Forensic Interviewer

POSITION SUMMARY:

Conducting forensic interview of children ages 2-17 as well as adults with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of the CAC forensic interview is to gather information from an alleged victim and/or witness or at risk for abuse and/or neglect. The forensic interviewer must remain in compliance with Texas laws, and are expected to conduct interviews in a manner that is developmentally and culturally sensitive, unbiased, nonduplicative, fact finding and legally sound. This position includes the ability engage with team and partners, including effective communication and professionalism. A forensic interviewer is required to remain neutral and unbiased throughout the process of the interview and investigation.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. Investigative Interviewing

A. Conduct digitally recorded forensic interviews in accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 38.071 Sections.1 and 5 and the CACTX Semi-Structured Narrative Process.

II. Facilitate Team Staffing

A. Pre-Interview staffing with professionals involved (i.e. Law Enforcement, Children’s Protective Services, District Attorney’s Office, Medical Professionals, etc.);

1. Review dynamics of the allegation and obtain information about child’s developmental and emotional state, parent’s response to the investigation, child’s living situation, and relationship to perpetrator, as well as other information that may be relevant.

2. Educate team as needed regarding the process of the semi structured forensic interview and provide education to the team on what to expect from the child’s statements based on their age, development and willingness to provide information.

B. Post-Interview staffing with professionals involved.

1. Reviewing the child’s statements with the team for a collaborative understanding of the child’s disclosure or nondisclosure.

2. Develop a team plan for any follow-up regarding responsibilities and coordination, such as making additional reports and referring the client for a mental and/health assessment.

III Documentation

A. Ensure all client information is correctly inputted in the appropriate logs and CAC database as is required by a nonprofit. This information should be updated throughout the investigative process.

B. Providing assigned partners access to the forensic interview and ensuring the digital recording and relevant documents/tools are transferred to the custodian as defined by the Texas Family Code.

IV Additional Forensic Interviewer Responsibly

A. Court Testimony

a. Provide testimony as requested through a subpoena in a civil, criminal or juvenile hearing.

b. Respond to the requesting attorney’s inquires in compliance with Children’s Safe Harbor policies.

c. If provided, review the forensic interview in preparation for the hearing and/or trial.

d. Review literature relevant to the forensic interview process as well as any concerns that may arise during the hearing/trial specific to the forensic interview and disclosure process.

e. Provide lay and expert testimony in regards to CAC and forensic interviewing.

f. Provide a truthful account of your involvement in the investigation, and your recollection of the statements made in the forensic interview.

B. Community Awareness and Education

a. As requested by CSH leadership, attend community/school/institutional to observe or education regarding child abuse.

b. Participation in giving back to CSH through attending fundraisers or providing donations to ensure 100% participation of staff support for our nonprofit organization.

V. Professional Development

A. Attend conferences and trainings.

B. Keep current on professional literature

C. Continual peer review to review cases, share professional knowledge/ideas, and enhance forensic interview skills.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Bachelor’s degree

B. Ability to communicate effectively with children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as professional communication with partners in various aspects.

C. Academic training or practical experience in and knowledge of developmental stages of children and the dynamics and effects of intra and extra- familial child abuse.

D. Familiarity with and a disposition toward the multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases;

E. Ability to testify effectively in civil and criminal proceedings;

F. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally to a variety of individuals and groups.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS:

A. Bi-lingual in Spanish

B. Experience in working with non-profit agencies.

C. Self-motivation, accountability and willingness to receive critical feedback from leadership, MDT partners and fellow interviewers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• On call

Ability to Commute:

• Conroe, TX 77301 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Conroe, TX 77301: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $55,000