Forensic Interviewer / Family Advocate

Children's Home Society of WV is seeking a full-time Forensic Interviewer/ Family Advocate at our Child Advocacy Center in Martinsburg.

Position Goals: 1). To provide initial and on-going support and advocacy services to child victims and non-offending family members served at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC). 2). To perform specialized forensic interviewing with child victims served at the CAC and collaborate with investigative teams involved in the case.

What you will be doing:

• Develop knowledge of child abuse, particularly child sexual and physical abuse.
• Provide greeting and orientation for children and families visiting the Child Advocacy Center (CAC).
• Advocate for youth and their families.
• Develop skills in provision of services provided to include advocacy, case management, forensic interviewing, and support services. Provide said services, as needed.
• Form supportive relationships with victims and their non-offending family members to enhance the investigation and follow-up services.
• Conduct Family Needs Assessments during the investigative process or upon referral. Make all necessary referrals or work with the referring agency to facilitate needed services.
• Attend local, state, and national training on child sexual and physical abuse.
• Provide on-going support to victims and any non-offending family members during medical and counseling appointments.
• Provide court preparation services to victims and any non-offending family members with the assistance of local, county-based advocate offices.
• Testify in civil and criminal court proceedings on the interview process and techniques, as well as specific interviews in individual cases.
• Maintain and update case files, case lists, and databases used within the CAC program.
• Collaborate with members of multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordinate specialized child sexual and physical abuse training and educational programs for all agencies participating in the CAC.
• Ensure that all activities and services are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to and shows respect for the culture and ethnicity of the children and families the agency serves.

What you will bring to the table:

• Passion and determination.
• Positive attitude and team oriented spirit.
• Willingness to pursue growth and learning.
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask.
• Strong problem solving, communication. and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain professional helping relationships.
• Desire to make a positive impact on the life of a child.

What you will need:

• Minimum of a bachelors degree in social work or related human services field.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children, youth and families.
• Knowledge of child protective services and child welfare issues.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage.
• Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse Registry Check.
• Ability to understand and support the values of family-centered services, which include: committing to family stability, development of skill in assessing risk to children to ensure safety, and working with children and families who may not want the service.
• Knowledge of social work principles and practices and willingness to comply with professional standards as specified by the NASW Code of Ethics.

Children's Home Society of WV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28,280.00 - $38,060.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• social services: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Martinsburg, WV 25401 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28,280 - $38,060