Forensic Interviewer

Project Harmony is a leading organization dedicated to providing effective, immediate, and sensitive support to child abuse victims and their non-offending family members. Our mission is to end the cycle of child abuse and neglect, and we are committed to a vision that prioritizes the well-being and safety of children.

We are seeking an experienced and committed Forensic Interviewer to join our dynamic and innovative team. As a Forensic Interviewer, you will be responsible for conducting legally sound, recorded interviews of children suspected to have been abused, neglected, or a witness to violence. You will work closely with our multidisciplinary team to provide expert testimony and support the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases.

• Conduct forensic interviews with alleged child abuse victims, utilizing a trauma-informed approach to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
• Prepare for all court proceedings and provide expert testimony, demonstrating a deep understanding of child development, trauma, and the dynamics of child abuse and neglect.
• Participate in pre-interview meetings with investigators to review current allegations, relevant history, living situation, relationship to alleged offender, and other critical factors.
• Meet with non-offending caregivers prior to interviews to discuss the nature of allegations, circumstances surrounding the disclosure, family composition, social history, developmental and cultural considerations, and answer any questions about the forensic interview process.
• Prepare a summary of each forensic interview conducted, utilizing Project Harmony's databases to ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation.
• Responsible for secure storage of interview files, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to strict data protection protocols.
• Perform the intake function for referrals from law enforcement and Child Protective Services (CPS), gathering background information and coordinating the scheduling of interviews and medical evaluations.
• Conduct regular Forensic Interview Peer Review with local peers, Nebraska State Chapter Child Advocacy Center's (CAC's), and with Midwest Region CAC's.
• Rotate 24/7 on-call responsibilities, ensuring that our team is always available to support children and families in crisis.
• May involve supervision of student interns and practicum students, providing guidance and mentorship to the next generation of child welfare professionals.
• Provide referrals to treatment and community services, ensuring that children and families receive the support they need to heal and thrive.
• Participate in the 1184 multidisciplinary teams for investigations and treatment of child abuse as needed, collaborating with law enforcement, social services, medical, mental health providers, and attorneys to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response.
• Ensure culturally competent services are provided to all families we serve, without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.

• Master's degree required in social work, clinical counseling, or a related field. Will consider Master's degree in progress.
• Training and/or experience interviewing children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma.
• Extensive training/experience in child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

• Previous professional experience related to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases.
• Previous experience in working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Previous experience in interviewing children, particularly about difficult topics.
• Experience testifying in court on child welfare matters.

• Knowledge and understanding of the forensic interview process, including issues of language, memory, and suggestibility, and current legal challenges in the field.
• Knowledge and understanding of family violence and the dynamics of child abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge and understanding of child development and the impact of trauma.
• Ability to testify effectively in civil and criminal court proceedings.
• Ability to establish rapport with children (ages 3-18) who have experienced significant trauma and mediate with non-offending caregivers in crisis.
• Demonstrate effective listening and communication skills.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and ability to resolve conflicts.
• Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, and Outlook.
• Knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity and ability to exhibit sensitivity in dealing with people of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with a wide range of professionals, including law enforcement, social services, medical, mental health providers, and attorneys.
• Ability to listen to ideas and accept feedback from others, as well as provide feedback and educate partner agencies.
• Ability to be flexible and adjust to a quickly changing schedule and handle distractions, interruptions, and stressful situations.
• Ability to be organized and attend to details.
• Must possess time management skills.
• Must possess an exceptional work ethic.
• Must respect and maintain confidentiality.