Forensic Interviewer/MDT Coordinator (Effingham)

Position Title:Forensic Interviewer/MDT Coordinator (Effingham)

Supervisor: Executive Director

Rationale for Position:The Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois (CACECI) is committed to supporting an effective multidisciplinary team (MDT) with a shared common goal of a coordinated investigation. This position will focus on provision of services at the Effingham Satellite location for CACECI which primarily serves the counties of Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper. This position will partner with CACECI staff and MDT partners in the primary counties to increase access to coordinated investigations for children and families with eligible referrals by coordinating the response and provision of services to clients at the Effingham Satellite of CACECI.

Summary of the Position:The Forensic Interviewer/MDT Coordinator (Effingham) works within a multidisciplinary team to conduct legally sound, neutral, fact-finding forensic interviews with children involved in a variety of investigations. The purpose of a forensic interview is to obtain information from a child about abuse allegations or other concerns in a developmentally and culturally sensitive, unbiased, legal and fact-finding manner that will support accurate and fair decision-making by the MDT within the criminal justice, child protection, and service delivery systems. Additionally, this person coordinates the response and provision of services to clients at the Effingham Satellite of CACECI including forensic interview scheduling, conducting forensic interviews, and coordinating MDT Case Review meetings in Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper counties. Required training that includes: Forensic Interviewer Training, MDT Coordinator Training, and continuing education in the field of child maltreatment of a minimum of eight hours of instruction every two years. This position works very closely with Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services (CPS), the State’s Attorney’s office, medical professionals, mental health professionals, victim advocates, probation and various other professionals who may be involved during the course of child abuse/neglect investigations.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the CACECI Effingham Satellite in coordination with executive director and other CACECI staff to coordinate the MDT response in Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper counties ensuring the child and family are receiving nonduplicative services in partnership with other CACECI staff
• Support collaborative and positive relationships with law enforcement, Department of Children and Family Services and the prosecuting attorneys while promoting best practices for child abuse investigation and treatment
• Promote the utilization of the Effingham Satellite of CACECI in accordance with team protocol per Children's Advocacy Center Act. (Source: P.A. 86-276.)
• Facilitate effective communication, navigate conflict, promote psychological safety, and build resilience for members of the MDTs in Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper counties
• Coordinate and facilitate the multidisciplinary case review for Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper counties
• Conduct child centered forensic interviews in accordance with National Children’s Alliance (NCA) standards and CACECI protocol.
• Consult with investigative Multidisciplinary Team Members in a formal pre and post interview staffing to share information that may be pertinent to the interview or subsequent investigation.
• Attend and participate in staff development and external training related to child abuse issues, forensic interviewing, and advocacy, including forensic interview peer review.
• Testify in court proceedings as required.
• Coordinates the MDT response to ensure the child and family are receiving nonduplicative services in partnership with other CACECI staff
• Support collaborative and positive relationships with law enforcement, Department of Children and Family Services and the prosecuting attorneys while promoting best practices for child abuse investigation and treatment
• Facilitate effective communication, navigate conflict, promote psychological safety, and build resilience for members of the MDT
• Prepare and distribute agendas for the multidisciplinary team, summarize the decisions and actions plans of the multidisciplinary team, update and maintain a tracking system and provide statistical data as requested
• Maintain knowledge of NCA Standards for Accreditation for the multidisciplinary team and case review and provide leadership in maintaining the standards
• Coordinate, as appropriate, with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois and CACECI Executive Director on CAC related training opportunities for MDT members
• Support MDT unit model approach is carried through on all decision-making regarding cases and in the interest of the child
• Work closely with MDT and Executive Director to update team protocols yearly
• Participate in public speaking and educational opportunities
• Maintain all appropriate written records and enter all data required for grants
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills: Knowledge of and sensitivity to family systems and child victimization. Knowledge of the overall child protection and legal system. Ability to communicate/and or interact effectively with children, adolescents, and adults that receive services from the Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois. Academic training or practical experience in and knowledge of developmental stages of children and the dynamics and effects of child abuse. Excellent written and verbal communication, computer and mediation skills. Ability to work well with a variety of disciplines. Knowledge of community resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required with 2+ years of experience, Master’s Degree preferred in Human Services or related field, with experience working with children.
• Experience working with victims of child sexual abuse, physical abuse and family violence.
• Knowledge of legal systems, communities to be served, social welfare and child protection systems
• Good organizational and writing skills and the ability to work independently.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well with others as part of a team.
• Must have their own means of transportation, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance, as travel between service counties will be required
• Ability and flexibility to work outside of normal working hours, including being available for after-hour emergency situations

CACECI will provide specialized training in accordance with current NCA standards including child forensic interview training (minimum 32 hours) and advocacy (minimum 24 hours). Applicants need not have these trainings as a prerequisite to apply.

CACECI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,416.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person