Be part of a diverse and dynamic team delivering quality services to/for child victims with equity, respect, and care!

At Safe Shores, our work is all about PEOPLE. Therefore, we center people in our programming, services, policies, practices, and operations. Which people? The children and families we serve AND the people who do the work, our staff. How? For our trauma-impacted clients, by honoring the humanity of every individual, delivering high-quality services tailored to their specific needs, which includes giving them the time and attention they need. For our staff, by listening, offering excellent benefits, paying competitive salaries, providing remote work flexibility (depending on the position), investing in professional development, pursuing JEDI, encouraging and facilitating self-care and wellness, prioritizing progress over perfection, and building a team of smart, dedicated pros who know that Safe Shores’ mission is best accomplished when we show up as our whole selves, support one another, and experience joy. Joy working with young victims of crime? Absolutely, yes! Mining joy is essential to offering hope, helping clients heal, and individual/organizational sustainability.

We are currently searching for an experienced Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer. This is a full-time exempt position, with a salary that starts at $55,000.   A successful candidate with Spanish Language fluency may qualify for additional pay.

HOW WE PRIORITIZE THE PEOPLE WHO DO THE WORK (EMPLOYEE BENEFITS)

To start, we recognize that co-workers impact the job experience. Safe Shores is intentional about assembling and supporting a team of individuals who are not just able, resourceful professionals, but just as importantly, people who are respectful, responsible, honest, and kind and who embrace Safe Shores' mission and values wholeheartedly, with a focus on racial equity, kindness, belonging, trustworthiness, integrity, and taking care to give care.

That said, our robust benefits for newly hired employees include:

• Birthday Comp Day (Your birthday is a holiday for you!)
• Your own Annual Professional Development Fund
• 13 days of paid vacation leave
• 13 days of paid sick leave
• 13 days of paid holidays
• Paid personal leave
• Paid parental leave
• At least 75% employer-paid medical (PPO with lots of provider options), dental, and vision insurance
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee appreciation and wellness events
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (Employer contribution after 1 year of service)

Other benefits as applicable are as follows:

• For clinical professionals, Safe Shores provides clinical supervision that may be counted toward licensure as a benefit for the clinical positions.
• For clinical professionals, Safe Shores cover the cost of licensure fees in the District of Columbia.
• For employees with a tenure of five+ consecutive years, Safe Shores offers paid sabbatical leave.

COVID-19 PROTOCOL

• Safe Shores is currently working in a hybrid work environment, however this position is fully in-person.
• Candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment.
• Fully vaccinated means COVID-19 vaccination and any related booster vaccination(s) are required.

Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable persons with disabilities to perform essential job duties. The following is a summary of and not an all-inclusive list of the essential job duties.

Summary This position conducts forensic interviews with children and adolescents alleged to be victims of physical and/or sexual abuse or witnesses to violence and abuse, using research-based interview protocols and techniques in a developmentally appropriate manner to elicit truthful information. This position is performed in-person and requires being on-site 5 days per week. The incumbent is required to participate in an on-call rotation for after-hours and weekend forensic interviewing. This position is a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect under District of Columbia Statute § 4-1321.02.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct forensic interviews of alleged child/adolescent victims of abuse, as requested, on behalf of multi-disciplinary team members
• Provide written documentation regarding interviews conducted for case review purposes
• Participate in monthly Forensic Interview Program Peer Review sessions; provide training regarding interview protocols and child developmental levels
• Participate in individual supervision and peer review, program peer review, and in-service training
• Share on-call responsibilities with other forensic interviewers
• Respond
  to crisis situations with clients
• Testify in civil and criminal court proceedings as appropriate or requested regarding the interview process, as well as interviews in specific cases
• Consult with members of the multi-disciplinary team as requested or as deemed necessary
• Participate in MDT and organization-wide planning efforts
• Participate in on-going training and professional development activities
• Organize, coordinate, and conduct bi-weekly Case Reviews, coordinate Case Review information with multi-disciplinary team members
• Schedule and coordinate joint forensic interviews of alleged child/adolescent abuse victims with multi-disciplinary team members
• Maintain and assure the quality of electronic and paper case files, case lists, video logbook and statistical tracking, track program supplies, and other inventory.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in psychology, social work, or related field from an accredited school; One (1)-year experience working as a direct service provider within a social service agency or CAC setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally to a variety of individuals and groups. Ability to work with caregivers, children, and adolescents, ranging from 3 to 17 years of age.
• Strong interpersonal skills; high level of cultural competence and humility.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Ability to successfully pass Child Protection Registry clearance and criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Children’s Advocacy Center setting, a mental health practice, or a teaching/childcare setting.
• Familiarity with and a disposition toward the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases.
• Knowledge of investigative, social services, and legal systems in the District of Columbia.
• Spanish language fluency (including ability to conduct forensic interviews in Spanish) desired, but not required.

Computer/Technology Skills High level of comfort with technology and proficiency with MS Office applications and the internet.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to touch or feel a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, Smart Phone, and talk or hear when interacting with employees. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may regularly lift and /or move 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Application Process

Candidates must submit the following information to be considered for the position:

1. Resume with salary requirements

2. Personal statement indicating your interest in the position and how your experiences will benefit Safe Shores.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Safe Shores is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.