Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) are child-focused, community-based programs that provide coordination between law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, and other professionals responsible for responding to child maltreatment. CACs benefit the community by supporting more thorough investigations of allegations of sexual abuse, a reduction of trauma experienced by children and families, empowering non-offending parents to protect and support their children, and more. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines a CAC as Level 1 emergency response.
Southeast Alaska Family Evaluation (SAFE), a program of Catholic Community Service (CCS), is located in the Mendenhall Glacier valley of Juneau, Alaska. The mission of CCS is to strengthen families and individuals in Southeast Alaska, with dignity, care, and compassion. SAFE is an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance and member of the Alaska Children’s Alliance. Our mission is to advocate for abuse prevention, and the safety, well-being, and healing of children who have experienced abuse. Our services include forensic interviews and medical examinations, family advocacy, referral for services, and community outreach and education.
We are a small, supportive, and caring team working in a fast-paced office environment which is sometimes moderate to loud in noise. Flexibility and a calm demeanor is required, as there are frequent, unscheduled interruptions, and periodic situations where individuals may be in crisis.
Position Summary
This position is responsible for interviewing children and adolescents referred to the CAC by law enforcement or child protective services for alleged sexual abuse, exploitation, severe maltreatment, or as witnesses to alleged abuse or violence. Forensic Interviewers are trained in highly specialized, legally defensible ChildFirst® protocol to conduct unbiased, non-leading, culturally sensitive, fact-finding interviews. This position coordinates with Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) members, participates in case reviews, and performs data entry. This position is also cross trained to provide child and family advocacy and outreach.
Primary job duties include:
Conducts Forensic Interviews
Maintains Records for Cases Opened at CAC
Maintains Compliance with Ongoing Training and Education Requirements
Serves as On-Call Duty Responder
Provides Courtroom Testimony
Supports Strong Working Relationships with MDT Members
Provides Direct Child/Family Advocacy Services
Other Duties as Assigned
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Upon hire, must attend ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol training and pass written exam and practical.
Basic knowledge of the dynamics of child development, child abuse and neglect, the social determinants of health and how they affect families, the impact of disabilities such as autism, FASD, substance misuse, and mental illness, and cultural awareness of the needs of diverse populations.
Skilled in crisis intervention, handling stressful situations and people who may be very upset.
Skilled in problem solving and maintaining a solution-oriented attitude.
Strong organizational, presentation, and computer skills.
Ability to be flexible, and work with team on a rotating on-call schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to receive and deliver feedback effectively and regularly.
Ability to maintain client confidentiality as prescribed by program and agency policies and state and federal statutes governing confidentiality.
Ability to practice self-care to cope with secondary and vicarious trauma.
Recognition of personal triggers and the ability to manage them.
Ability to work independently and with a team.
Qualifications:
Relevant experience in child protection, behavioral health, social work, forensic interviewing, and other related fields. A bachelor's degree in social work, law enforcement, psychology, counseling or a related field is preferred.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written.
Ability to work well and develop communicative rapport with children.
Ability to document and enter information in both paper and electronic charts.
Possess a valid Alaska driver's license, a car, and show proof of valid automobile insurance to provide own transportation to home and agency sites.
Pass a background check (ref. 7 AAC 10.905 Barrier crimes and conditions).
This position is full time, 37.5 hours/week, starting wage is $30-36/hour DOE. For more information on benefits and to apply, please visit www.ccsak.org/jobs!