Forensic Interviewer

Forensic Interviewer
Are you looking for a career that is rewarding by helping those in need?

Would you like to make an impact in people’s lives?

If so, you are a great fit for our team.

Victims Assistance Center is a supportive place to work and a rewarding place to be. Our agency helps all victims of crime. No matter what position you have, you are an integral part of our team. From the first client interaction you become a lifeline for those in need.

We offer generous: Vacation time, PTO time, sick time, 401K, HRA (fully agency sponsored), and sixteen (16) holidays per year

The Victims Assistance Center is dedicated to supporting all members of our community impacted by violence and crime. Through compassion and unwavering emotional support, we provide a safe haven where people can rebuild their lives. We envision a community free of violence and crime while promoting safe spaces for healing and hope.

Reporting to the Lead Forensic Interviewer, the Forensic Interviewer is responsible for conducting developmentally and age-appropriate interviews of children who are alleged victims of sexual and/or physical abuse or have witnessed violent crimes, as requested by law enforcement, child protective services, or the prosecuting attorney.

The forensic interviewer is a neutral person who is called upon to elicit details of the alleged abuse as part of the investigative process. The Forensic Interviewer must track client statistical data, consult with members of the multidisciplinary team (including law enforcement, child protective services, mental health professionals, medical professionals, advocates and district attorneys), make appropriate referrals for services for the victims and non-offending family members, participate in monthly case review team meetings, and testify in court proceedings to clarify information obtained during the forensic interview.

Job Responsibilities:

· Conduct sensitive and thorough forensic interviews of children and adolescents of alleged abuse, usually during regular office hours but occasionally after-hours.

· Prepare timely, accurate, and professional reports and distribute them to MDT member(s) requesting the report.

· Facilitate multidisciplinary pre/post interview case staffing.

· Assist in identifying client needs and provide recommendations to investigators, child protective services, prosecutors, and medical personnel.

· Participate in and/or facilitate the multidisciplinary team case review meetings and provide case information.

· Participate in supervision, peer review, professional development and on-going training activities including being trained in Forensic Interview techniques.

· Respond to subpoenas and testify in court when requested.

· Maintain an awareness of current trends, research and developments in the field of forensic interviewing and attend all necessary trainings and meet yearly training requirements.

· Ensure that data from the interview, and any services provided, is entered into the program database and applicable locations in the CAC shared folder.

· Provide public awareness and education presentations to inform crime victims of their rights, help identify crime victims and increase access to services.

· Schedule and facilitate training for professionals and community organizations on topics related to mandated reporting, minimal facts interviewing, agency services and other related topics.

· Reception responsibilities to include answering incoming phone calls to respond to general questions and/or direct callers to the appropriate staff member as well as greeting clients and visitors at the door.

· Provide supervision of children and caregivers in the CAC waiting room to include supervising children while the caregiver engages in services.

· Perform other tasks and responsibilities as requested by management.

Job Requirements:

· Must be able to work well and communicate with children of diverse ages, races, and backgrounds.

· Must be able to work in stressful situations and utilize self-care methods.

· Must be able to deal with a variety of emotions under stressful situations and be able to deal with people who may be very upset.

· Must be able to meet on-call requirements.

· Must be able to work with a variety of people, including clients, families and professionals.

· Must possess strong organizational and communication skills.

· Must maintain a professional, and welcoming, demeanor.

· Must have the ability to work well with co-workers and multidisciplinary team members.

· Must be able to adapt well to the structure and environment of the CAC and satellite offices.

· Must be willing to travel throughout the 3 county region (Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence) for meetings, peer review, and interviews at a satellite office if necessary. Must be willing to operate RV and follow all mobile Unit policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis on child development, psychology, social work, criminal justice, or related field.

· Have received 40-Hours of nationally or state recognized forensic interview training, applicants not meeting this requirement will be required to attend, and successfully complete, a 40-Hour forensic interview training within 6-months of their time of hire.

· Professional experience in working with the criminal justice and child welfare systems, preferred.

· Knowledge of child development, memory and trauma, and linguistics, preferred.

· Two years of professional experience working with children and families where abuse and violence are identified issues is preferred.

· Must be able to travel out-of-town for training or other work-related purposes on occasion.

This position reports directly to the Lead Forensic Interviewer.

The position is full-time with benefits. Please submit your letter of interest and resume to The Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County, ATTN: Executive Director, 418 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• On call

Work Location: In person