis line. Students interested in a shelter advocacy position should have a minimum of 120 hours to complete.
For questions about CADA’s internship program, please contact the volunteer coordinator at hollym@cadamn.org.