About the position
The Child Forensic Interviewer at the University of Missouri-St. Louis will play a critical role in conducting neutral and fact-finding forensic interviews of suspected child abuse or neglect victims, as well as witnesses to violent crimes. This position operates within a multidisciplinary team framework that includes law enforcement, child protection workers, prosecutors, family and victim advocates, medical specialists, and mental health professionals. The interviewer will be responsible for ensuring that interviews are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of children while also adhering to legal and ethical standards. In addition to conducting interviews, the Child Forensic Interviewer will be tasked with completing written summaries of each forensic interview and ensuring that these reports are disseminated in a timely manner to all relevant members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the investigation. The role also involves facilitating and participating in meetings with team members and caregivers to discuss cases and strategies for intervention. The interviewer may be required to testify as a fact witness in civil, dependency, and criminal court proceedings, providing insights into the forensic interview processes and techniques used. Participation in peer reviews with other forensic interviewers is also expected, as is staying current on research and trends in forensic interviewing and child abuse investigations. The interviewer will assist in conducting community-based training sessions on the dynamics of child abuse when requested and may also be involved in grant writing and reporting, which includes accurate documentation of daily activities. On-call procedures for the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) will be part of the responsibilities, as well as mentoring practicum students and providing supportive services to them. The position requires flexibility and a commitment to the mission of the Child Advocacy Center, with all other duties assigned as necessary.
Responsibilities
- Conduct neutral, fact-finding forensic interviews of suspected child abuse/neglect victims and witnesses to violent crimes.
- Complete written summaries of forensic interviews and ensure timely dissemination of reports to multidisciplinary team members.
- Facilitate and participate in meetings with multidisciplinary team members and caregivers.
- Testify as a fact witness in civil, dependency, and criminal court proceedings regarding forensic interview processes and techniques.
- Participate in peer review with other forensic interviewers as directed.
- Remain current on research involving trends in forensic interviewing and child abuse investigations.
- Assist with conducting community-based trainings regarding the dynamics of child abuse when requested.
- Assist with grant writing and reporting, including accurate documentation of daily activity time reporting.
- Participate in on-call CAC procedures as assigned.
- Facilitate meetings to review current investigations involving multidisciplinary team members.
- Provide mentorship and supportive services to practicum students.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in a related area and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
- Licensure as required for the position.
Nice-to-haves
- Master's degree in a related area.
- Three years of practical experience in the child protection field, including knowledge of child forensic interviewing and child development.
- History of successful collaboration within a multidisciplinary setting.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Short- and long-term disability
- Paid parental leave
- Paid caregiver leave
- Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses
