Family and Victim Advocate- Owosso

Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer Job Description

TITLE: Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer

CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT

HOURS: FULL TIME- 40 Hours - some evenings and weekends may be required

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer has primary responsibility for advocating for the needs and well-being of suspected child victims,non-offending parents and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Conduct sensitive and thorough forensic interviews with children who are possible victims of abuse, child maltreatment, witness to violence, and human trafficking
• Orient children to the facility and explain the forensic interviewing process
• Schedule forensic interview with child and MDT
• Consult with team members before, during and after interviews
• Coordinate interview strategies and techniques with team members
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings
• Testify when subpoenaed
• Attend peer review meetings
• Complete case documentation following an interview
• Complete note-taking, file preparation, case tracking, scheduling CPS and law enforcement, and ensure that interview recordings are properly labeled, produced and distributed according to the CAC recording protocol
• Prepare forensic interviews
• Attend forensic interview trainings
• Document interviews; maintain detailed records of all interviews and statistics
• Assist detectives on assigned cases working with the victim's family
• Assist investigators in interviewing victims and witnesses of other crimes as requested; conduct courtesy interviews for police agencies in other states and for all law enforcement agencies in the county; work with interpreters to gather information from disabled children; interview children Offer accompaniment services during both the acute phase of a forensic interview and examination (providing technical and emotional support) and on-going fashion, including providing in-person counseling referrals to Crisis Counseling and therapy services
• Develop and implement a case management plan with each victim and significant others to facilitate recovery from the trauma associated with sexual assault and abuse
• Provide advocacy, support, and education about the child abuse process including: judicial process, crime victim’s compensation process, medical examinations, support groups and counseling sessions
• Serve as a liaison and support to the victim and the family from the initial interview until discharged
• Communicate with the MDT team about victim and family dynamics and issues; facilitate linkages with other community services; and assist victims and families in applying for crime victims’ compensation
• Interact with other professional disciplines and agencies involved in child abuse, neglect and human trafficking cases
• Provide information and referrals to families needing basic needs or other services
• Find information and supportive services to reduce trauma felt by the family as a result of the child abuse
• Conduct assessments of the family and provide statistical data for grant reporting
• Other duties as assigned
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Obtain consent for release of information

Qualification, Skills, Knowledge:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Requirement:

• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Clean driving record, reliable car, insurance
• Ability to develop and maintain a strong resource network

Additional Relevant Skills and Qualities:

• Ability to work cooperatively with victims, families, MDT team and other community partners
• Organized and relevant
• Use good interpersonal relations skills with community partners and MDT members
• Excellent rapport
• Social media, Microsoft Office, and general database proficient
• Ability to deal with sensitive confidential information
• Nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of families with young children and the ability to relate well with people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical environment is an office building. Ability to sit at a desk, complete computer work, and light lifting.

Other Requirements:

In accordance with policies stated in the agency Personnel Policies and

Recruitment, Hiring, Onboarding, and Separation policies, Voices for Children must conduct a thorough background clearance on all employees and contractors who interact with minors at their hire but no more than six (6) months prior to their first day of work with minors and on a periodic ongoing basis.

Background Clearances include, at a minimum:

• Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website ()

• Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry

()

• Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT)

()

• MDHHS Central Registry Clearance (via email to your local DHHS office)

• National Criminal Background check

Any person working with minors who has lived, worked, or gone to school in a state or states other than Michigan any time in the past five (5) years is required to submit sufficient historical information to allow Voices for Children to conduct similar background clearances in all states of residence during the prior five (5) year period.

Statement Regarding Background Checks and Discrimination: Information discovered

through the background check process is used solely for the purpose of evaluating a candidate’s suitability for employment and will not be used to discriminate.

The above job description is intended to summarize the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of miscellaneous duties and responsibilities that may be requested in the performance of this job.

Employees are occasionally required to participate in activities outside of normal business hours.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $50,000