Child Advocacy Center Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer

Child Advocacy Center Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer

Reports to: Director of Forensic Services

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

JOB DESCRIPTION: The CAC Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer is responsible for overseeing the CAC functions, consulting with members of the multidisciplinary team, participating in monthly case review team meetings, testifying in court when subpoenaed, and assisting with maintaining national accreditation for the CAC. The CAC Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer also conducts developmentally and age-appropriate forensic 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, and providing professional testimony in court. This is a full-time, 40-hours-per-week position. Evening and weekend hours may be required occasionally.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Ability to perform in crisis situations.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to interact with clients in a caring manner while maintaining boundaries.

• Must have specific training in the following areas within one year of employment with training documented (when possible) in personnel file:

- Child abuse and neglect laws and referral procedures, symptoms, and dynamics.  Communication skills and techniques.

- Conflict resolution.

-Knowledge of abusive family dynamics.

- Other appropriate topics.

- Maintains good physical and emotional well-being.

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

• Exercise a leadership role in representing VSS Child Advocacy Center in the community including MDT leadership and case review meetings, DV/SA Taskforce meetings, outreach events, presentations, and coordination with other community providers;

• Coordinate with VSS administrative staff on issues such as equipment, repairs, stocking, and supplies for the CAC.

• Participate in and/or facilitate the multidisciplinary team case review meetings and DV/SA Taskforce meetings;

• Cultivate communication, collaboration, and cooperation among all CAC staff and partner agency members;

• Compile, complete, or review statistical reports, client and MDT survey data, and other information;

• Assist with training and supervising certain staff and 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;

• Supervise forensic interviewers, advocates, MDT Specialist, and CAC Volunteers

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

• 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 and MDT case review lists;

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

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

• Assist in identifying client needs and encourage non-offending caregivers to participate in recommended services;

• Refer and/or schedule children and families to appropriate agencies for counseling or other ongoing support;

• Responsible for providing necessary agency referrals.

• Responsible for completing the required paperwork and maintaining client files.

• Responsible for preparing necessary paperwork for funding sources.

• Turn in monthly paperwork by the 3rd of the month for the preceding month.

• Coordinate with other VSS program components in referrals and case management

• Be cross-trained in other areas of the agency’s support services.

• Be available to assist in the agency’s other support services when necessary.

• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Forensic Services.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in child development, psychology, social work, or related field. 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. Forensic Interview Training/Certification required to be completed in first year. Bilingual (English Spanish) proficiency 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 available to travel out-of-town for training or other work-related purposes and work irregular hours as needed. Must pass a thorough criminal background investigation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $24.04 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

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

Experience:

• Social work: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person