Child Advocate/Forensic Interviewer-Monett

Position Title: Interviewer/Child Advocate

Supervisor/Reports to: Executive Director/Program Manager

Position Description: This position will be capable of conducting forensic interviews of alleged child abuse victims as requested by law enforcement, Children’s Division, or the prosecuting attorney. As a forensic interviewer, this person is a neutral party who is called upon to solicit details of the alleged abuse as part of the investigative process. Additionally, the forensic interviewer will offer court testimony regarding best practices in forensic interviewing and expert opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of the child’s disclosure.

As a Child Advocate, this position will be capable of reducing trauma to alleged abused children and their families. Additionally, this position will advocate for successful case resolution for the child victim and work to empower non-offending significant others. Their primary goal is to provide an advocate for the child who can link families with needed services during the entire investigative process by responding to the emotional and physical needs of the child crime victim.

This position cannot be both an advocate and a forensic interviewer for the same case.

Hours: As determined

Advocate Responsibilities:

• Reduce trauma through the development of positive rapport with the alleged child victim and their families who come to Children’s Center for an investigative interview through the development of positive rapport.
• Assist with intake process when child and family enter Children’s Center by being a ready, concerned, friendly support.
• Maintain consistent contact with family and others involved in the investigation and follow-up.
• Provide crisis intervention resource information to families and facilitate linkage to appropriate mental health services.
• Monitor and document case progress for Case Review Team monthly meetings and attend Case Review Team Meetings.
• Promote consistency in statistics/case tracking by keeping data updated in the Children’s Center database and outcome information.
• Reduce trauma to the child victim and their family by assisting them in understanding the criminal justice system.
• Advocate for successful case resolutions for each child victim.
• Foster open and positive relationships with all agencies involved.

Interviewer Responsibilities:

• Conducts non-biased, fact-finding forensic interviews of alleged child abuse victims.
• Works closely with law enforcement, Children’s Division, and the prosecuting attorney in conducting forensic interviews as part of a multidisciplinary team response.
• Assists other professionals conducting interviews at Children’s Center through observation and attends the case review team meetings and peer review meetings.
• Routinely testifies in court regarding the forensic interview process.
• Stays current on relevant issues through training and readings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a human service field or related area with demonstrated expertise/interest in the field of child abuse is preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of direct work experience working with abused children and their families is preferred. A Master’s Degree in a human service field will substitute for one year of work experience.

• Working knowledge of dynamics of child abuse.
• Knowledge of law enforcement and the court systems and how to liaison with these systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of the interdisciplinary team approach in the investigation/assessment of child sexual abuse victims and families.
• Familiarity with testifying in criminal and civil court systems is preferred when needed to support the family.
• Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with a team and independently.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage resource materials.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Work Location: In person