Make A Difference. Be An Advocate.

There are currently no open positions with The Network

The Virginia Victim Assistance Network is a nonprofit organization and Equal Opportunity Employer looking for qualified applicants and volunteers. Please take a look below for all of our available positions.

Internship Opportunities

The Network offers rewarding internships to current undergraduate and graduate college students with a course of study related to our work. While all internships are unpaid, the experience gained is invaluable!

General descriptions of internship positions and potential activities are listed below. If Interested, please email your resume and a cover letter
to angie.haynie@vanetwork.org. Interns are accepted on a rolling basis, with availability dependent upon current activities and needs.

  • Victim Assist Helpline and Human Trafficking Infoline – assist with public outreach efforts, data entry, and research efforts to provide better services to crime victims. Special projects as assigned.
  • Homicide Survivor Support Groups - assist with public outreach efforts, data entry, and research efforts to provide better services to support group participants and others affected by homicide. Special projects as assigned.
  • Training & Technical Assistance – assist with preparation of training materials and logistics, data entry, and research efforts to provide better trainings to allied professionals who assist crime victims. Special projects as assigned.
  • Promotions/Events – assist with staff tables/displays at public events where The Network may have a presence; assist with public outreach efforts. Special projects as assigned.

Interns must have an interest in victim or human services; be able to commit at least 5 hours per week, ideally for a minimum of three months; be enrolled in an accredited college or university (we will also consider internships for recent graduates); and must maintain a high standard of confidentiality and respect for others, with a commitment to providing quality work.

Now Recruiting: Homicide Support Group Facilitators (Virginia)

Do you have a heart for healing and experience supporting individuals navigating traumatic loss? We are currently seeking licensed therapists/counselors who are interested in facilitating Homicide Survivor Support Groups across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

As a facilitator, you will work alongside the homicide support group coordinators, victim advocates, and community partners to provide safe, trauma-informed spaces for individuals and families impacted by homicide. This is meaningful, purpose-driven work with flexibility for virtual and in-person facilitation.

Current openings in:
  • Hampton
  • Newport News
  • Norfolk
  • Hopewell
Why consider this role?
  • Facilitate impactful support groups for homicide survivors
  • Collaborate with victim-witness programs and community partners
  • Flexible scheduling (monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly)
  • Paid facilitation and planning time
  • Opportunity to serve with purpose while maintaining professional autonomy

If you’re interested in learning more, please apply within.

Apply directly here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19xYy1A-vYkxlFw8gm6QFPy-oGa6TBxRWETMg9gGeOoo/edit

Questions? Reach out to me directly at scharnelle.hamlin@vanetwork.com

Scharnelle Hamlin, Homicide Support Group Coordinator, State of Virginia

College Internship – Legislative & Public Policy

Position Overview

The Virginia Victim Assistance Network (VVAN) is seeking a motivated college student for a Legislative & Public Policy Internship. This internship offers students an opportunity to learn about Virginia’s legislative process, public policy, advocacy, and issues affecting victims of crime and the victim services field.

Working with VVAN staff, the intern will assist with research, legislative monitoring, policy analysis, and preparation of materials related to state legislation and public policy affecting victims, victim assistance programs, and the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities
  • Monitor Virginia legislative activity during the General Assembly session.
  • Track bills and legislative issues relevant to victims of crime, victim services, and the criminal justice system.
  • Conduct research on proposed legislation, regulations, and public policy issues.
  • Assist with reviewing and summarizing legislation.
  • Research current laws, policies, and legislative history.
  • Assist with preparing legislative updates, talking points, fact sheets, and other policy materials.
  • Help organize and maintain legislative tracking information.
  • Research policy issues and emerging trends affecting victim services in Virginia.
  • Assist with gathering information from state agencies, legislative resources, and other reliable sources.
  • Support VVAN’s legislative and public policy initiatives.
  • Assist with preparing materials for meetings, presentations, and advocacy efforts.
  • Perform other research and policy-related projects as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in a college or university program in political science, public policy, government, public administration, criminal justice, law, social sciences, communications, or a related field.
  • Strong research and writing skills.
  • Interest in Virginia government, public policy, the legislative process, criminal justice, or victim services.
  • Ability to read and understand legislative and policy materials.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
  • Familiarity with the Virginia General Assembly and legislative process is helpful but not required.
What You’ll Gain

This internship provides practical experience in:

  • Virginia’s legislative process
  • Legislative research and bill tracking
  • Public policy analysis
  • Nonprofit advocacy
  • Criminal justice policy
  • Victim services policy
  • Professional research and writing
  • Preparing policy briefs and legislative materials
  • Working with a statewide nonprofit organization
Internship Details

Location: Remote

Schedule: Flexible; coordinated around the student’s academic schedule

Hours: To be determined based on academic requirements and availability

NOTE: This is a behind-the-scenes internship. Interns will not provide direct services to victims or respond to victim assistance inquiries.

How to Apply

Interested students should submit a resume and cover letter to angie.haynie@vanetwork.org.

College Internship – Social Media & Graphic Design

Position Overview

The Virginia Victim Assistance Network (VVAN) is seeking a creative and motivated college student for a Social Media & Graphic Design Internship. This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting communications and outreach for a statewide nonprofit organization serving victim assistance professionals and promoting resources for victims of crime.

The intern will work with VVAN staff to develop engaging, professional, and trauma-informed content that helps increase awareness of VVAN programs, resources, trainings, and events.

Responsibilities
  • Assist with developing content for VVAN social media platforms.
  • Create graphics, flyers, social media posts, and other promotional materials.
  • Help develop visual materials for conferences, trainings, webinars, and special events.
  • Assist with maintaining a consistent VVAN brand and visual identity.
  • Research relevant topics and trends to help develop timely social media content.
  • Assist with scheduling and organizing social media content.
  • Help promote VVAN resources, programs, training opportunities, and statewide initiatives.
  • Assist with photography, video, or other multimedia projects when appropriate.
  • Help monitor engagement and identify opportunities to improve outreach.
  • Perform other communications and outreach projects as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in a college or university program in graphic design, communications, marketing, public relations, digital media, journalism, or a related field.
  • Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar graphic design programs preferred.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms and digital content creation.
  • Strong written communication and attention to detail.
  • Creative, dependable, and able to work independently.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism when working with content involving crime, victimization, trauma, and other sensitive topics.
  • Interest in nonprofit organizations, victim services, public service, communications, or advocacy is a plus.
What You’ll Gain

This internship provides practical experience in:

  • Nonprofit communications and outreach
  • Social media strategy and content development
  • Graphic design and branding
  • Event and training promotion
  • Professional writing and editing
  • Public awareness campaigns
  • Trauma-informed communications
  • Working within a small nonprofit organization
Internship Details

Location: Remote

Schedule: Flexible; coordinated around the student’s academic schedule

Hours: To be determined based on academic requirements and availability

NOTE: This is a behind-the-scenes internship. Interns will not provide direct services to victims or respond to victim assistance inquiries.

How to Apply

Interested students should submit a resume and cover letter to angie.haynie@vanetwork.org. Students are encouraged to include a portfolio or
examples of graphic design, social media, writing, or other relevant work.