Child and Adolescent Forensic Interviewer

ABOUT US

Resolving to make the world better for children is at the heart of Safe Shores -The DC Children’s Advocacy Center’s mission to provide survivor-centered intervention, hope, and healing for children and families affected by abuse, trauma, and violence in the District of Columbia. Our efforts are focused on working to prevent and end child abuse and neglect through promising practices, policies, and partnerships.

Working side-by-side with passion-driven multidisciplinary teams, we aim to:

• Minimize the trauma experienced by children and adolescents who have been identified as victims of sexual or physical abuse.
• Improve the investigation and prosecution of sexual and physical abuse cases from the point of intervention through to treatment and healing.
• Promote inter-agency collaboration for effective decision-making and management of sexual and physical abuse cases.
• Prevent further or future abuse of child victims.
• Provide training by professionals in the field of investigation, prosecution, and provision of services for sexually and physically abused children, adolescents, and their non-offending caretakers.

THE JOB AND YOUR ROLE  

We are currently searching for a Child & Adolescent Forensic Interviewer to conduct forensic interviews with children and adolescents alleged to be victims of physical and/or sexual abuse or witnesses to violence and abuse, using research-based interview protocols and techniques in a developmentally appropriate manner to elicit truthful information. This is a 100% in-person, direct service position and requires being in-person 5 days/week. The incumbent is required to participate in an on-call rotation for after hour, holiday, and weekend forensic interviewing. This position is a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect under District of Columbia Statute § 4-1321.02.

Safe Shores expects all employees to respect and be sensitive to human dignity and identity. We demonstrate this respect and sensitivity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability (actual or perceived), source of income, place of residence or business, military service, and any other basis protected by federal or District of Columbia law.

Safe Shores will take appropriate action, including termination, for employees whose words or actions do not uphold our standard of respect and sensitivity to cultural differences.

Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable persons with disabilities to perform essential job duties. The following is a summary of and not an all-inclusive list of the essential job duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct in-person forensic interviews of alleged child/adolescent victims of abuse, as requested, on behalf of multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members
• Provide written documentation regarding interviews conducted for Case Review purposes
• Participate in individual supervision and peer review, program peer review, and in-service training
• Participate in regular Forensic Interview Program Peer Review sessions; provide training regarding interview protocols and child developmental levels
• Share after-hour on-call responsibilities with other forensic interviewers
• Respond to crisis situations with clients
• Testify in civil and criminal court proceedings as appropriate or requested regarding the interview process, as well as interviews in specific cases
• Consult regarding cases with members of the MDT internally and externally as requested or deemed necessary
• Participate in MDT and organization-wide planning efforts
• Participate in on-going training and professional development activities
• Prepare forensic interview information to be shared with MDT members and attend scheduled case reviews as needed.  
• Review data that may contribute to forensic interviewing research and remain up to date on forensic interview practices and information.
• Provide regular education and training to MDT partners about best practices in forensic interviewing, including contributing to written materials and presentations.
• Maintain and assure the quality of electronic case files and statistical tracking, track program supplies, and other inventory.

WHAT WE OFFER

Total Compensation: We prioritize your overall health and well-being.

Compensation is more than just a number, you must consider the big picture. As a Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer, your starting salary is $62,800. We take total compensation seriously. We proudly provide one of the most robust benefits packages in the non-profit sector, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our work is complex, and in this field, we firmly believe that we must care for ourselves to be present for our circle and those we serve. Please take a moment to read the complete list of employee benefits we offer. We are sure you’ll be impressed.

• Birthday Comp Day (your birthday is a holiday for you!)
• Annual Professional Development Fund
• 13 days of paid vacation leave
• 13 days of paid sick leave
• 13 days of paid holidays
• Paid personal leave
• Paid parental leave
• 100% employer-paid medical (PPO with lots of provider options), dental, and vision insurance for the current plan year
• Wellness stipend
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee appreciation and wellness events
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (Employer contribution after one year of service)
• Essential oils and diffusers for employee workspaces
• Safe Shores offers paid sabbatical leave for employees with a five or more consecutive years tenure.

COVID-19 PROTOCOL

• Safe Shores is currently working in a hybrid work environment, however this position is fully in-person.
• Candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment.
• Fully vaccinated means COVID-19 vaccination and any related booster vaccination(s) are required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in psychology, social work, or related field from an accredited school
• At least two (2) full years’ experience working as a direct service provider within a social service agency or CAC setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills; high level of cultural competence and humility. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and ability to work independently. 
• Ability to successfully pass Child Protection Registry clearance and criminal background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Training in a nationally recognized Forensic Interview protocol.
• Experience working in a Children’s Advocacy Center setting, a mental health practice, or a teaching/childcare setting. 
• Familiarity with and a disposition toward the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. 
• Knowledge of investigative, social services, and legal systems in the District of Columbia. 

Computer/Technology Skills High level of comfort with technology and proficiency with MS Office applications and the internet.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to touch or feel a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, Smart Phone, and talk or hear when interacting with employees. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may regularly lift and /or move 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Application Process

Candidates must submit the following information to be considered for the position:

1. Resume with salary requirements

2. Personal statement indicating your interest in the position and how your experiences will benefit Safe Shores.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Safe Shores is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.