Forensic Interviewer

Forensic Interviewer

Children's Advocacy Center of McKean County (CACMC)Location: Bradford, Pennsylvania

About the Children's Advocacy Center

The Children's Advocacy Center of McKean County provides a safe, child-focused environment for children and families when there are concerns of abuse or serious maltreatment. Serving McKean, Elk, Cameron, and Potter counties, the CAC brings together professionals from child protective services, law enforcement, prosecution, medical services, mental health, and victim advocacy to coordinate a compassionate, professional response.

Our goal is to reduce additional trauma to children, support families, and help professionals work together to promote safety, healing, and justice.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, thoughtful, and motivated individual to join our team as a Forensic Interviewer.

A Forensic Interviewer is a specially trained professional who conducts interviews with children and adolescents when there are concerns of abuse or serious maltreatment. Using research-based interviewing practices, the interviewer provides a safe, neutral environment where children can share their experiences in their own words.

This position requires strong communication skills, careful listening, sound judgment, and the ability to remain objective while working with sensitive information. The Forensic Interviewer also works closely with a multidisciplinary team of professionals involved in child abuse investigations and services.

Previous forensic interviewing experience is not required. We are willing to invest in the right candidate through specialized training, observation, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct child-friendly, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, objective, and legally sound forensic interviews using established protocols and best practices.

Establish rapport with children and adolescents while adapting communication to their developmental levels and individual needs.

Coordinate, schedule, and document forensic interviews accurately and in a timely manner.

Collaborate with law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, victim advocates, and other multidisciplinary team professionals.

Communicate interview information clearly and professionally and provide court testimony when required.

Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case coordination, and professional consultation.

Develop expertise in child development, trauma, memory, suggestibility, child abuse dynamics, and evidence-based interviewing practices.

Participate in specialized training, peer review, supervision, and continuing professional development.

Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and high ethical standards.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, human services, education, or a related field is preferred; however, candidates with other educational backgrounds or relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Experience working with children, adolescents, families, child welfare, victim services, behavioral health, education, law enforcement, or other human-service settings is beneficial but not required.

Candidates should demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, professionalism, an ability to work collaboratively, and a willingness to learn. Specialized forensic interview training and supervised professional development will be provided.

Qualities We Value

We recognize that the skills of forensic interviewing can be developed through training and experience. We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate the underlying qualities necessary to become effective interviewers.

These include:

Open-mindedness: Willingness to consider different perspectives without jumping to conclusions.

Situational awareness: Ability to notice important details, behaviors, and interpersonal cues.

Emotional awareness: Ability to recognize and appropriately manage emotions in challenging situations.

Adaptability: Ability to adjust calmly when circumstances or conversations change.

Patience: Willingness to listen carefully and allow others the time they need to communicate.

Humility and willingness to learn: Openness to feedback, supervision, reflection, and professional growth.

Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with professionals from different backgrounds and disciplines.

Accountability: Commitment to professionalism, reliability, ethical conduct, and attention to detail.

Training and Professional Development

The selected candidate will receive specialized forensic interviewing training and opportunities to observe experienced interviewers before independently conducting interviews. Ongoing supervision, peer review, continuing education, and multidisciplinary collaboration will support professional growth and competency.

Why Consider This Position?

This is an opportunity to develop specialized professional skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

The position offers experience at the intersection of child development, psychology, social services, criminal justice, and multidisciplinary collaboration. It is particularly well suited for individuals interested in child advocacy, trauma-informed practice, investigative interviewing, or careers serving vulnerable populations.

Recent college graduates are encouraged to apply. We are looking for someone who brings curiosity, compassion, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to learning, not necessarily someone who already has years of specialized experience.