Forensic Interviewer (Temp-to-Hire, Independent Contractor)

Position: Forensic Interviewer (Temp-to-Hire, Independent Contractor)

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Type: Part-time (20–30 hours/week)

Classification: Independent Contractor

Pay: $24/hr

Location: Alfred, ME, with occasional travel to Cumberland County

About SARSSM: Since 1973, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) has offered free, confidential support to those affected by sexual violence, child sexual abuse, harassment, and trafficking. We focus on Intervention, Prevention, and Engagement, with passionate team members serving this mission.

Position Overview: SARSSM is seeking an experienced Child Forensic Interviewer to conduct developmentally appropriate, legally sound, and neutral interviews with children, adolescents, and dependent adults referred for suspected abuse. This is an independent contractor position, with potential to transition to a part-time or full-time employee role contingent on new fiscal year funding and mutual fit.

Essential Duties:

Forensic Interviewing

• Conduct developmentally appropriate, legally sound forensic interviews.
• Facilitate pre- and post-interview meetings with non-offending caregivers and MDT.
• Stay current on research, best practices, and legal standards in forensic interviewing.
• Prepare for and testify in court proceedings as needed.

Multidisciplinary Teamwork

• Participate in pre- and post-interview debriefings with MDT members.
• Attend monthly Case Review, MDT, and CACYC Advisory Board meetings as assigned.

Professional Development & Compliance

• Complete any additional required training and continuing education as requested.
• Maintain documentation of professional development (training certificates, FI-specific CV updates) as requested.
• Provide designated CAS staff with service information for regular data submission.
• Meet weekly with the Executive Director for service supervision.
• Participate in CAS team meetings as requested.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 1 year of experience conducting forensic interviews under NCA-accepted standards (e.g., NCAC Child Forensic Interview, ChildFirst®, APSAC 40-Hour Training, Corner House, Finding Words, First Witness, NCJTC CST Forensic Interview Training).
• Degree in human services, social work, education, or related field preferred.
• Experience in crisis intervention and advocacy services.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and disclosure dynamics.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Bilingual (Arabic, French, Kinyarwanda/Kirundi/Kinyamulenge, Lingala, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, or Russian) or multilingual skills preferred.

Requirements:

• Access to reliable transportation and valid driver’s license or state ID.
• Flexibility to be scheduled Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., for forensic interviews, meetings, and data collection.
• Compliance with SARSSM background check process (Child Abuse Registry, Maine Criminal, Federal Fingerprinting, Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Registry)
• Work with SARSSM is conditional upon successful clearance of background screening criteria.
• Completion of any required training within specified timeframes.

Temp-to-Hire Terms:

• This role is initially as an independent contractor, not a union position.
• Hourly pay is $24, invoiced weekly or monthly.
• Independent contractors must complete a contractor agreement and provide a W-9.
• Candidates will participate in a formal interview with the Executive Director and must meet SARSSM’s standard contracting and onboarding requirements for the independent contractor role.
• To be considered for transition to a staff position, the candidate will receive the official job description (including on-call Helpline duties) and must formally apply and complete an interview process in accordance with SARSSM hiring policies and collective bargaining agreement requirements.
• If hired as staff, this position will be included in the bargaining unit.

SARSSM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender identity, language, religion, age, socio-economic status, or ability. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

We are committed to ethical practices, continuous learning, and organizational growth through regular reflection and evaluation.

To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter to eflood@sarssm.org

Job Types: Contract, Temporary

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24