CAC Forensic Interviewer

Scope of Work:

A Forensic Interviewer conducts developmentally and age-appropriate interviews of children who are alleged victims of sexual and/or physical abuse or witnesses to violent crimes when requested by law enforcement, child protective services, or the prosecuting attorney. The Forensic Interviewer is a neutral person who is called upon to solicit details of the alleged abuse, or screen children who may be at-risk for abuse, as part of the investigative process. When not assigned as the Forensic Interviewer on a case, the person in this position may assist with coordinating follow-up services for abuse victims and non-offending family members, reviewing notifications of abuse and neglect, scheduling forensic interviews, or providing other support to co-workers and team members as needed. The Forensic Interviewer is also responsible for tracking client statistical data, consulting with members of the multidisciplinary team, participating in monthly case review team meetings, and testifying in court when subpoenaed. Evening and weekend hours may be required occasionally.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree from an accredited university in child development, psychology, social work, or related field.

• Forensic Interview Training/Certification required to be completed in first year.

• Bilingual (English & Spanish) proficiency highly preferred.

• Basic knowledge of child development, memory, recall, trauma, cultural awareness, and linguistics.

• Must relate and communicate well with children of diverse ages, races, and backgrounds, possess a basic knowledge of child protection and legal systems, and have excellent facilitation skills.

• Must be team-focused and work exceptionally well with co-workers and partner agency members.

• The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented with excellent computer skills, passionate about helping children and families overcome abuse, and committed to the mission of the Valencia Shelter Services CAC.

• Must be available to travel out-of-town for training or other work-related purposes and work irregular hours as needed.

• Must be able to complete all required NMCSAP/NMCADV/NMCSVANW/CVRC/CYFD training before assisting survivors

• Maintains good physical and emotional wellbeing.

• Demonstrates personal qualities such as good judgment, responsibility, and an ability to relate effectively with clients and family members.

• Must be able to pass a background check.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Conduct sensitive and thorough recorded forensic interviews with children (or adults with developmental delays or mental challenges) regarding allegations of abuse;

• Foster an environment that is sensitive to a child’s cognitive, emotional, and psychological development;

• Ensure information from the interview is entered into secure data tracking system;

• Consult with the multidisciplinary team about child abuse interviews as necessary;

• Testify in court when subpoenaed to clarify information obtained during forensic interviews;

• Participate in the multidisciplinary team case review meetings;

• Assist with training and supervising volunteers;

• Maintain strict confidentiality and cross-cultural awareness in the performance of all duties;

• Attend local, out-of-town, or overnight specialized training and peer review meetings as needed to stay current on best practices and trends;

• Adhere to professional ethics and standards in the performance of all duties at all times;

• Participate in community awareness events and abuse prevention presentations when necessary;

• Data entry, filing, answer phones, and other general office duties;

• Other duties to be assigned as needed

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have working with children and youth?
• Have you been previously trained for Forensic Interviews?
• Are you flexible to come in if there is an Emergency Forensic Interview needed by law enforcement?
• Are you comfortable testifying if you are subpoena in a case?

Experience:

• Social work: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person