Forensic Interviewer

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

Would you like to make an impact on 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 directly to the Lead Forensic Interviewer, the Forensic Interviewer conducts 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. In addition, the person in this position 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.

· Perform other tasks and responsibilities as requested by the CAC Director of Forensic Interviewing, CAC Program Director, VAC Deputy Director or VAC Executive Director.

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 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 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.

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

· 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. Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, or related field is required. Please submit your letter of interest and resume to The Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County, ATTN: Amy Quonce, 418 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601, by Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

Work Location: In person