Forensic Interviewer

Job Summary:
The Forensic Interviewer is a member of a team of Forensic Interviewers responsible for conducting forensic interviews; presenting training; collaborating with a multidisciplinary team; and promoting safety, justice, and healing for alleged victims of abuse and their families. Benefits of working at The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) include a collaborative, supportive professional environment; extensive initial and ongoing training, including an extended, comprehensive onboarding process; being part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals committed to investigating and responding to allegations of abuse; and the opportunity to engage in work that is both challenging and rewarding.

The selected candidate will join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to the Child Advocacy Center’s child-first, multidisciplinary, inclusive approach to investigating and preventing child abuse. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the CAC’s mission of providing a voice and nurturing hope for abused children and their supportive caregivers and recognize the role they play in helping the child begin their healing journey.

General Duties and Essential Functions:

Forensic Interviewing

1. Conduct forensic interviews of children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults in the context of law enforcement, child protection, or other agency investigations when referred individuals are alleged victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and/or neglect, or witnesses to a crime.
2. Conduct forensic interviews using The ChildFirst Protocol™, applying person-centered, forensically sound principles and a trauma-responsive approach, and adjusting to the development and other unique needs of each individual.
3. Participate in ongoing professional development including self-reflection, peer review, reading research, and attending continuing education opportunities.
4. Complete required documentation, tracking, and record-keeping in a timely and accurate manner.
5. Collaborate and communicate with The Child Advocacy Center team members and multidisciplinary partners including law enforcement, child/adult protection, prosecutors, medical providers, and others.
6. Attend monthly MDT case reviews.
7. Attend MDT case-specific reviews as requested.

Testifying

1. Provide court testimony as a lay and/or expert witness pursuant to subpoena.
2. Engage in ongoing professional development and preparation necessary for providing effective testimony.

Support and Advance the Field of Forensic Interviewing

1. Engage in professional writing, research, and other activities.
2. Provide consultation and technical assistance.
3. Share information to increase understanding of forensic interviewing and of using a multidisciplinary team process.

Contribute to a Positive, Supportive Working Environment

1. Support tasks of other Child Advocacy Center teams/team members as needed.
2. Foster a learning environment for volunteers, interns, coworkers, and multidisciplinary team colleagues.
3. Promote a trauma-responsive approach throughout The Child Advocacy Center.
4. Advance an agency culture of mutual regard, collaboration, and cooperation within and across teams.
5. Participate in The Child Advocacy Center team meetings, supervision, and in-services; engage in task forces and committees; and assist with The Child Advocacy Center events and development activities.
6. Engage in high-quality, professional practice reflective of The Child Advocacy Center policies and procedures, state and federal statutes, accreditation standards, contractual conditions, and established best practices.

Education/Experience/Training:

1. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences is required. A Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related social sciences field is preferred.
2. Three years of professional experience working with children or adolescents who have experienced abuse, violence, or trauma.
3. Understanding of the effects of trauma and of providing trauma-responsive services in a trauma-informed environment.
4. Strong interpersonal skills in listening, conveying warmth and regard, and building rapport with children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults

Additional Job-Related Skills

1. Patience, flexibility, and ability to adapt and adjust. Includes strong problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively respond to crises and manage challenging situations.
2. Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and multidisciplinary team partners, including law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, medical and mental health, advocates, and others.
3. Experience working with a diverse array of individuals, including a range of cultural, race and ethnicity, developmental, socioeconomic, family structure, and gender.
4. Can demonstrate understanding of trauma-informed work place practices

Special Requirements:

1. Satisfactory criminal background investigation and a CA/N screening as a condition of employment.
2. Visual acuity necessary to read and develop CAC materials.
3. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
4. Willingness to accommodate limited travel and work evenings if necessary.
5. Must acknowledge and adhere to the CAC’s confidentiality policy and procedures and must adhere strictly to the highest professional ethics, confidentiality, discretion, and judgment.

Role in Sustaining a Supportive Working Environment:

1. Is deeply committed to the mission and as a result, is a strong ambassador and champion for the work of the CAC.
2. Exhibits a willingness to engage in continuous improvement efforts through training and professional development experiences.
3. Acts as a team player, recognizing that the success of the organization rests not on a single individual but on the work of the entire team.
4. Identifies not only problems but possible solutions and is proactive in working to improve work environment and CAC experience for all.
5. Demonstrates personal commitment and accountability for their work and does not look to identify coworkers who presented obstacles.
6. Actively practices self-care.
7. Promote a trauma-responsive approach throughout The Child Advocacy Center.

Application Process:
Please send a cover letter and resume to kim@childadvocacycenter.org

Applications will be reviewed as received, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

About the Child Advocacy Center:
Founded in 1995, the Child Advocacy Center provides abused and neglected children in Southern Missouri with a safe place to talk about their experiences and begin their healing journey. The team of professional advocates, forensic interviewers, and medical personnel work in collaboration with multidisciplinary team members to investigate allegations of child maltreatment and ensure safety for children and their non-offending caregivers.

At the Child Advocacy Center, we believe that the work we do gives children and families the hope they need to be resilient in the face of trauma and uncertainty. We have hope that our children and families can get better, and that we are a critical part of that journey. We also believe that we can continuously improve the work we do, and we know that we have the talent, passion, and commitment needed to make that happen.