Forensic Interviewer - Children's Services

Job Type

Full-time

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.  

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 Culture 

At Project Harmony, we are committed to building a team of dedicated, compassionate professionals who are supportive of our culture:
 

We are all Project Harmony: Project Harmony exists because of the unique collaboration of community partners, dedicated to ending child abuse and neglect. Our strength lies in our people, their ideas, their differences, their diverse talents and perspectives.
 

We bring our best everyday: Project Harmony consists of experts, problem solvers and visionaries dedicated to promoting creativity and innovation. We demonstrate personal integrity and maintain a high standard of ethical behavior. Project Harmony is dedicated to fostering a learning environment where all members of the collaborative process can flourish.
 

When it comes to children, we don’t compromise: Children come first in all that we do.  Project Harmony provides a safe place where children have the courage to use their voices – a place where healing begins.  Because of Project Harmony’s coordination of care, children entering Project Harmony go from crisis to courage. Our vision reimagines the system to make it work best for all involved, especially the child.

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.

Requirements

Education and Training

• 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

Work Experience

• 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.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• 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.

Other

• Must be willing to work flexible hours and participate in a monthly on-call rotation where 24/7 availability is needed.
• Must submit to a thorough criminal history background check.
• Must possess the ability to pass a fingerprint clearance.
• Must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Position involves some travel, primarily within the state.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with