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Internship Program

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COVA Builds the Pipeline of Tomorrow’s Victim Services Professionals

COVA cultivates interns who are interested in victim advocacy and connects them to community- and systems-based agencies throughout Colorado. This not only helps agencies fill a gap for victim advocacy help but also exposes interns to the field of victim advocacy.

How it Works

COVA provides paid internships in the crime victim services field that may not otherwise be available to students. COVA nurtures a cooperative working and learning relationship between the host agency and the intern. COVA internships give students the tools to become experts and leaders in the field. Throughout the internship, students receive mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.

Would you like to become an intern?

COVA is committed to linking qualified interns with organizations throughout the state. Contact us if you have questions about our internship program or want to request an intern.

Intern Qualifications
  • Interest in advocating for crime victims
  • Ability to commit to 15 to 20 hours per week at a host agency for 9 to 12 months
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality with the highest level of integrity and respect
  • Preference given to candidates from hard-to-reach or underrepresented populations.
  • Completed background check. As part of the application process, COVA conducts a basic background check candidates, though this requirement may be waived with the agreement of the host agency. Host agencies may also require and conduct their own background checks. Marijuana Use: Criminal justice agencies often have more extensive screening processes and typically follow federal guidelines. Although marijuana possession and use are legal under Colorado state law, they remain illegal under federal law. As a result, marijuana use or possession may affect an applicant’s eligibility for internships with some criminal justice agencies.
Placement Locations

COVA facilitates and supports the internship program, but most interns do not work at the COVA office and are instead placed with one of our partner host agencies throughout the state. These agencies range from systems-based to community-based organizations, including police departments, district attorney’s offices, domestic violence shelters, children’s advocacy centers, and other nonprofit organizations. You can explore potential placements in the COVA Service Directory and filter by your areas of interest and preferred location, keeping in mind that not all agencies are actively recruiting. Some interns identify or secure a potential host agency prior to applying, which can help streamline the placement process.

BECOME AN INTERN

Request an Intern or Request Support for Existing Interns

Are you a Colorado-based victim services agency looking for support for existing interns or would your organization like to host an intern?

Host Agency Qualifications
  • Provide services to victims of crime
  • Be able to host an intern for 9–12 months and offer interns 15–20 hours of work per week
  • Ensure interns provide direct services to victims of crime
Host Agency Benefits
  • The COVA support enables interns to make a lengthy, meaningful commitment to the host agency.
  • Interns commit to serving with their host agency for 9–12 months and providing 15-20 hours of support per week.
  • COVA screens intern candidates before referral to help support a strong match between the intern and the agency.
  • Interns receive ongoing training and mentorship throughout their placement.
  • Scholarship opportunities may be available to support intern attendance at the COVA Conference, the Basic Victim Assistance Academy, Advanced Academy and other professional development trainings.
REQUEST AN INTERN

Learn More About COVA’s Internship Program