What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Interviewer - Children's Services position at Project Harmony Child Protection Center?
Description
Who We Are
Project Harmony exists to provide effective, immediate and sensitive support to child abuse victims and their non-offending family members. Project Harmony is committed to a vision with a focus on one goal: ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Project Harmony is one of the largest Child Advocacy Centers in the nation.
At Project Harmony, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our clients and our community. Project Harmony is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national original, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
Our Values
Project Harmony and all employees are committed to creating a culture that is focused on:
Diversity and Inclusion: Respect and embrace diversity and inclusion of all
Strategic Innovation: Lead the field in response to the evolving needs of children and families
Quality Service: Ensure consistent, high-quality service with impactful results, to our families, our partner agencies, the community, and each other
Collaborative Relationships: Build trusted relationships by leading with honesty, integrity, vulnerability, and humility
Position Description
If you are looking for a place where you can make a difference in the life of a child, Project Harmony is looking for you. We are seeking an experienced and committed Forensic Interviewer to join our dynamic and innovative organization. The Forensic Interviewer is responsible for conducting legally sound, recorded interviews of children suspected to have been abused, neglected or a witness to violence.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Qualifications
Education
Who We Are
Project Harmony exists to provide effective, immediate and sensitive support to child abuse victims and their non-offending family members. Project Harmony is committed to a vision with a focus on one goal: ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Project Harmony is one of the largest Child Advocacy Centers in the nation.
At Project Harmony, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our clients and our community. Project Harmony is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national original, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
Our Values
Project Harmony and all employees are committed to creating a culture that is focused on:
Diversity and Inclusion: Respect and embrace diversity and inclusion of all
Strategic Innovation: Lead the field in response to the evolving needs of children and families
Quality Service: Ensure consistent, high-quality service with impactful results, to our families, our partner agencies, the community, and each other
Collaborative Relationships: Build trusted relationships by leading with honesty, integrity, vulnerability, and humility
Position Description
If you are looking for a place where you can make a difference in the life of a child, Project Harmony is looking for you. We are seeking an experienced and committed Forensic Interviewer to join our dynamic and innovative organization. The Forensic Interviewer is responsible for conducting legally sound, recorded interviews of children suspected to have been abused, neglected or a witness to violence.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Provide forensic interviews to alleged child abuse victims of abuse, neglect or witness to violence
- Prepare for all court proceedings and provide expert testimony
- Participate with Project Harmony team in pre-interview meeting with investigators to review current allegation(s), relevant history, living situation, relationship to alleged offender, etc. Participate with Project Harmony team in meeting with non-offending caregiver. Participate with Project Harmony team in a post-interview meeting with multidisciplinary team to discuss follow-up
- Meet with non-offending caregiver prior to interview to discuss nature of allegations, circumstances surrounding the disclosure, family composition, social history, developmental and cultural considerations, etc. and to answer any questions about the forensic interview process
- Prepare a summary of each forensic interview conducted utilizing Project Harmony databases
- Responsible for secure storage of interview files
- Perform the intake function for referrals from law enforcement and Child Protective Services (CPS), gathering background information and coordinating the scheduling of interviews and medical evaluations
- Conduct regular Forensic Interview Peer Review with local peers, Nebraska State Chapter Child Advocacy Center’s (CAC’s) and with Midwest Region CAC’s
- Rotate 24/7 on-call responsibilities
- May involve supervision of student interns and practicum students as required
- Provide referrals to treatment and community services
- Participate in the 1184 multidisciplinary teams for investigations and treatment of child abuse as needed
- Ensure culturally competent services are provided to all families we serve without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, gender or sexual orientation
- Other Forensic Interviewer duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree required in social work, clinical counseling or related field. Will consider Master’s degree in progress
- Training and/or experience interviewing children who have experienced abuse, neglect or other forms of trauma
- Extensive training/experience in child welfare and juvenile justice system
- Previous professional experience related to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases
- Previous experience in working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Previous experience in interviewing children, particularly about difficult topics
- Experience testifying in court on child welfare matters
- Knowledge and understanding of the forensic interview process, including issues of language, memory and suggestibility and current legal challenges in the field
- Knowledge and understanding of family violence and the dynamics of child abuse and neglect
- Knowledge and understanding of child development and the impact of trauma
- Ability to testify effectively in civil and criminal court proceedings
- Ability to establish rapport with children (ages 3-18) who have experienced significant trauma and mediate with non-offending caregiver(s) in crisis
- Demonstrate effective listening and communication skills
- Demonstrate problem solving skills and ability to resolve conflicts
- Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access and Outlook
- Knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity and ability to exhibit sensitivity in dealing with people of varied backgrounds, beliefs and abilities
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with a wide range of professionals including law enforcement, social services, medical, mental health providers and attorneys
- Ability to listen to ideas and accept feedback from others as well as provide feedback and educate partner agencies
- Ability to be flexible and adjust to a quickly changing schedule and handle distractions, interruptions and stressful situations
- Ability to be organized and attend to details
- Must possess time management skills
- Must possess exceptional work ethic
- Must respect and maintain confidentiality
- Must be willing to work flexible hours
- Must submit to a thorough criminal history background check
- Must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
- Position involves some travel, primarily within the state
