The Victim Service Intern is vital to effective and compassionate response to victims of crime supported by the Grand Prairie Police Department Victim Services Unit under the daily supervision of the Victim Services Coordinators. This job primarily involves victim service unit support, emotional support, criminal justice intervention, help providing U-Visa Processing assistance and more. The College Student Internship provides a qualified student with practical work experience that compliments their academic course work, as well as course credit (if approved by the college or university). It also provides the Grand Prairie Police Department with an opportunity to involve college students in various aspects of law enforcement victim services. The Victim Service Intern (College Students) is designed to provide students with an opportunity to integrate theory and practice. Students can gain valuable work experience, on-the-job training, and have an opportunity to develop a professional networking base for the future positions in victim services, government service or law enforcement.

Essential Attributes:

Interest in crime victim/survivor rights and services. A sensitivity to and ability to respond appropriately to cultural differences of clients and staff. A commitment to empowering others to solve problems, including the ability to set appropriate boundaries. Ability to work independently and to take the initiative in job related activities. Ability to work well with others and establish respectful relationships. Provide direct assistance to crime victims, their families and friends, via telephone and in-person contacts in conjunction with the Victim Services Coordinator you are assigned to. Offer emotional support, resources, and assist with typical struggles created by victimization. Provide information and referral services to victims/loved ones regarding other agencies, counselors, legal services, support groups and shelters. Provide assistance with the intake, review and processing of U-Visa applications. Project assignments may include data entry, case follow-up and community outreach. The intern assignments will vary and are designed to allow students the experience of the daily operations within law enforcement victim services. Interns must be detail oriented, organized, able to complete projects within timelines and under minimal supervision, and proficient in Microsoft office, research methods, and technical writing. Intern is expected to keep a journal of activities to aid the evaluation process. Intern is expected to maintain proper documentation of daily work to aid supervision by Victim Service Coordinator and as required by college/university to which the intern belongs. Other duties as assigned. Age 18 or above and US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident. Valid Texas Class C Driver's License Must have a High School Diploma or GED and currently enrolled in an accredited university pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Successfully complete application and screening process with the ability to pass a background investigation with no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories. Excellent oral and written communication skills, while maintaining sensitive information confidential. Participation as a team player and sensitive to issues of diversity. Computer knowledge of MS Office products (Word and Excel), and email systems. Analytical and problem-solving skills to assist victims. Professional approach and demeanor that sets a professional tone and ability to work collaboratively with other interns, volunteers, staff and community professionals.

Location and Time Commitment:

Grand Prairie Police Department 1525 Arkansas Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75052 (Victim Services on the 4th Floor). Time and hours each week are flexible dependent upon the Intern needs and preferences as well as the Victim Services Coordinator they are assigned to. As agreed by the Department, internships can generally run for one or two semesters, either fall, spring, or summer.