Forensic Interviewer-Child Advocacy Center

UnityPoint Health; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UnityPoint Health, located in the community served by St. Luke’s Downtown, seeks a Forensic Interviewer for full-time daytime hours (8a–4:30p, M-F).

The role requires interviewing children and dependent adults suspected of abuse or witness to violence, following research-based guidelines, and producing high-quality written documentation. The position involves MDT collaboration and potential court testimony.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences Required.
• Master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences Preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interviews children and dependent adults who are suspected victims or witnesses of abuse.
• Documents data and interview information in Epic and NCAtrak.
• Prepares written reports and provides deposition/testimony as needed.
• Collaborates with MDT and other agencies, including law enforcement and HHS.
• Participates in case reviews and community trainings.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences

Master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences (preferred)

Job description

Overview:
UnityPoint Health- St. Luke’s-Downtown
Full-time, Days
8a-4:30p, M-F

The Forensic Interviewer is a member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and is responsible for the interviewing of children and dependent adults who are reported to have been sexually, physically abused or neglected; or have been a witness to violence or illegal activity. Forensic Interviewers must adhere to established research-based guidelines and best practices when conducting interviews and collaborate with MDT partners, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and law enforcement. Forensic Interviewers are required to produce high quality written documentation of interviews. The Forensic Interviewer also participates in the court process through provision of depositions and trial testimony.
Why UnityPoint Health?:
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker’s Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with MDT members to provide a coordinated, comprehensive, compassionate, and professional response during a child or dependent adult abuse investigation/assessment.
• Interviews parents/caregivers and multidisciplinary team members regarding history of patient, circumstances of the referral, and existing allegations.
• Conducts forensic interviews of children and dependent adults who are suspected victims of abuse or who have witnessed crime in accordance with research-based guidelines and established policies, procedures, and standards of care
• Promptly prepares written reports of the forensic interview for members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Documents data/information in Epic and NCAtrak.
• Actively participate in Case Review meetings, Child Protection Center staff meetings, and other training/collaboration opportunities.
• Serves on committees and provides community trainings about child abuse, prevention, and CPC services.
• Prepares for and provides depositions and court testimony regarding CPC cases and requested expert testimony.
• Participates in regular forensic interview peer review to ensure the development and strengthening of skills.
• Engages in professional development activities related to forensic interviewing, child abuse, and any other trainings identified appropriate for the role. Shares information learned with colleagues and utilizes newly acquired knowledge to enhance services provided.
• Maintains knowledge of and engages in activities that support the National Children’s Alliance accreditation standards

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in the Behavioral Sciences (Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, etc.) Required.
• Master’s degree in the Behavioral Sciences (Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, etc.) Preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum three (3) years of experience working in a human services field required.
• Experience working in the filed of child abuse and/or child abuse prevention preferred.
• Experience participating on multidsciplinary teams preferred.
• Experience with court testimony and familiarity with the court process preferred.
• Experience providing presentations and ongoing training to progressionals working with children and/or child abuse investigations preferred.