What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Interviewer position at UPMC?
UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania
Purpose
The Forensic Interviewer is a key member of the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania multidisciplinary team. This role conducts forensic interviews in a child‑focused, developmentally appropriate, and trauma‑informed manner for children suspected to be victims of abuse or neglect, or who may have witnessed a crime. Interviews with adults may be conducted when determined necessary and appropriate.
Work Schedule
- Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Occasional late appointments are required to meet patient needs; staff rotate coverage for extended hours
- Future scheduling may change based on patient and program needs including covering at Carlisle and Lebanon locations.
- Occasional after‑hours or weekend emergency calls may occur
Physical & Emotional Requirements
- Ability to engage in difficult conversations involving child abuse disclosures
- Demonstrated emotional resilience and strong self‑care practices
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and supportive in high‑stress situations
- Comfortable working with upset or distressed caregivers
Purpose:
The Forensic Interviewer is the key role within the Child Advocacy department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. This position acts as the consultative representative within the hospital for intervention circumstances with regard to potential child abuse and neglect . This position will perform appropriate forensic assessments of children, parents, or caretakers in order to delineate cases of abuse. This role works with applicable key law enforcement and state/county offices to manage cases of abuses and provides necessary documentation, support, and follow-up.
The Forensic Interviewer is a key role within UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania. The Forensic Interviewer works with members of a multidisciplinary team and conducts interviews in a child focused, developmentally appropriate and trauma informed way. The Forensic Interviewer is responsible for conducting forensic interviews of children suspected victims of physical and or sexual abuse, neglect, and or to have witnessed a crime. These interviews could also be of adults when deemed necessary and appropriate.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts recorded forensic interviews according to the standards of the National Children's Advocacy Center or other nationally recognized protocol.
- Facilitates and or participates in meetings with multidisciplinary team members.
- Presents testimony in court hearings as necessary.
- Prepares documentation of appointment following UPMC Child Advocacy Center guidelines.
- Effectively and professionally represents UPMC and the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania within the multidisciplinary team and the community
- Meets the accreditation standards according to the National Children's Alliance
- Participates in on-going education, training, and literature review to enhance forensic interviewing skills and maintain current knowledge of child development, child abuse, family violence, trauma, and best practices
- Participates in internal and external peer review
- Other duties as assigned
Salary : $1,000 - $1,000,000