The R.I.S.E Program works on the Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force in collaboration with local law enforcement, FBI, HSI, Attorney Generals’ Office, US Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s office and numerous community service providers to identify, recover and restore all forms of human trafficking. We take a holistic approach to the clients’ needs to support them as they move from victimization to self-sufficiency.
The R.I.S.E Internship and Practicum Program allows for students to develop an understanding of human trafficking in Nevada and across the United States for domestic and foreign national victims. Students will build research skills, learn basic crisis/hotline supportive tools. Additionally, interns will provide direct services to human trafficking victims, their families, and other community service providers.
Under the guidance of the R.I.S.E Intern Supervisor, interns will participate in all components to the program, such as case management duties, crisis response and operational support. Crisis response will require interns to respond to calls from law enforcement agencies, such as LVMPD, Probation and Parole, HSI, DOL, and USCRI, as well as calls from The National Hotline, medical professionals, and hotel security via our 24-hour crisis line, from victims of sexual violence, harassment, and exploitation seeking emotional support and advocacy. Furthermore, interns will participate in law enforcement led operational support, providing boots on the ground advocacy and crisis response when law enforcement identifies a potential victim of exploitation or trafficking.
Additionally, under the R.I.S.E Internship, interns who wish to dedicate their time to supporting victims specifically with employment and housing needs will be able to work under the guidance of our housing and employment specialist. R.I.S.E interns will follow-up with all referrals, complete intakes, assist clients with resume building, connecting them with employment agencies, as well as assisting and addressing any housing needs, such as coordinating emergency shelter, working with property management companies/landlords to secure housing or supporting clients with any tenant concerns/issues.
This internship is located at the Family Justice Center and will require in-person visits/response to the Signs of HOPE office and other partnering agencies, as well as court advocacy at The Regional Justice Court and Family Court.
Provide non-judgmental, professional, and timely service while respecting the dignity and safety of clients, volunteers, and staff at Signs of Hope.
Responds to incoming hotline calls from law enforcement agencies, the national hotline, medical professionals, and hotel security and provide emotional support, crisis intervention, referrals, and resources to victims of human trafficking.
Provide in-person response to hotline calls and assist clients with emergency needs, such as emergency shelter, food, clothing, hygiene, and transportation.
Provide in-person support to law enforcement led operations during which LVMPD is actively identifying potential victims of exploitation and trafficking.
Provide in-person case management duties, such as, but not limited to, victim advocacy, court advocacy, securing government benefits, crisis intervention and safety planning, legal referrals, mental health referrals, and medical and dental care.
Inform clients of criminal justice procedures, educating them on victim’s rights, reporting options, victim compensation, and more.
Arrange transportation for clients via rideshare app.
Accurately complete client crisis response forms and all necessary authorization and confidentiality forms from hotline calls and submit to ALERT Hotline by 9am the next day.
Abide by Mandated Reporting standards, and file all reports of child abuse, elder abuse, abuse of individuals with disabilities, or other protected persons to Child Protective Services and/or Law Enforcement and document report appropriately.
Attend regular meetings and continuing education trainings.
Respond to incoming calls from main office.
Other tasks or projects, as assigned by R.I.S.E Intern Program Manager and Direct Client Services Program Director, which may include assisting case managers in an emergency.
Responds to clients referred for housing and employment needs.
Provides in-person support for clients who are actively seeking employment or in need of housing.
Provide in-person response to hotline calls and assist clients with emergency needs, such as emergency shelter, food, clothing, hygiene, and transportation.
Provide in-person support to housing and employment specialist to conduct housing visits.
Assist with referring clients to employment partnering agencies.
Assist with applying for victim services programs and other mainstream government benefits.
Communicate with Shade Tree, SafeNest and other partners to monitor client progress and any needs clients may have or needed intervention.
Complete all necessary records and data of services provided on time.
Must be 21 years or older.
Strong interest in working with victims of sexual violence, harassment, and exploitation.
Maintain a minimum commitment of 10-16 hours per week during the academic semester (approx. 4 months).
Commitment to Signs of Hope’s mission: “We commit to offering hope, help, and healing to those affected by sexual violence and exploitation. Making an impact through the core services of Prevention, Education, Advocacy, and Counseling.”
Must be able to complete 50-hour Advocate University online training, and pass final exam with a minimum score of 80%
Must successfully pass a background check, Tuberculosis Test (TB), and drug test (at the expense of Signs of Hope).
Must have their own means of reliable transportation (i.e. personal vehicle and current drivers license).
SOH accepts practicum students in the Fall and Spring semesters. There are no strict deadlines and applications are continually accepted. For more information, please email Socorro@sohlv.org.
