What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Interviewer position at Child Advocacy Center, Springfield MO?
The Child Advocacy Center is seeking individuals who are personally and professionally committed to the protection of children. Utilizing a research-based, developmentally appropriate protocol, the Forensic Interviewer provides a neutral and psychologically safe space for children and teens to share what they may have experienced in conjunction with investigations into allegations of child abuse and neglect.
Job Summary: The Forensic Interviewer is a member of a team of Forensic Interviewers responsible for conducting forensic interviews; presenting training; collaborating with a multidisciplinary team; and promoting safety, justice, and healing for alleged victims of abuse and their families.
The selected candidate will join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to the Child Advocacy Center’s child-first, multidisciplinary, inclusive approach to investigating and preventing child abuse. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the CAC’s mission of providing a voice and nurturing hope for abused children and their supportive caregivers and recognize the role they play in helping the child begin their healing journey.
General Duties and Essential Functions:
Forensic Interviewing
1. Conduct forensic interviews of children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults in the context of law enforcement, child protection, or other agency investigations when referred individuals are alleged victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and/or neglect, or witnesses to a crime.
2. Conduct forensic interviews using The ChildFirst Protocol™, applying person-centered, forensically sound principles and a trauma-responsive approach, and adjusting to the development and other unique needs of each individual.
3. Participate in ongoing professional development including self-reflection, peer review, reading research, and attending continuing education opportunities.
4. Collaborate and communicate with The Child Advocacy Center team members and multidisciplinary partners including law enforcement, child/adult protection, prosecutors, medical providers, and others.
Testifying
1. Provide court testimony as a lay and/or expert witness pursuant to subpoena.
Contribute to a Positive, Supportive Working Environment
1. Promote a trauma-responsive approach throughout The Child Advocacy Center.
2. Participate in The Child Advocacy Center team meetings, supervision, and in-services; engage in task forces and committees; and assist with The Child Advocacy Center events and development activities.
3. Engage in high-quality, professional practice reflective of The Child Advocacy Center policies and procedures, state and federal statutes, accreditation standards, contractual conditions, and established best practices.
Education/Experience/Training:
1. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences is required. A Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related social sciences field is preferred.
2. Three years of professional experience working with children or adolescents who have experienced abuse, violence, or trauma.
3. Strong interpersonal skills in listening, conveying warmth and regard, and building rapport with children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults.
Additional Job-Related Skills
1. Patience, flexibility, and ability to adapt and adjust. Includes strong problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively respond to crises and manage challenging situations.
2. Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and multidisciplinary team partners, including law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, medical and mental health, advocates, and others.
3. Experience working with a diverse array of individuals, including a range of cultural, race and ethnicity, developmental, socioeconomic, family structure, and gender.
Special Requirements:
1. Satisfactory criminal background investigation and a CA/N screening as a condition of employment.
2. Willingness to accommodate limited travel and work evenings if necessary.
3. Willingness to accommodate rotating weekend on-call coverage, approximately one weekend per month.
4. Must acknowledge and adhere to the CAC’s confidentiality policy and procedures and must adhere strictly to the highest professional ethics, confidentiality, discretion, and judgment.
Additional Benefits
- 90% of Health insurance is paid by the CAC
- 15 paid Holidays in addition to paid personal, vacation, and sick time
Application Process:
Please send a cover letter and CV/Resume to kim@childadvocacycenter.org or via really. Hand-delivered applications will NOTbe accepted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- On call
- Weekends as needed
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- working with children who have experienced abuse or trauma: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $40,000 - $44,000