Forensic Interviewer

Primary responsibility

The primary responsibility involves interviewing children alleged to be victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, severe child maltreatment, or witnesses to violent crimes. Forensic Interviewers are specially trained to conduct these interviews in a supportive, child-friendly, and non-leading manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct Forensic Interviews utilizing a nationally recognized protocol.
• Gather pertinent information during pre and post interview process to conduct comprehensive interviews.
• Attend local, regional and national trainings on interviewing children and child abuse.
• Attend Multidisciplinary case staffing to discuss disclosures.
• Participate in local, regional and national peer review and stay up to date on current literature to maintain a high level of interviewing skills.
• Testify as an expert witness in civil and criminal court regarding interviewing children, the process of disclosure and dynamics of child sexual abuse.

Requirements

• Education and Experience:
  • Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Psychology or related mental health field.
  • Two (2) years working with sexually abused children, child maltreatment, or trauma-related population.
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Professional Counselor - Intern (LPC-Intern); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA).
  • OR Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Psychology or related mental health field.
  • Five (5) years working experience at a Children's Advocacy Center.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge or experience working with an advocacy center, child welfare agency, or the criminal justice system.
  • Specialized training in child maltreatment and an understanding of the child welfare system and advocacy centers.
  • Skill with a digital recording system such as Simulation IQ to setup and verify recording of forensic interviews, preferred.
  • A hospitable disposition, skill in public relations, and a patient, objective, non-judgmental attitude.
  • Strong organizational skill, computer skill, flexibility, and ability to work independently and on a team.
  • Ability to assess age-appropriate language, verbal and non-verbal communication and exceptional recall abilities.

General Information

• Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Criminal and CPS background check required prior to hiring and E-Verify upon hire.
• Work Environment and Physical Demands: This position is generally in a sedentary role but may at times require the ability to lift files up to 20 pounds. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
• Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.