Lead Forensic Specialist

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Provides oversight and supervises Forensic Specialist, Child Protection Family Advocate, and Child Protection Intake Coordinator roles. Performs developmentally and culturally appropriate forensic interviews with children and adolescents alleging abuse, neglect, or having witnessed a crime. Coordinates, collaborates, advocates, and testifies on behalf of children and families. Closely works with Child Protection Medical Director and Practice Manager to develop and implement initiatives that enhance patient care and support operations.

Requirements

5 years of experience in postgraduate social work with children and families in the field of child protection, criminal justice/law enforcement, healthcare, mental health, or social services
Practiced at least 2,000 clock hours over a minimum of two years following clinical social work licensure
Demonstrated experience within the court system and testifying
Demonstrated experience in forensic interviewing
Master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate school
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Demonstrated professional knowledge of child abuse and neglect
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
Must possess strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to operate computer systems including Microsoft Office, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and other computer systems as applicable
Knowledge of age-appropriate treatment and practice
Organization and analytical skills
Broad use of independent judgement and responsibility

Nice To Haves

3 years of experience in a pediatric medical setting
1 year of supervisory experience
Completion of ChildFirst Georgia training course from the Anna Crawford Children's Center in partnership with the National Child Protection Training Center, within 1 year of employment

Responsibilities

Supervises Child Protection Family Advocate, Child Protection Intake Coordinator, Forensic Specialists, and graduate-level MSW interns.
Leads a team including interviewing, hiring, training, developing, directing work and processes, managing performance, recognizing, and engaging employees.
Shares expectations and monitors staff performances of time and attendance, appropriate work behavior, productivity, internal and external customer service and overall performance.
Provides Practice Manager and Medical Director with feedback on staff performance, educational needs, and workflow status.
Coaches and mentors staff to include alignment of practice and productivity goals, sharing goal progress and working with the team on methods to improve.
Consistently exhibits appropriate leadership behavior and holds self accountable to expectations.
Coordinates the ongoing process of social work service delivery to patients and families, including outcome measures and feedback, to ensure effective and efficient services.
Serves as a member of the clinic’s Practice Leadership Team; collaborates with other leaders on process improvement projects and new initiatives.
Serves as Administrator of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Munchausen by Proxy team.
Ensures compliance with state and national level accreditation and regulatory requirements and participates in re-accreditation efforts.
Oversees the scheduling of all forensic interviews and medical examination appointments and coordinates back-up coverage to ensure seamless continuation of referral processing and appointment scheduling.
Processes information to determine appropriateness of forensic interview referrals and whether an additional forensic interview of a child is warranted.
Acts as an advocate for children and families to create and support high standards for child abuse investigations.
Provides expert testimony in criminal and/or juvenile court proceedings.
Conducts forensic interviews with children and adolescents who are suspected victims of abuse, neglect, or having witnessed a violent crime.
Conducts psychosocial assessments with children and their caretakers to screen for child protection, custody, mental health, and other safety concerns.
Provides training, education, and assistance both within the organization and to community agencies and professionals.
Coordinates program services with interagency partners, including law enforcement, Division of Family and Children Services, mental health, hospital, medical providers, juvenile court, districts attorney’s office, child advocates, and other agencies acting on behalf of a case.
Participates in staff meetings, case review, multidisciplinary team meetings, and child fatality review.
Maintains accurate, up-to-date resource and referral information.
Demonstrates understanding and compliance with documentation procedures.
Maintains skill level and relevant knowledge base through supervision, case review, research, and professional growth.