Forensic Child Interviewer

Partners with Families & Children (Partners) prevents, interrupts and repairs cycles of abuse and neglect within families. We are a nonprofit that has been around for 35 years providing exemplary programs for families and an encouraging and fulfilling work environment for staff. Come join our team in making a difference in the lives of families! We offer competitive pay and benefits package (for those who work 20+ hours per week) as well as flexible schedules.

Job Title: Forensic Child Interviewer

Summary: This position is responsible for conducting child-centered, non-leading evidentiary interviews of possible child victims of abuse following the Spokane County Child Abuse Investigation protocol and National Children’s Alliance forensic interview standards.

This position is based in Spokane, WA.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the essential duties/responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties/responsibilities of this job.

Forensic Interviews

• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality
• Assist in scheduling and coordinating forensic interviews of alleged child victims of abuse
• Use established protocol to conduct forensic interviews of children and vulnerable adults regarding possible sexual abuse or physical abuse
• Use established protocol to conduct forensic interviews of children and vulnerable adults who may have been witnesses to a violent crime
• Make any necessary recommendations regarding needed follow-up for the child and the family
• Liaison between Law Enforcement, prosecutor’s office, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, FBI and/or tribal authorities and other community agencies as needed
• Keep abreast of new research and developments in forensic interviewing of and abuse investigations

Court Testimony

• Prepare for and testify in civil and criminal court proceedings regarding general interview processes and techniques, as well as interviews conducted regarding individual cases

Case Coordination and Administration

• Update and maintain case files
• Document any data required for grants
• Participate in Case Review and multidisciplinary team meetings. Attend other meetings and in-services, professional training and conferences as self-directed or requested by the CAC Director and/or Chief Executive Officer.
• Participate in improved collaboration efforts with community agencies
• Assist/participate in fundraising efforts as requested by the CAC Director and Chief Executive Officer
• Perform all other duties as necessary or assigned

Training

• Participate in and provide training to staff and volunteers, other agencies and the community in various areas regarding child sexual and physical abuse as well as interview protocols and child developmental levels
• Participate in a minimum of 40 hours of forensic interviewing training provided by a combination of Harborview Medical Center, Criminal Justice Training Center, local CAC, and other agencies prior to conducting forensic interviews with children
• Participate in internal and regional peer reviews at a minimum of two per year
• Participate in ongoing education in the field of child maltreatment and/or forensic interviewing consisting of a minimum of 8 contact hours every 2 years

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. These qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform this job.

Education/Experience: To perform this job successfully, an individual must have:

• a Bachelors' degree in a related field. Masters preferred
• a minimum of four (4) years’ paid experience in providing children’s services
• prior experience as a forensic interviewer within a Children’s Advocacy Center is preferred

Desired Qualifications/Skills:

• Have demonstrated knowledge of child abuse and neglect and child development (through course work, professional training or higher education)
• Understanding of child development, child sexual abuse and forensic linguistics
• Understanding of the law and the legal system and implications related to interviewing children
• Experience in needs assessment of victims and families and identification of appropriate referrals
• Have demonstrated commitment to on-going cross disciplinary education
• Maintain and/or have the ability to maintain membership in an appropriate professional organization such as the National Association for Social Workers, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, American Psychological Association
• Understand and abide by the confidentiality requirements and procedures related to working in an environment such as the Children’s Advocacy Center
• Experience in working with diverse professionals from child protection, law enforcement, court systems and related community services

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.46 - $34.68 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person