Intervention Specialist

The Intervention Specialist is a dual role splitting their time as both a Forensic Interviewer and Family Advocate role as needed. NMAC’s Intervention Specialist is responsible for conducting forensic interviews of children alleged to be the victims of sexual or severe physical abuse, as defined in Michigan’s Child Protection Law, and abiding by the standards set for the by the State of Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol. When acting as a Family Advocate, NMAC’s Intervention Specialist is responsible for establishing and maintaining contact with the child and their non-offending caregivers/family and to act as a liaison, providing appropriate assistance from initial contact at the CAC through the entire investigative and prosecution process. Intervention Specialist will provide initial and on-going support and services to the victim and/or family including crisis intervention, advocacy, case updates, resource referrals and navigation, victim's rights compensation information, court and medical accompaniment and education as needed.

Supervision: This position reports directly to the Executive Director

Salary: This is a 40-hour work week position with the possibility of nontraditional hours; salary is based on education and experience and is contingent on grant funding ($52,000 - $58,000)

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in social work, child development, human service or related field. Must have specialized training in conducting forensic interviews, as well as on-going education and peer review. Previous experience working in a Child Advocacy Center environment strongly favored; Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience working with children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma.

Staff Competencies/Qualities: Knowledge and understanding of child development, child abuse dynamics and the impact of trauma; ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team with a willingness to appreciate and value different points of view; Ability to testify regarding interviews and defending interviews in court; experience with crisis management; Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; Displays leadership and professional integrity; Demonstrates ability to hold self and others accountable.

Work Schedule: Position requires non-traditional hours for client needs, events and unforeseen activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct forensic interviews of suspected child abuse victims in accordance with the Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol and in partnership with county multidisciplinary teams.

2. Ensure that all interviews taking place are video recorded and provided to Law Enforcement and Protective Services, and that all recording equipment is maintained in good working order. Ensure that the facility remains child-friendly, developmentally appropriate, safe and compliant with National Children’s Alliance standards.

3. Provide initial and on-going support and services to the victim and/or family including crisis intervention, advocacy, case updates, resource referrals and navigation, victim's rights compensation information, court accompaniment and education and more;

4. Maintain regular communication and collaboration with prosecution-based victim advocates in NMAC’s service area;

5. Coordinate resources and referrals for children as suspected victims of abuse and their non-offending family members;

6. Keep accurate and timely records of all interviews and advocacy, including case notes, while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with Michigan Law, County Protocols, and NMAC Policies.

7. Maintain all necessary case tracking information and statistical data as needed for NCA/VOCA/MDVTB reporting purposes and use by other CAC/MDT members.

8. Testify in criminal court cases at the discretion of the County Prosecutor(s).

9. Enter and track client data and provide statistical and demographic data reports on clients served and responds to requests for records from MDT members or by subpoena, including the reproduction of client records in accordance with agency policy and state/federal law.

10. Act as staff mentor for student interns as designated by the Intern Coordinator; adhere to all intern program policies

11. Consistently demonstrate professional behaviors and leadership skills that are in support of the mission of NMAC and serve as an advocate for the agency and its clients in an effort to support and promote quality standards for child abuse investigations in service counties. Maintain a positive relationship with MDT members to ensure program success.

12. Attend conferences, seminars, meetings, etc. for the purpose of collaboration with other organizations and continuing education; complete a minimum of 24 hours of staff development training annually.

13. Perform such other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

This position is governed by and includes all conditions listed in NMAC’s Organizational Policies and Procedures. This is an at-will position designed to serve the mission of the CAC.

NMAC is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $56,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Forensic Interviewing: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person