Forensic Interviewer

Position Description

Primary responsibility of interviewing children alleged to be victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, severe child maltreatment, or witness to violent crimes. Forensic Interviewers are specially trained to interview children in a supportive, child-friendly, and non-leading way, while the investigators involved view the interview. The interview is digitally recorded to preserve the child's disclosure and demeanor, minimizing the number of times a child is interviewed.

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.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Hours:

• Monday – Friday | Hours will be discussed during interview.

Salary:

• Salary commensurate with experience.
• 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.

Harris County Employee Benefits

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness plan
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability (LTD) insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Healthcare flexible spending account
• Dependent care flexible spending account

Paid time off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) county-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid parental leave*
• Sick leave

Retirement savings benefit

• 457 deferred compensation plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO ride sponsor program*

* Participation may vary by county department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited health & wellness benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the county's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: