Forensic Interviewer

The Guidance Center•Southgate, MI

just now

About The Position

As a recognized leader in our field, The Guidance Center provides a broad range of services that have helped children, adults and families unlock potential and build better lives since 1958. With 25 programs we offer treatment, prevention, growth and education services to more than 18,000 people annually. Together we: Nurture development. Foster resilience. Cultivate well-being. We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Forensic Interviewer to join our team of talented professionals. We have a market-based compensation structure. The estimated salary for this position will vary based on a candidate's transferable work experience and qualifications. This is a salary grade 105. Hourly rates start at $23.82. The range provided is just one component of total compensation including a comprehensive benefit package of affordable medical plans, employer paid dental, vision and long-term disability, 401(K) with employer contribution, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent, paid time off, and 11 paid holidays. As a Forensic Interviewer in the Kids-TALK Program, you will be responsible for: The Forensic Interviewer for the Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is responsible for providing developmentally and legally sound forensic interviews of children and adolescents. The goal of a forensic interview is to obtain a statement from a child, in a child-centered, developmentally-sensitive, unbiased and truth-seeking manner. The Forensic Interviewer conducts sensitive and thorough forensic interviews with alleged victims of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma or child witnesses to violent crime. Interviews are conducted in accordance with the State of Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol. The Forensic Interviewer collaborates with other members of the Multidisciplinary Team as part of an ongoing investigation of child abuse, neglect or violent crime to which a child is a witness. Regular working hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Some evening or weekend hours will be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services Related Field is required.
Experience and/or certification as a Forensic Interviewer preferred. Individuals with training and experience in the Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol are priority candidates.
One (1) year of experience working with abused/neglected children and adolescents and a multidisciplinary team is required.
A working knowledge of the dynamics of child maltreatment and/or knowledge of child development is required.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate superior communication skills, a strong commitment to customer service and the ability to work in a cooperative manner with diverse professional groups.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system, Children’s Protective Services/Foster Care Services and/or the courts is required.
The ability to engage children 17 and under from diverse ethnic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds is essential.
Valid driver’s license and favorable driving record is required.
Additional qualifications include: a nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of individual children and their families, the ability to develop collaborative relationships with other providers, the ability to assess and intervene within complex family and community systems, and a willingness to be flexible, patient and creative.
Must have the ability to appropriately handle crisis situations and manage sensitive case information.

Nice To Haves

Experience and/or certification as a Forensic Interviewer preferred.
Individuals with training and experience in the Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol are priority candidates.

Responsibilities

providing developmentally and legally sound forensic interviews of children and adolescents.
obtain a statement from a child, in a child-centered, developmentally-sensitive, unbiased and truth-seeking manner.
conducts sensitive and thorough forensic interviews with alleged victims of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma or child witnesses to violent crime.
Interviews are conducted in accordance with the State of Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol.
collaborates with other members of the Multidisciplinary Team as part of an ongoing investigation of child abuse, neglect or violent crime to which a child is a witness.