Forensic Interviewer/Family Advocate

Job description:

Position: Forensic Interviewer/Family Advocate

Job Summary:

The mission of Children's Advocacy Network (CAN) is to help heal and champion abused and neglected children in Central Louisiana. This dual role position of forensic interviewer and family advocate will alternate between conducting neutral, legally defensible interviews of alleged child abuse victims and providing crisis intervention and resource navigation to children and families, depending on case needs at the CAN’s Children’s Advocacy Center program.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Interviewing children or intellectually disabled adults suspected of being victims of sexual/physical abuse or who witnessed a violent crime brought to the CAC by police, child protection investigators or the D.A.’s office.
• Provide factual testimony in court proceedings regarding interview protocols and disclosure dynamics.
• Participate in regular peer review sessions to critique recordings and maintain high protocol compliance.
• Attend ongoing training sessions regarding child abuse, memory recall, and trauma-informed practices.
• Actively participate in recurring team case meetings to evaluate findings and plan support services.
• Lead brief meetings with law enforcement and protective caseworkers before and after interviews.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional care to child victims and their non-offending caregivers.
• Keep families informed throughout the investigation process while educating them on victims' rights and services.
• Manage community referrals for counseling and collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team.
• Perform any other duties assigned by supervisors.

Job Qualifications & Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues and dynamics within the judicial and child protection fields, preferred.
• Ability to interact with children of all ages and developmental levels, as well as their families.
• Experience testifying in court proceedings, preferred but not required.
• Capable of working under high levels of stress.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to interact positively with the public, volunteers, board members, court and state personnel.
• Bilingual, preferred but not required.
• Competent in maintaining accurate client files, case documentation, and electronic records.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to pass an extensive background check.

Benefits:

• Health insurance reimbursement (up to $350/month)
• Basic life insurance coverage, with option to purchase additional coverage
• Supplemental dental, vision, critical illness coverage available
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match (up to 3%)
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Bereavement leave
• Professional development and training opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

This position is based out of our Children's Advocacy Center program in Alexandria, LA. Some travel may be required for direct advocacy, meetings, or training.

If you are passionate about supporting children and families impacted by abuse and believe every child deserves safety, hope, and healing, we encourage you to apply. At Children's Advocacy Network, you'll join a dedicated team committed to collaboration, professional growth, and making a lasting difference in the lives of children throughout Central Louisiana.

Children's Advocacy Network is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a diverse applicant pool.

Please include at least three professional references when submitting your application for this position.

Benefits:

• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person