La Rabida Children’s Hospital 

Forensic Interviewer

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is hiring a full-time Forensic Interviewer for our Children's Advocacy Center in Park Forest, IL. 

At La Rabida Children’s Hospital, our mission is simple: we’re dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life for each of our patients with complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illness. The path to completing this mission, however, is often complicated. Fortunately, we’ve got the best team around. If you are looking for your next career opportunity to partner with a compassionate multidisciplinary collaborative team, we have the job for you. 

Job Summary:

The Forensic Interviewer conducts legally sound, neutral, fact-finding interviews with alleged child abuse victims working as a part of a multi-disciplinary team including law enforcement, the Department of Family and Children Services, State’s Attorney’s Office, and other disciplines involved in the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases to avoid duplicative interviewing. The purpose of a forensic interview in a CAC is to obtain information from a child about the abuse allegations in a developmentally and culturally sensitive, unbiased, legally 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. The forensic interviewer will also be responsible for facilitating the coordination of joint investigations and scheduling forensic interviews, and completing daily data entry and case reports. 

Essential Forensic Interviewer Functions: 

Forensic Interviewing: 

• Conduct child centered forensic interviews according to a 32 hour nationally accredited forensic interview model in accordance with CAC protocol. 

• Adhere to research-based forensic interview guidelines that create an interview environment that enhances free recall, minimizes interviewer influence and gathers information needed by all the MDT members involved to avoid duplication of the interview process. 

• 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. When a child is unable or unwilling to provide information regarding concern about abuse, facilitate a discussion about other interventions to assess the child’s experience and safety. Facilitate a discussion whether a subsequent or multi-session interview is needed. 

• Participate in regular Multidisciplinary Team Case Review Meetings to ensure accountability and collaboration between team members. 

• Maintain mandated reporting certificate status every two years and regularly report abuse and negelct incidents as required. Follow up on hotline calls to determine if forensic interview coordination is needed. 

• Provide on a rotating, on-call basis, after hours/urgent/emergency forensic interviews 

• Attend and participate in structured bi-monthly peer review. 

What we need from you:

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or similar degree required. Individuals without a master's degree who have training and experience conducting forensic interviews in a child advocacy center setting will be considered with a bachelor's degree. 

• A minimum of 2 years' experience within the field of child abuse, investigations, and knowledge of child development and psychological impacts of childhood trauma is required. Prior training and experience in forensic interviewing strongly desired. 

• CPR Required - Only certifications issued by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross will be accepted. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills required; high level of diplomacy in customer interactions required; professional telephone skills required. 

What you will receive:

• Competitive Salary

• Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Pet Insurance 

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Life & Disability Insurance

• Retirement Savings Plans & Matching

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays

• Free Parking

• Free breakfast and lunch on the last Friday of every month

Who we are:

La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head on. 

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Conditions of Employment Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Qualify for a reasonable accommodation for an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided on request at the time of selection.