Zoey’s Place is an equal-opportunity employer. We’re seeking a combined Forensic Interviewer and Family Advocate to join our team.
This position pays $45,000-$50,000 and is salaried and exempt.
This position is responsible for providing developmentally and culturally appropriate and legally defensible forensic interviews of child victims of physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, and neglect. This position is also responsible for victim advocacy support to children and families of children who are suspected of being victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or who have witnessed violent crimes. This position will coordinate services and provide referrals when needed. This role is primarily a grant-funded position.
Essential Responsibilities
Forensic Interviewer
- Conduct forensic interviews of youth alleging physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, neglect or witness to crime in accordance with Hancock County Multidisciplinary Protocol
- Follow ChildFirst protocol
- Facilitate MDT pre/post interview multidisciplinary case staffing
- Respond to subpoenas and effectively testify when requested
- Participate in case reviews and present case information when requested
- Enter data into the case tracking system
- Participate in supervision, professional development and on-going training activities
- Coordinate interview schedules with members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT)
- Maintain case and advocacy center statistics
- Assist Executive Director and Program Coordinator as needed
- Perform other tasks and responsibilities as requested
Family Advocacy
- Conduct intake of new clients, schedule interviews and coordinate with participating multidisciplinary team members, as needed
- Prepare children and families for their visit by answering questions, explaining the interview process, and advising caregivers on ensuring that children have proper nutrition and rest prior to the interview
- Welcome child and family/guardian to the facility and assist with registration paperwork
- Provide crisis intervention, as needed
- Assess and provide client referrals as needed for therapeutic and health care needs
- Administer client surveys
- Act as an advocate for the needs of child clients and families during their visit and in follow-up contact
- Assist families with applying for assistance from the Indiana Violent Crime Compensation Fund
- Assist staff with administrative functions related to the program
- Follow-up with families to encourage utilization of support resources
- Respond to subpoenas and testify when requested
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, education or a directly-related child development field from a college/university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (and)
- Two (2) years of equivalent experience working with children and families
- Knowledge and application of utilizing social service systems (school systems, child welfare, corrections, etc.) highly preferred
Requirements
- ChildFirst Forensic Interview Training Certification or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire
- Observation of 50 forensic interviews prior to conducting live interviews with supervisory assistance within nine months of hire
- Satisfactorily completing 3 mock interviews with supervisory staff within nine months of hire
- Demonstrated competence with ChildFirst forensic interviewing protocol prior to conducting solo interviews without supervisor present in a monitoring capacity within nine months of hire
- Available for on-call duty on a rotating schedule
- Ability to work effectively with a therapy dog in the workplace
- Possess/maintain a valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance and a driving record that meets the guidelines and requirements of the organization
- Possess reliable transportation to attend trainings and/or meetings
Other Requirements
- Deep personal commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center
- Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team setting
- Strong ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle highly confidential information with professionalism
- Must be able to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations by using good judgment and following Zoey’s Place protocols
- Must be able to develop skills in victim advocacy
- Must exhibit the ability to work with targeted population, and possess knowledge of and ability to relate to community resources
- Demonstrate respect for the client confidentiality practices, as well as for the expertise of other team members
- Demonstrate the ability to problem solve and utilize critical thinking skills
- Must have strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively via phone, video, email, or in person
- Must be able to demonstrate the effective use of NCA Trak
- Must possess the ability to learn and/or operate relevant computer operating system environments, and the ability to operate a variety of office equipment
- Must be detail oriented, have excellent organizational skills and be flexible
- Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced, time sensitive environment with shifting priorities and multiple projects
- Show appreciation for and ability to respond to cultural differences, and adjust communication practices accordingly in order to minimize cross-cultural misunderstandings
- Consistent work attendance and compliance with scheduled work hours (excludes approved FMLA absences)
- Display a positive work ethic
Background Checks
Employment is contingent on background checks as required by Zoey’s Place’s policies which may include: Drug Test, Criminal History, Sex Offender Registry Search, State Central Registry Check, Employment Verification, Education Verification, and Professional References
DCS Background Check Level
A1 – Will provide & bill direct services under DCS contract.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities
Ready to apply? Email your resume to info@zoeysplacecac.org.
