The Forensic Interviewer I is responsible for conducting developmentally and culturally appropriate forensic interviews with children, youth, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in response to allegations of abuse, neglect, or other significant trauma. This role also involves contributing to related support tasks. We are seeking a candidate who values collaboration and views forensic interviewing as a skill that requires continuous learning and development. The ideal candidate will have experience in child development and/or behavioral health and feel confident working within a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of trauma-informed strategies, as well as cultural humility when working with clients and professional partners from diverse backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct legally defensible forensic interviews using a nationally recognized, evidence-based protocol.
• Collaborate closely with allied agency personnel and Children’s Legacy Center (CLC) staff. 
• Exercise appropriate discretion and child-centered decision-making.
• Provide occasional evening and weekend support as needed for events, training, and time-sensitive cases.
• Prepare for and participate in team case staffing and reviews to offer insights related to child abuse, disclosure dynamics, trauma, child development, and memory.
• Engage in forensic interview peer reviews and professional development, including staying current on research in forensic interviewing and child maltreatment.
• Respond to subpoenas and provide testimony when required.
• Travel occasionally for field interviews, trainings, events, or court testimony. 
• Operate and support video recording and evidence management software platforms.
• Maintain accurate and thorough case notes and data entry in the CAC case management system.
• Participate in a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually in forensic interviewing, child maltreatment, trauma-informed care, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong critical thinking, timely decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport with children and adults across ages, developmental levels, and communication needs.
• Proficient in documenting and summarizing interviews clearly and accurately.
• Detail-oriented with strong observation and active listening skills.
• Effective interpersonal and teamwork capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Child Development, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 
• Experience working professionally with children.
• Knowledge of trauma, child abuse dynamics, and trauma-informed practices. 
• Completion of a nationally recognized 32-hour forensic interview training before conducting interviews independently (may be completed after hire). 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Completion of a nationally recognized 32-hour basic forensic interview training
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Previous experience conducting forensic interviews
• Bilingual with the fluency to communicate with children and families. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to sit for extended periods during interviews and documentation.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach as needed throughout the workday.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer, video recording equipment, and other office technology.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., transporting materials, equipment, or case files).
• Visual acuity to observe non-verbal cues during interviews and review video recordings.
• Auditory ability to hear and understand detailed speech and sounds, including in low-volume situations.
• Capacity to work in varied settings, including child advocacy centers, partner agency offices, and field locations when needed.
• Ability to manage physically and emotionally demanding situations, including those involving disclosures of abuse and trauma.
• Capability to remain calm and focused in high-stress or emotionally charged environments.

Rate of Pay: 

Full Time, Non-exempt (Hourly)

$27.00 - $30.00 per hour, DOE

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Prestige Urgent Care Membership
• Paid Time Off

Who We Are:

At the Children’s Legacy Center, we’re on a mission to break the cycle of violence and trauma, creating a safer, more compassionate world through crisis intervention and community education. Our commitment is rooted in all-inclusive trauma-informed care, where we tailor our approach to the unique needs of each individual we serve. 

Being a part of something greater than yourself is a rare and rewarding gift. Imagine walking alongside a team of passionate, brilliant, and kind-hearted individuals who make both challenging days more bearable and good days truly exceptional. At the Children’s Legacy Center, we understand the value of investing in our organization's health, nurturing our staff's well-being, and fostering a culture of growth. 

We are looking for committed, humble, strategic, and passionate individuals who possess integrity in all areas. With the incredible collaboration of our partners, we have accomplished significant goals, such as reducing trauma during the prosecutorial process for children and discovering evidence-based practices for healing exploited youth. 

The Children’s Legacy Center is dedicated to serving our community with excellence and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy in the lives of those we support.

Children's Legacy Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. To request an accommodation during the application process, contact Human Resources at HR@childrenslegacycenter.org.