Location: Houston,TX, USA
Position DescriptionPrimary responsibility of interviewing children alleged to be victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, severe child maltreatment, or witness to violent crimes. Forensic Interviewers are specially trained to interview children in a supportive, child-friendly, and non-leading way,while the investigators involved view the interview. The interview is digitally recorded to preserve the child's disclosure and demeanor, minimizing the number of times a child is interviewed.Duties and Responsibilities:* Conduct Forensic Interviews utilizing a nationally recognized protocol.* Gather pertinent information during pre and post interview process to conduct comprehensive interviews.* Attend local, regional and national trainings on interviewing children and child abuse.* Attend Multidisciplinary case staffing to discuss disclosures.* Participate in local, regional and national peer review and stay up to date on current literature to maintain a high level of interviewing skills.* Testify as an expert witness in civil and criminal court regarding interviewing children, the process of disclosure and dynamics of child sexual abuse.Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) ###-#### or email ...@bmd.hctx.netRequirementsEducation and Experience:* Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Psychology or related mental health field.* Two years working with sexually abused children, child maltreatment, or trauma-related population* Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC); Licensed Professional Counselor - Intern (LPC-Intern); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA).OR* Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Psychology or related mental health field AND five years working experience at a Children's Advocacy Center.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:* Knowledge or experience working with an advocacy center, child welfare agency, or the criminal justice system.* Specialized training in child maltreatment and an understanding of the child welfare system and advocacy centers.* Skill with a digital recording system such as Simulation IQ to setup and verify recording of forensic interviews, preferred.* A hospitable disposition, skill in public relations, and a patient, objective, non-judgmental attitude.* Strong organizational skill, computer skill, flexibility, and ability to work independently and on a team.* Ability to assess age-appropriate language, verbal and non-verbal communication and exceptional recall abilities.NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.General InformationHours:* Monday - Friday | Hours will be discussed during interview.Salary:* Salary commensurate with experience.* Criminal and CPS background check required prior to hiring and E-Verify upon hire.Work Environment and Physical Demands:* This position is generally in a sedentary role but may at times require the ability to lift files up to 20 pounds.* This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.BENEFITSHarris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:* Medical Coverage* Dental Coverage* Vision Coverage* Wellness Plan* Life Insurance* Long-term disability* Employee Assistance Program* Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service* Accrual rates increase based on years of service* Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday* Professional development opportunities* Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan* Healthcare Reimbursement Account* 457 Deferred Compensation PlanThe following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:* Retirement Pension (TCDRS)* Flexible schedule (varies by department)* Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website: of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.* High School or GED diploma* Associate Degree* Bachelor's Degree* Master's Degree or higher* None of the above02If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?* Social Work* Human Services* Criminal Justice* Counseling* Psychology* Other Mental Health Related Field* Unrelated Field* N/A; No Degree03Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.04Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience working with sexually abused children, child maltreatment, or trauma-related population? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)* Less than two (2) years* Two (2) years but less than three (3) years* Three (3) years but less than four (4) years* Four (4) years but less than five (5) years* Five (5) years or more* I do not have this experience05Please provide the dates of employment during which you obtained experience working with sexually abused children, child maltreatment, or trauma-related population. Provide the month and year that began and ended the experience. Example: January 2020 - December 2023 If this experience is not clearly documented in the Work Experience section, your application will be disqualified. If you do not have this experience, type N/A in the space provided.06Do you have any of the following professional certifications? Please select all that apply:* Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC)* Licensed Professional Counselor - Intern (LPC-Intern)* Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)* Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)* Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)* Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)* N/A; None of the aboveRequired QuestionAgency Harris CountyAddress 1111 Fannin StSte. 600Houston, Texas, 77002Phone 713-###-####Website