Forensic Interviewer

UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania

Purpose

The Forensic Interviewer is a key member of the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania multidisciplinary team. This role conducts forensic interviews in a child‑focused, developmentally appropriate, and trauma‑informed manner for children suspected to be victims of abuse or neglect, or who may have witnessed a crime. Interviews with adults may be conducted when determined necessary and appropriate.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Occasional late appointments are required to meet patient needs; staff rotate coverage for extended hours
• Future scheduling may change based on patient and program needs including covering at Carlisle and Lebanon locations.
• Occasional after‑hours or weekend emergency calls may occur

Physical & Emotional Requirements

• Ability to engage in difficult conversations involving child abuse disclosures
• Demonstrated emotional resilience and strong self‑care practices
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and supportive in high‑stress situations
• Comfortable working with upset or distressed caregivers

Purpose:
The Forensic Interviewer is the key role within the Child Advocacy department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. This position acts as the consultative representative within the hospital for intervention circumstances with regard to potential child abuse and neglect . This position will perform appropriate forensic assessments of children, parents, or caretakers in order to delineate cases of abuse. This role works with applicable key law enforcement and state/county offices to manage cases of abuses and provides necessary documentation, support, and follow-up.

The Forensic Interviewer is a key role within UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania. The Forensic Interviewer works with members of a multidisciplinary team and conducts interviews in a child focused, developmentally appropriate and trauma informed way. The Forensic Interviewer is responsible for conducting forensic interviews of children suspected victims of physical and or sexual abuse, neglect, and or to have witnessed a crime. These interviews could also be of adults when deemed necessary and appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts recorded forensic interviews according to the standards of the National Children's Advocacy Center or other nationally recognized protocol.
• Facilitates and or participates in meetings with multidisciplinary team members.
• Presents testimony in court hearings as necessary.
• Prepares documentation of appointment following UPMC Child Advocacy Center guidelines. 
• Effectively and professionally represents UPMC and the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania within the multidisciplinary team and the community
• Meets the accreditation standards according to the National Children's Alliance
• Participates in on-going education, training, and literature review to enhance forensic interviewing skills and maintain current knowledge of child development, child abuse, family violence, trauma, and best practices
• Participates in internal and external peer review 
• Other duties as assigned 

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a child‑related, social service, or criminal justice field and three (3) years of experience working in the child welfare field, OR
  • Master’s degree in a child‑related, social service, or criminal justice field and completion of a six (6) month internship at an accredited Child Advocacy Center
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with children and caregivers in high‑stress situations
• Ability to function independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment
• Strong professional writing skills, with the ability to accurately document forensic interviews and case findings
• Knowledge of research related to child abuse or a closely related field
• Must complete National Forensic Interview Training within one (1) year of hire
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  National Forensic Interview Training within 1 year of hire
  
   

• Driver's License
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran