Forensic Interviewer/MDT Coordinator

Position Title: Forensic Interviewer/ MDT Coordinator

Reports to: Executive Director

Classification: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The dual role of Forensic Interviewer and MDT Coordinator is toprovide developmentally and culturally appropriate and legally defensible forensic interviews of children and adolescents who are alleging sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or have witnessed violent crimes. In addition, this position will assist Judi’s Place Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) in meeting its goal of an effective, coordinated, and comprehensive multidisciplinary team response to cases of child sexual abuse and any other cases requested by the team. The key responsibilities of the MDT Coordinator are fostering and developing positive MDT relationships and preparing and facilitating monthly case review meetings.

Forensic Interview Role:

• Use established protocol to conduct forensic interviews of children regarding possible sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and/or witness to violent crime/ child abuse.

· Utilize best practices and research-informed techniques when interviewing children.

· Participate in pre- and post-forensic interview case staffing with MDT members.

• Maintain appropriate documentation related to forensic interviews, including a succinct and professional report of the interview in the client database system (collaborate), along with preparing their portion of the client file and burning the disc of interview.
• Prepare interview and observation rooms for interviews, ensuring that equipment is operational and all necessary paperwork accessible.
• Ensure original body maps and client drawings with appropriate date are included in client files.
• Maintain working knowledge of community resources for families and children.
• Respond to subpoenas and testify when requested.
• Review intake information and obtain information about child’s emotional state, caregiver response to the investigation, child’s living situation, and relationship to the alleged offender.
• Make recommendations for follow-up and treatment.
• Will attend, participate in, and prepare for internal and regional peer review as they are scheduled and maintain records related to these meetings.

· Provide documentation for NCA accreditation/reaccreditation when needed.

Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator Role:

· Coordinate, facilitate, and manage Multidisciplinary Teams within the CACs service region.

• Create a case review list to include all cases interviewed, going through the court process, and/or added by MDT partners to review with the team monthly.
• Maintain their county of designation’s case review list in the client database system by organizing, inputting, and reporting the case review notes in their designated area.

· Maintain communication and contact with CAC staff to follow the status of victims.

• Create and complete corresponding dispositions for cases being closed from the case review list.
• Maintain the case review sign-in sheet and training log for each monthly meeting.
• Coordinate, enhance, and support efforts to build relationships with investigative agencies and associated service providers to improve services to children and families.

· Develop and coordinate Multidisciplinary Team member orientation for new Multidisciplinary Team members and compile educational materials for all members.

· Maintain effective team dynamics and conduct Multidisciplinary Team conflict mediation.

· Identify the training needs of the multidisciplinary teams.

· Maintain and update Multidisciplinary Team protocols and Memorandums of Understanding.

Other Roles as Assigned:

• Volunteers/Practicum students may be assigned to shadow this position as a direct service. Practicum students will be supervised directly by CAC Program director.
• Attend staff meetings, in-services, professional training, conferences, professional literature review, and peer review relevant to the field of forensic interviewing, child development, and trauma and assessment.

· Provide documentation for NCA accreditation/reaccreditation when needed.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change.

General Training:

Within three (3) months of employment, employed or contracted staff providing direct services to a child shall have received twenty-four (24) hours of training on issues related to child abuse.

An employee of a center shall receive at least eight (8) hours of this training before providing

services to a child.

Forensic Interview-Specific Training:

Forensic interviewers employed shall have the equivalent of thirty-two (32) hours of structured

training on forensic interviewing provided by a National Children’s Alliance (NCA) approved

training model. This training must be completed prior to conducting forensic interviews.

MDT Coordinator-Specific Training:

MDT Coordinators employed shall have the equivalent of 8 hours of structured training on MDT Facilitation.

Ongoing Training

Forensic interviewers/MDT Coordinators employed by a CAC shall have 12 hours annually of continuing education on issues relating to child abuse, at least three of which shall specifically address forensic interviewing.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and experience that meets Kentucky state regulations for forensic interviewers at children’s advocacy centers (920 KAR 2:040).
• Must complete application/screening process.
• Per 920 KAR 2:040, an employee of a children’s advocacy center shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Per 920 KAR 2:040, an applicant for employment shall submit to criminal records check in accordance with KRS 17.165 and a central registry check in accordance with 922 KAR 1:470 during the application process and every two (2) years thereafter while employed by the center.
• Must exhibit behavior consistent with their professional code of ethics.
• Must read and sign personnel policies.

7. Must have reliable transportation and driver’s license.

8. Willing to travel for training sessions and conferences.

9. Must have ability to work under stress.

10. Complete in-service and other training as required.

11. Ability to communicate effectively with children and adolescents in order to gather

sensitive information from them.

12. Must have a working knowledge base of the dynamics of child abuse and its impact on children and society.

13. 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.

14. Familiarity with and a disposition toward the multidisciplinary team approach to

investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases.

15. Must be committed to working against discrimination due to race, color, creed, sex or age in the field of child victim services. Demonstrate sensitivity to the diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds of clients and the community.

16. Excellent interpersonal skills.

17. The ability to organize resources, record, and report data with attention to detail.

18. Must have basic computer skills including, not limited to, Microsoft Word and Outlook.

19. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

20. Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing as well as communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Also, the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Ability to manually handle light to moderate materials.

· Ability to sit, stand, and move from one area to another.

· Close mental, visual, and auditory attention with the performance of clerical and therapeutic services

· Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, visitors, and the community while maintaining a professional expression and attitude.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Noise level is usually moderate to occasionally boisterous.

· Temperature controlled climate

· Possible exposure to infectious illnesses of children, including head lice.

· Local and/or regional travel with some overnight travel required.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• counseling or clinical: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Pikeville, KY 41501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person