Forensic Interviewer, Lead (At-Will)

Pinal County, AZ•Florence, AZ

28d

About The Position

Working in a multidisciplinary environment with Law Enforcement, Department of Child Safety, Medical Forensics, Victim Advocates and other service agencies, this position provides support and feedback to the Forensic Interview team including consultation and training of team members and partners and coordination of peer review. The position will also conduct forensic interviews of children in a timely, neutral and developmentally and culturally appropriate manner for the Pinal County Family Advocacy Centers and assist complex investigations with other Federal, state, and regional Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) under basic supervision.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Child Abuse, Family Violence, or Administration.
Three (3) years of experience conducting forensic interviews in a Child Advocacy Center Setting.
Arizona residents must have an Arizona Driver's License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have one within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising or mentoring employees in a criminal justice or social service setting.
Knowledge of PCAO policies, procedures, organization and operations.
Knowledge of state of Arizona criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
Knowledge of principles related to forensic interview methods.
Knowledge in assuming delegated responsibilities.
Knowledge of principles and techniques for conducting forensic interviews of minor children and special victims.
Knowledge of Arizona criminal justice and court systems, procedures, and protocols.
Knowledge of principles of confidential records, case files, and file management.
Knowledge of the unique roles of law enforcement, advocates, medical providers and Department of Child Safety specialists.
Skill in interpreting and applying state and Federal rules and regulations.
Skill in compiling and analyzing program data, preparing and maintaining accurate records, and generating reports.
Skill in interpreting laws and regulations, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions.
Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Ability to mediate and negotiate difficult and complex situations.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and exercise judgment and discretion in decision making.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with attorneys, and representatives of law enforcement agencies, courts, and other participants in the justice system.
Ability to use specialized interview techniques for children and victims of abuse and assault.
Ability to assess for special needs and utilize a skilled communication approach accordingly.
Ability to maintain a neutral position and fact-finding role within a legal framework.
Ability to effectively approach children and families who have experienced significant trauma
Ability to effectively manage situations requiring diplomacy, understanding, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.
Ability to follow and effectively communicate verbal and written instructions.
Ability to provide constructive feedback.
Ability to work in a collaborative setting.

Responsibilities

Actively participate in the interviewing and hiring process and ensure the successful on-boarding of new forensic interviewers.
Monitor service delivery to ensure quality standards and best practices are adhered to, reporting progress and challenges back to the FAC Supervisor.
Provide constructive, balanced, regular feedback to the forensic interviewer team.
Develop plans to address identified gaps, challenges and barriers in the forensic interview team
Stay current on quality standards and best practices in forensic interviewing, child abuse, trauma informed practice and service provision.
Develop and present training programs on a variety of specialized topics as needed.
Facilitates quarterly peer review and provides updates on current research
Attend training for ongoing education and career development as needed
Oversight and coordination of the forensic interviewer on-call schedule
Provide support to the FAC Supervisor in developing and implementing programs and goals for the Dedicated Forensic Interviewers.
Conduct objective forensic interviews of children who are alleged to have been victims of abuse and neglect, or witnesses to crimes utilizing the Arizona statewide interview protocols of a semi-structured cognitive interview process.
Develop rapport with caregivers and children when families visit the FAC.
Conduct a thorough pre-interview with caregivers to obtain background information and information on the child's communication and developmental functioning.
Observe and evaluate the child's emotional and developmental functioning before and during the forensic interview and structure the interview to best meet the needs of the child while obtaining information.
Operate audio and visual equipment to record interviews.
Provide weekend and after hours forensic interviews on an on-call basis.
Document activities in the case management system.
Provide court testimony as needed regarding interviews conducted.
Compile and report monthly activities and statistics.
Act as a representative for the FACs in public presentations and media communication.
Inform the FAC Supervisor about relevant developments in the child abuse field and other relevant developments possibly impacting the FAC.
Help ensure accreditation standards are maintained at the FACs with regards to forensic interviews and interviewers
Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of Pinal County by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
Maintain HIPAA compliance and absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records and restricted County information.
Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

An Employer that Values Each Employee and Prioritizes a Work Experience that Provides Ample Time for Stress Reduction and Work-Life Balance.
Paid Vacation And Sick Leave
15 Vacation Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One
After Three (3) Years of Service, 18 Vacation Days Accrued Annually
After Five (5) Years of Service, 20 Vacation Days Accrued Annually
Ten Paid Holidays + One Paid Floating Holiday to Use as You Wish
13 Sick Leave Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One
Paid Sabbaticals Every Five (5) Years
Two-Week Sabbatical After Five Years of Continuous Service
Three-Week Sabbatical After Ten Years of Continuous Service
Four-Week Sabbatical After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service
Four-Week Sabbaticals Every Five Years After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service
Comprehensive Wellness Program
Quarterly Wellness Challenges
Vision Exams and Optometry Events Onsite
Vaccination Clinics
Onsite Mammogram and Prostate Screening Events
Skin Cancer Screening Events Onsite
Biometrics and Health Screening Events Onsite
Financial Health and Retirement Planning Events Onsite & Online
Fitness Resources and Onsite Sessions Like Yoga and Tai Chi
Retirement Plans with Generous Employer Contributions - Guaranteed Lifetime Benefit!
Variety of Top Tier Affordable Medical Plans - Six Different Medical Plans to Choose From
Some Medical Plans with Zero Employee Premium Cost
Dental and Vision Plans
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Alternative Work Schedules
Telehealth
Qualified Employer - Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - Department of Education
Employee Assistance Program with Ongoing Training & Development Options
Civil Service Leave
VanPool Options
Short-Term Disability - Employer Paid
Basic Life Insurance - Employer Paid
Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care and Medical Expenses
Suite of Voluntary Benefits including additional Life, Accident, Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance