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 required
• Master’s of Social Work or related field (psychology, child development, sociology) preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish 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.

Multi-Disciplinary Team Coordinator

Works closely with law enforcement, Children’s Protective Services and the District Attorney’s office to facilitate the coordination of the team to ensure that all children in need of Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) services are referred for those services. Build and strengthens relationships within the team to enhance the collaboration among agencies.

Responsibilities:

• Review Department of Family and Protective Services statewide intake reports
• Assess cases to determine if they meet criteria of CAC Working Protocols
• Facilitate collaborative investigation and forensic interviews by reaching out to CPS, law enforcement and other agencies as needed
• Coordinate team building and training for team members
• Responsible for new team orientations
• Coordinate and participate in case review team meetings
• Maintain detailed statistics of intakes reviewed and scheduled for forensic interviews or other CAC services
• Work closely with Forensic Interviewers and Children’s Services Coordinators to streamline scheduling of interviews
• Maintain cross-cultural awareness in the performance of all responsibilities
• Participate in the CAC on-call program
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in social science, criminal justice or related field.  Experience in social service delivery; experience in areas of criminal justice, CPS, or victim services. Professional demeanor and very strong interpersonal skills.

Job Skills:

• Ability to work with diverse disciplines on a daily basis
• Ability to develop professional relationships and facilitate relationship building among others
• Ability to work in high stress situations
• Ability to work within complex criminal justice systems
• Ability to solve problems

Other Requirements:

Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed
Participates in the CAC on call program
Current Texas Driver’s License
Submit to a child abuse and criminal background check
Willingness and ability to travel
Ability to lift 20 lbs

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.