Job Description

Join Kids FIRST, one of Oregon's 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For, and make a meaningful impact as a Forensic Interviewer supporting children who have experienced abuse.

A Forensic Interviewer conducts interviews with children in a developmentally appropriate, forensically sound, trauma-informed manner. Interviewers actively participate and are members of the Lane County Multidisciplinary Team. This position is full-time, salaried/exempt.

Kids FIRST is Lane County's accredited Children's Advocacy Center, proudly serving the community since 1994. We bring together a compassionate and highly skilled team-including therapists, medical providers, forensic interviewers, and advocates-all under one roof to support children who have experienced or  witnessed abuse. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Conducts Forensic Interviews of children in accordance with the Oregon Interviewing Guidelines. Actively participates and provides guidance as a member of the Lane County Multidisciplinary Team. Educates community members and MDT Partners on various child abuse topics. Occasional court testimony is required as a fact and/or expert witness. This position is full-time, salaried/exempt.

Key Responsibilities:  

Include but are not limited to, the following: 

• Conduct forensic interviews that are research-based, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive in accordance with the Oregon Interviewing Guidelines

• Collaborate and consult with MDT partners before, during, and after forensic interviews regarding cases referred for child abuse assessment

• Report disclosure outcomes and complete detailed data tracking and case management for clients served at Kids FIRST

• Provide guidance and professional recommendations during MDT case review based on role and expertise in child abuse dynamics, child development, trauma, memory, disclosure processes, and forensic interviewing best practices

• Maintain and apply current knowledge of evidence-based interviewing practices through ongoing professional development

• Deliver direct witness testimony in criminal and civil court proceedings on forensic interviews and provide expert witness testimony, as needed

• Participate in local and regional peer review and collaborate with OCFIT-trained forensic interviewers to promote best-practice interviewing standards

• Provide outreach, education, consultation, and training to MDT and community partners locally, regionally, and statewide on topics including child abuse dynamics and forensic interviewing practices

• Promote Kids FIRST in a positive, professional, and ethical manner with clients, staff, MDT partners, and the community

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology, child development, or related field and two years of experience working in a child abuse-related profession; or

• Bachelor's Degree in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology, child development, or related field and four years of experience working in a child abuse-related profession;

• Ability to pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and child welfare history check;

• Respect for confidential information, HIPAA, and the privacy of those the Center serves;

• Commitment to the mission, values, and aspirations of Kids FIRST;

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse group of individuals including multidisciplinary team members, volunteers, interns, donors, and peers;

• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines while consistently producing accurate, high-quality work

• Ability to regularly receive constructive feedback in support of maintaining best practice standards in forensic interviewing

• Demonstrates a proactive, adaptable, and solutions-focused approach while supporting all teams

• Maintains a positive and flexible mindset, with a willingness to respond to changing priorities and see work through to completion

Preferred Skill and Qualifications:

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish

• Knowledge of statutory requirements relating to child abuse reporting laws, civil and criminal investigation, MDT approach, and the justice system.

• Completion of Oregon Child Forensic Interviewing Training (OCFIT) is preferred; candidates without prior training must complete OCFIT prior to conducting any Forensic Interviews

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Work Environment:

Office setting, with occasional travel.

Perks and Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and families

• 3% employer-matched retirement plan

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• FireMed emergency medical membership

• 12 paid holidays + generous PTO (starting at 15 days/year)

• Summer Fridays and a weekly self-care hour

• Monthly events and wellbeing activities organized by our employee-led Resiliency committee

• Sabbatical opportunity after 5 years of service

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Kids FIRST is an equal opportunity employer committed to respectful, quality care to children and their non-offending family members from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and non-traditional family forms. Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the candidate will be required to provide evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.

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