Forensic Interviewer

Responsible for interviewing child victims of sexual abuse, serious physical abuse and witnesses of violent crimes brought to the Fort Bend Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) by law enforcement or child protection investigators. These interviews are highly specialized and gather information needed by law enforcement and Children’s Protective Services investigators. Interviews are conducted in a manner that takes into account how children experience the investigative process and their developmental age. Other areas of responsibility include: coordinating team efforts, case tracking documentation and court testimony.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Conduct interviews of child sexual and physical abuse victims
• Assess children’s cognitive and linguistic abilities as well as non-verbal communications

• Foster an environment that is sensitive to a child’s cognitive, emotional, and psychological development, without leading a child in questioning
• Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment with partner agency representatives

• Participate in multi-disciplinary team review meetings concerning children who have been interviewed
• Testify as an expert witness in civil and criminal trials regarding the child’s statement and the forensic interview process
• Assist in maintaining records of services provided
• Documentation of all case activities

• Participate in community outreach activities such as speaking engagements, publication of newspaper articles, and fund raising events

• Participate in training to enhance professional skills and development
• Participate in after hours on-call emergency program

Partner Relations:

• Responsible to distribute partner satisfaction surveys

Evaluation:

• Review and critique of forensic interviews through the peer review process
• End of the year evaluation with Manager

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or criminal justice
• Master’s of Social Work or related field (psychology, child development, sociology) preferred

Job Skills:

• Minimum of two years direct work experience with victims of sexual and physical abuse
• Working knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse, the ability to establish rapport with clients and other professionals, an objective attitude, patient demeanor, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of child development
• Ability to project a positive image in court room testimony
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Willingness to work some evening and weekend hours
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Other Requirements:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Willingness to submit to a child abuse background check (civil and criminal)
• Willingness to work in a smoke and drug free environment
• Bending, stooping, reaching and other movement required in dealing with children. Lifting of office materials (up to 20 lbs)
• Willingness and ability to travel

Interested individuals should complete a CAFB employment application and send it, along with a cover letter and resume to HRRM@cafb.org.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is an equal opportunity employer.

CAFB adheres to a strict Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse Policy in our practices and operations.