Children’s Alliance of South Texas, A Child Advocacy Center

JOB DESCRIPTION

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POSITION: Forensic Interviewer

Primary Duties: A professional position charged with conducting forensic interviews with child victims of reported neglect, emotional, sexual and physical abuse, drug endangered children, human/labor trafficking child victims, and child witnesses to violent crimes. The forensic interviewer will be responsible for coordinating with CAST Operations and Relations coordinator, multiple law enforcement jurisdictions and Child Protective Services, and coordinating services for the child and family. Responsible for conducting interviews at the Floresville campus, satellite campus in Cotulla, TX, and when needed in a safe confidential location as best determined by MDT, on an as needed basis.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports To: Executive Director

Supervised by:Executive Director

Interrelationships:Children’s Alliance of South Texas staff, Child Protective Services staff, law enforcement staff, County and District Attorneys’ Offices staff, SANE Nurse/Hospital staff, community agencies, volunteers, children and families

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Level of Education:Bachelor’s Degree in social service field, education, or criminal justice,but preferably a Master’s Degree in a social work or related field of social services.

Level of Experience: At least two (2) years ofprofessional experience working with children and families where abuse and violence are identifiedissues, or professional experience in working with the criminal justice or child welfare system desired. Bilingual is preferred.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

  • Coordinate scheduling of Forensic Interviews and Forensic Medical Exams with CAST Partner Operations and Relations coordinator in conjunction with law enforcement, child protective services, and district and county attorneys.
  • Conduct forensic interviews of children and adolescents alleging neglect, emotional, sexual and/or physical abuse both during and after normal business hours
  • Facilitate pre/post interview multidisciplinary case staffing
  • Respond to subpoenas and testify when requested
  • Facilitate and coordinate, in conjunction with CAST Partner Operations and Relations coordinator, case reviews
  • Participate in case reviews and present cases when requested
  • Collect all relevant child and family history and making appropriatereferrals
  • Assist with client intakes, crisis intervention, and victim services as needed
  • Enter data into the case tracking system
  • Participate in supervision, professional development and on-going training activities includingbeing trained in Forensic interview techniques
  • Perform other tasks and responsibilities as requested by Executive Director, and/or agency

JOB DESCRIPTION-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work well with children; and engage children of all ages in an interview-type setting
  • Must be able to work in stressful situations
  • Must be able to work independently as well as function as a team member and acceptguidance and direction from Director
  • Must be able to meet on-call requirements to respond to crisis intervention
  • Must be able to work with a diverse population of people, including clients and their families, professionalsin the areas of law enforcement, medicine, education and agency employees
  • Must be able to work with diverse populations of culture, language, and situations
  • Must be willing to be trained in the specialized field of forensic interviewing (overnight travel required)
  • This individual must be knowledgeable in child abuse issues, reporting abuse, child development and willing to continually learn
  • Must be able to relate professionally and have integrity in relating to clients and peers.
  • Must be willing and able to drive throughout five county region for team meetings, hearings andforensic interviews
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License, personal vehicle, and current vehicle liability insurance. The employee is responsible for having a certificate of insurance on file
  • Must be willing work after hours as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to deal with a variety of emotions under stressful situations and be able to copewith people who may be distressed.
  • Emotional stability and personal maturity are important attributes in this position
  • Requires normal range of hearing, eyesight, coordination and manual dexterity sufficient torecord, prepare and communicate reports and operate office equipment.