Satellite CAC-Forensic Interviewer

JOBS SUMMARY: The Satellite CAC Forensic Interviewer is a full-time position and is responsible for conducting interviews of children regarding allegations of child abuse/neglect at the Children’s Advocacy Center and satellite locations and facilitates the sharing of case related information among investigators and multidisciplinary team members. Must have knowledge and experience in child abuse, victimization, child development, criminal justice, judicial systems and conducting interviews.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist MDT in coordination of Forensic Interviews and scheduling at CAC
• Provide objective, fact-finding forensic interviews with children ages 3-18 on site when forensic interviewer is not available or when MDT makes the request to have CAC interviewer do the interview
• Observe and evaluate child’s emotional and developmental functioning during interview and structure interview to best meet needs of child while obtaining information.
• Set up video and audio equipment in the observation room to record interviews
• Provide or set up interview tools that are needed for the interview
• Provide culturally competent interviews
• Participate in a pre-interview meeting with MDT members attending the interview
• Assist MDT in getting signature from child’s guardian to audio and video tape the interview at the CAC
• Obtain signatures of all MDT members present on Photography-Audio Visual Confidentiality Policy and consent form
• Keep track of needed recording supplies and report to the Clinical Director so that recording supplies may be obtained and maintained
• Obtain signatures from the lead investigator on the forensic interview taping log to show who takes possession of the recorded materials. The CAC does not keep any recordings on site, as they are the property of the lead investigating agency.
• Create copies of the interview for other MDT members as needed and have them sign forensic interview taping log
• Participate in any legal proceedings as the forensic interviewer, in cases that you conducted the forensic interview
• Provide non-offending caregiver and children information regarding services available at the CAC
• Assist MDT members in making appropriate referrals to the CAC and other community providers as deemed appropriate to meet the needs of the child and their caregivers
• Participate in post-interview meeting with MDT members and caregiver
• Complete all CAC forms necessary for each forensic interview , create and maintain a forensic interview chart for each child being interviewed, and enter all forensic interview information into computer data system
• Complete a forensic interview quarterly report and provide a copy to Director of Children’s Services
• Share pertinent information regarding forensic interview with CAC clinical director and MDT coordinator during CAC case reviews/team meetings
• Participate in forensic interview peer review process on a routine basis
• Complete annual continuing education in the areas of child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment, with special attention to forensic interview training as available

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Public relations (interpersonal) skills
• Basic Computer skills  
• Organizational skills
• Problem solving skills
• Complete required program reports
• Complete specialized and ongoing training

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Program volunteers

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related human service field, with experience working with families. 
• Must have the skills to deal tactfully and professionally with the public, clients and other professionals.
• Excellent writing ability; outstanding communication skills

• Ability to work under tight time lines and meet deadlines 
• Knowledge of maternal-infant health and experience working with families, especially families experiencing trauma and crisis
• Must have knowledge of normal infant and child growth and development and parent-child attachment/relationships
• Experience in providing services to culturally diverse communities/families and the ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate
• Understanding and knowledge of child abuse and neglect, including emphasis on child sexual abuse and adult victims/survivors of child sexual abuse
• Specialized training in multidisciplinary team functioning and clear understanding of child forensic interviewing 
• Experience in conducting public awareness/public education events

• Must possess strong interpersonal skills, basic computer skills, an understanding of cultural diversity and be non-judgmental.  
• Must have valid VA driver’s license and dependable transportation. 
• Good writing and organizational skills a must. Must be self-motivated and task oriented.
• Experience working with community agencies.