Note: this post was originally published in May 2022; it was updated and re-published in April 2025 to reflect new application info.
Have you ever considered becoming a Bystander Intervention Training (BIT) program peer trainer? We are hiring, and all eligible applicants (all Homewood and Peabody undergraduates) are encouraged to apply by Friday June 6, 2025.
Here are four reasons to apply to become a BIT trainer.
You can also jump straight to the job description below.
BIT trainers share useful and applicable skills during sessions. Our trainers are experts on their own experiences as students at Johns Hopkins and are uniquely impactful and relatable to the undergraduate students they are training. The sessions are run in small, peer-led groups, which has been shown to be one of the best ways to influence community change.
Since all new students are required to attend the BIT program, trainers have the opportunity to impact the campus norms around GBV on a large scale.
These changes in perceptions of what GBV is, and in confidence to respond to instances of violence, have real-world implications that make our community safer, more inclusive, and accessible.
A former BIT trainer shared their reasons for joining BIT: “I joined BIT to be part of a group of people that are dedicated to creating the Hopkins community that I want to live in, a community that is inclusive, safe, and with no more occurrences of gender-based violence.”
Trainers earn $15 per hour. They typically select their own schedules, and can choose to work from three to eight hours a week.
The BIT retreat, which will be held on September 5-7 this year, allows trainers to get to know each other and forge strong connections.
“Every member of the BIT team shows up to support their peers, and will always have each other’s back,” said Karnika Mehrota, a Class of 2022 KSAS alum who worked with the program for three years.
Kinsey Tyler, a KSAS Class of 2021 graduate, said being a BIT trainer was her most rewarding college experience.
“It allowed me to explore issues I have struggled with myself, as well as help to improve the culture at Hopkins,” she said. “It is an opportunity I would recommend to anyone with a passion for advocacy, community, and support.”
This position will facilitate BIT for undergraduates, JHU’s required bystander intervention and GBV prevention training.
Prior to starting, trainers will gain knowledge about gender violence and in-depth facilitation/training skills at our BIT retreat. Trainers will teach peers to be effective bystanders against GBV, including sexual and intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.
Previous knowledge of and experience with gender violence prevention is preferred but not required.
Positive energy, flexible schedules, good communication skills, and desire and willingness to train large and varied groups of peers required. This position complements studies in psychology, sociology, public health, anthropology, and gender and women’s studies, but any undergraduate student can apply.
Since this is a paid position, trainers will be expected to work three to eight hours per week, which includes fulfilling program requests and attending an initial weekend intensive retreat (September 5-7, 2025).
The application will be open starting on April 28 at 9:00 am. Applications close on Friday June 6, 2025. Use this form to apply.
Please contact Maggie Lewis ([email protected]) with any questions about the program or the application process.